Latest news with #Gulf-led
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Securing sovereignty: Why Yemen matters for Egypt and the Gulf
Real sovereignty demands clarity. Yemen must engage regionally not as a subordinate actor, but as a partner seeking stability, development, and long-term prosperity. The recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran—and the subsequent ceasefire—has reignited urgent questions about fragile states caught in regional crossfires. In Yemen's case, this moment of respite highlights the perils of tying domestic peace to external power shifts. For too long, Yemen's crisis has been viewed mainly through the prism of Iranian interference. This narrow framing oversimplifies the collapse of the Yemeni state and reinforces a failed strategy: waiting for geopolitical winds to deliver national salvation. The Houthis are not merely a proxy. They represent an entrenched authoritarian project with ideological and structural roots that precede their alignment with Tehran. To stake Yemen's recovery on weakening Iran is to gamble its future on forces indifferent to its sovereignty. Moreover, placing full blame on Iran allows Yemeni elites to evade responsibility. State institutions did not fail in a vacuum—they eroded through internal mismanagement, exclusionary politics, and the absence of a shared national vision. Iran exploited that vacuum; it did not create it. Polarization and the erosion of national agency Yemen's political landscape remains fractured by regional alignments that often prioritize external interests over national imperatives. Some actors gravitate toward the Iranian axis, while others lean unconditionally toward Gulf-led coalitions, often without clear terms of engagement or sovereignty safeguards. The core challenge is to distinguish between strategic partnership and political dependency. Gulf engagement is essential—geographically and economically—but it must be rooted in mutual respect and national agency, not transactional subordination. Real sovereignty demands clarity. Yemen must engage regionally not as a subordinate actor, but as a partner seeking stability, development, and long-term prosperity. Yemen and the Gulf: Integration without concession Yemen's future is inextricably linked to the Gulf. Its geography—bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman, and straddling the Red and Arabian Seas—places it at the heart of the Arabian Peninsula's security architecture. But geographic proximity must translate into purposeful policy. Yemen's integration with the Gulf should be deliberate and principled—anchored in fairness, shared interests, and respect for its unique challenges. Integration does not mean abandoning sovereignty. When conducted on equitable terms, it strengthens it. This principle applies beyond the Gulf. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is vital not only to Yemen and the Gulf states but also to Egypt's maritime and economic security. Instability in Yemen threatens the Red Sea corridor, a strategic waterway essential for Egyptian interests and global trade. Egypt's Red Sea stakes Egypt's strategic posture makes it a natural stakeholder in Yemen's stabilization. As a Red Sea power and a central Arab actor, Egypt has both the interest and capacity to play a constructive role—through diplomacy, economic engagement, and maritime coordination. Securing Red Sea trade routes aligns directly with Egypt's priorities: safeguarding Suez Canal revenues, curbing arms trafficking, and securing its southern maritime flank. As such, Egypt's involvement in Yemen's stabilization should not be peripheral. It is a core national interest. Moreover, Egypt can offer a balancing voice, supporting Yemen's reintegration into the Gulf system while advocating for inclusive political frameworks and respect for national sovereignty. Its historical leadership in Arab diplomacy positions it to bridge gaps and reduce the zero-sum logic that has long plagued Yemen's external engagements. From conflict arena to constructive partner For Yemen to escape its current trap, it must reimagine sovereignty—not as isolation, but as the capacity to choose partnerships that empower national institutions. This shift requires building a political project that unites rather than fragments: development-oriented, citizenship-based, and institutionally grounded. Yemen must not remain a passive arena for foreign rivalries. It must become an active partner in shaping its own region. This means engaging Gulf states from a position of dignity while also cultivating strategic partnerships with Egypt and others committed to Red Sea stability. The opportunity is real. As the Middle East's geopolitical map is redrawn, so too is the space for formerly sidelined states to assert their relevance. Yemen can either be absorbed into the calculations of others or reclaim its rightful place through clarity of vision and strategic diplomacy. With Gulf partnership and Egyptian engagement, Yemen's sovereignty need not be a distant aspiration. It can be a foundational pillar of a new regional order—one based not on axes and dependencies, but on cooperation, balance, and mutual respect. *The writer is a Yemeni diplomat, academic, and political advisor. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Iraqi News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
President Trump criticizes Baghdad in Riyadh speech
Baghdad ( – During a speech at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh, President Donald Trump referred to Baghdad—once regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the Arab world—as a 'failing city,' drawing sharp reactions from Iraqis. In his remarks, Trump praised the rapid modernization of Gulf capitals while criticizing past U.S. foreign policy efforts. He stated: 'The gleaming marvels of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called nation-builders… who spent trillions of dollars failing to develop Kabul and Baghdad… the birth of a modern Middle East has been brought about by the people of the region themselves.' While the former president's speech was aimed at promoting Gulf-led development and investment, local Iraqis found the comments disheartening. The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, which Trump himself has previously criticized, led to widespread destruction, instability, and the loss of countless Iraqi lives. For many, hearing a U.S. president—especially one speaking in the region and addressing allies—refer to Baghdad in such dismissive terms adds insult to injury. The statement has reignited debates around the legacy of American involvement in Iraq and the enduring consequences of war. For many Iraqis, the remarks serve as a painful reminder of promises broken and a city still seeking to recover.
