Category: Saudi Arabia

Iran under increasing isolation

With each passing day Iran is experiencing further international and regional isolation, with a growing number of countries voicing concerns about Tehran’s policies. Barack Obama leaving office signaled the beginning of the end of a “golden era” for Iran, and a major shift in the balance of power and political tones.

Saudi Arabia ready to send ground troops to Syria

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has said the kingdom is prepared to send ground troops to Syria to fight the Daesh group, as US Senator John McCain met with the Saudi King. Adel al-Jubeir told German daily SA1 4ddeutsche Zeitung on Tuesday that Saudi forces could battle Daesh alongside US special forces assisting US-backed Kurdish-Arab fighters.

Glad to see Obama go, Gulf Arabs expect Trump to counter Iran

Gulf Arab states are quietly applauding the arrival in the White House of a hawkish leader opposed to their adversary Iran, even if they suspect Donald Trump’s short temper and abrasive Tweets may at times heighten tensions in the combustible Middle East. While many countries around the world listened with concern to his protectionist inaugural address, Gulf Arab officials appear optimistic.

U.S. Transfers Four Guantanamo Detainees To Saudi Arabia, Says More Likely

Four Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay arrived in Saudi Arabia on January 5, news agencies reported, with the White House saying additional transfers are likely before President Barack Obama leaves office later this month. Reuters and AFP reported that the detainees arrived at a Riyadh airport after being released from the U.S. naval base in Cuba that Obama vowed to close when he came into office.

US transfers more Guantanamo prisoners

The Pentagon announced Thursday that four inmates were transferred from the Guantanamo Bay prison to Saudi Arabia, dropping the prison’s population to 55. “The United States is grateful to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its humanitarian gesture and willingness to support ongoing US efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility,” the Pentagon said in a statement. The news comes amid reports President Barack Obama is attempting to empty the facility as much as possible prior to Inauguration Day.

US Secretary of State discusses Yemen war on Saudi trip

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met Saudi King Salman and others Sunday to discuss the war in Yemen, a visit to the kingdom that likely will be his last as America’s top diplomat. Kerry’s trip, ahead of the inauguration of Republican President-elect Donald Trump, comes as diplomatic ties between the two longtime allies have been strained by the Iran nuclear deal championed by Democratic President Barack Obama and other issues.