Russia Today
29-04-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
Two Gulf states make Syrian foreign debt pledge
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have pledged to pay off Syria's outstanding debt to the World Bank. The move signals a Gulf-led initiative to support Syria's economic recovery under the newly-installed government. The Gulf nations announced their commitment to cover the roughly $15 million in outstanding debt following discussions on postwar Syria on the sidelines of last week's World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings in Washington. Power in Syria changed late last year, when the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS) launched a surprise offensive, taking Damascus and ousting former President Bashar Assad. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa became president and formed a new transitional government in March. 'This commitment will pave the way for the World Bank Group to resume support and operations in Syria after a suspension of more than 14 years,' Saudi Arabia and Qatar said in a joint statement on Sunday. The World Bank suspended its operations in Syria when the country's civil war began in 2011. Settling the country's arrears will allow the country to once again access the bank's financial assistance and technical expertise at a time when its economy remains devastated, with GDP slashed by nearly 50% since 2010 and a reconstruction bill estimated at $400 billion. Both countries have played a critical role in the diplomatic outreach to Syria's new interim government. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbors have increased humanitarian aid to Damascus recent months, but the debt settlement plan will mark the first instance of Saudi financial support being directed toward the country. Syria's central bank governor and finance minister attended the World Bank and IMF meetings in Washington this week, marking their first participation in more than two decades. US sanctions, which have been in place since 2004 and target supporters of Assad, remain a major obstacle to Syria securing the aid it needs for reconstruction. Last month, the US presented Syria with a list of conditions for partial sanctions relief, according to Reuters. Among the demands, were the destruction of any remaining chemical weapons stockpiles and increased cooperation on countering terrorism. Russia has maintained ties with Syria's new leadership despite granting Assad asylum after his ouster. Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that his country is committed to helping improve Syria's social and economic conditions, including through humanitarian aid. The new government in Damascus has also signaled its intention to preserve 'strategic' relations with Moscow.
Russia Today
28-04-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
Two Gulf states pledge to settle some of Syria's foreign debt
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have pledged to pay off Syria's outstanding debt to the World Bank, a move that will ease the country's path to securing funds for postwar reconstruction and public sector wages. The Gulf nations announced their commitment to cover the roughly $15 million in outstanding debt following discussions on postwar Syria on the sidelines of last week's World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings in Washington. The move signals a Gulf-led initiative to support Syria's economic recovery under the newly-installed government. The country saw a change of power late last year, when the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS) launched a surprise offensive, taking Damascus and ousting former President Bashar Assad. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa became president and formed a new transitional government in March. 'This commitment will pave the way for the World Bank Group to resume support and operations in Syria after a suspension of more than 14 years,' Saudi Arabia and Qatar said in a joint statement on Sunday. The World Bank suspended its operations in Syria when the country's civil war began in 2011. Settling the country's arrears will allow the country to once again access the bank's financial assistance and technical expertise at a time when its economy remains devastated, with GDP slashed by nearly 50% since 2010 and a reconstruction bill estimated at $400 billion. Both countries have played a critical role in the diplomatic outreach to Syria's new interim government. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbors have increased humanitarian aid to Damascus recent months, but the debt settlement plan will mark the first instance of Saudi financial support being directed toward the country. Syria's central bank governor and finance minister attended the World Bank and IMF meetings in Washington this week, marking their first participation in more than two decades. US sanctions, which have been in place since 2004 and target supporters of Assad, remain a major obstacle to Syria securing the aid it needs for reconstruction. Last month, the US presented Syria with a list of conditions for partial sanctions relief, according to Reuters. Among the demands, were the destruction of any remaining chemical weapons stockpiles and increased cooperation on countering terrorism. Russia has maintained ties with Syria's new leadership despite granting Assad asylum after his ouster. Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that his country is committed to helping improve Syria's social and economic conditions, including through humanitarian aid. The new government in Damascus has also signaled its intention to preserve 'strategic' relations with Moscow.
Gulf Insider
16-02-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia To Host Arab Summit To Discuss Trump's Gaza 'Takeover' Plan
Saudi Arabia has revealed it plans to host leaders of four Arab countries at a summit on February 20 to consider President Donald Trump's US 'takeover' plan for the Gaza Strip, officials told AFP Friday. 'The leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will attend the summit, to take place ahead of an Arab League meeting in Cairo one week later on the same issue, the source said,' as also cited in Al Jazeera . Palestinian Authority (PA) president Mahmud Abbas is also expected to attend, at a moment the fragile Gaza truce deal could collapse at any moment, particularly after some of Trump's inflammatory statements on turning Gaza into the 'Riviera of the Mediterranean' which would require removal of all Palestinians. Proposals to be considered at the summit could involve a Gulf-led reconstruction fund, as well as a political deal for Hamas' exit from power, according to several officials. Trump has been pressuring Egypt and Joran in particular, threatening to cut off crucial foreign and defense aid if they don't come on board his plan. He wants these neighboring states to absorb over 1.2 displaced Palestinians. Yesterday in an extraordinarily surprising development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador to Washington signaled the possibility of removing all Palestinians from Gaza, in accordance with Trump's controversial Gaza plan. UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba in an interview called the plan 'difficult but inevitable' and said he's sees 'no alternative' but Trump's plan to expel Gaza's population and undertake massive economic redevelopment of the Strip. He had been asked by a reporter whether the UAE is working on a separate plan, to which he responded no, there's no other plan. It was in September 2020 that the UAE announced the Trump-sponsored Abraham Accords for normalization with Israel. UAE has long been a close regional US-ally, but the ambassador's words are still deeply surprising and might actually contradict the UAE's current official stance. Huge decline in life expectancy for Palestinians in Gaza: A new study published in the Lancet finds that life expectancy in Gaza dropped by nearly half, from 75.5 years to 40.6 years, during the first twelve months of the genocide. Apocalyptic. Link below. — Jason Hickel (@jasonhickel) February 13, 2025 But it seems the Saudi hosted Arab summit is precisely about coming up with an 'alternative' plan which could be offered instead of Trump's – which has sparked global backlash given the ethnic cleansing aspect of it.
