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  • French embrace of Moroccan autonomy plan underscores broader shift on Western Sahara dispute

    After decades of negotiating, under the aegis of the UN, a range of possible solutions to the territorial dispute — which pits Morocco against the Polisario Front, a liberation movement supported by Algeria — Morocco began pushing its own preferred outcome. Rabat’s plan for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty surfaced in 2007, and absent other viable avenues to ensure self-determination, the autonomy plan had garnered support but not flat-out endorsement from the United States and Europe.

  • The IMF, CPEC, and Pakistan: Will the Chinese save Islamabad yet again?

    The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), once heralded as a “game-changer,” has almost disappeared from the spotlight in recent years in Pakistan. The multibillion-dollar project aims to connect China's northwestern region of Xinjiang with Pakistan's Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea through a network of highways, railways, and pipelines, offering strategic dividends to China and an economic lifeline to Pakistan. In recent years, the project has faced slow implementation, unpaid loans, corruption, and a dire security situation in Pakistan.

  • Djibouti dodges scrutiny despite China, Iran, Houthi ties and links to illicit activities

    The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea through the Gulf of Aden, is a crucial chokepoint for global maritime commerce. It handles as much as 20% of international trade12% of seaborne oil trade, and 8% of liquefied natural gas shipments. Despite the strait’s importance, the waters around it have long been plied by smugglers of weapons and other illicit goods, dating back as far as the late 1800s, when the French took control of what is now Djibouti.

  • As US ramps up Gaza ceasefire efforts, Iran signals it may hold off retaliation

    A day after the United States, Egypt and Qatar said they would convene last-ditch Gaza ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas on August 15, Iran signaled that it may be willing to delay its anticipated retaliation for the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran late last month so as not to interfere with that effort.

  • Saudi Arabia unveils updated investment law to facilitate foreign investors

    The updated law promises enhanced protections for investors, including adherence to the rule of law, fair treatment, and property rights, while ensuring robust safeguards for intellectual property and facilitating smooth fund transfers.  It streamlines the registration process, replacing complex licensing requirements with a simpler system, and introduces new service centers to expedite government transactions and investment procedures.

  • Saudi swimmer Zaid Al Sarraj reflects on ‘surreal’ Olympic debut

    At just 16 years old, Zaid Al Sarraj was the youngest member of Saudi Arabia’s Olympic team for the 2024 Games. As a wildcard entry in the 100-meter freestyle swimming, Al Sarraj’s involvement in Paris was always designed to be a learning experience; the teenager certainly appeared unfazed by the responsibility of representing his country in the world’s biggest sporting showcase.

  • Saudi Arabia approves investment law update to level field for foreign and local investors

    The Council of Ministers on Sunday approved an updated investment law into one framework intended to provide investors with greater transparency, flexibility and confidence, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment said in a statement on Sunday. “The law reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a welcoming and secure environment for investors, driving economic growth, and enhancing the kingdom’s position as a premier global investment destination,” Khalid Al Falih, Minister of Investment, said.

  • Saudi Arabia supports joint statement on Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian crisis

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Saudi Arabia's support for the joint statement issued by President Joe Biden of the United States, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar. The Kingdom reaffirmed its backing for ongoing efforts to establish a ceasefire and address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Saudi Arabia emphasized the urgency of ending the bloodshed, alleviating suffering, and safeguarding civilians. Additionally, the Kingdom stressed the importance of advancing toward the end of the occupation, achieving peace and security, and restoring the full legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

  • Expat remittances from Saudi Arabia hits $3.2bn in June

    Expatriate remittances from Saudi Arabia reached $3.2 billion in June, reflecting an annual increase of 11.32 percent, according to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA. This figure underscores the Kingdom’s significant role in global remittance flows and is a testament to the economic dynamics influencing the region.

  • Saudi Arabia signs IAEA protocol as nuclear plans advance

    Saudi Arabia has inched closer to obtaining US help to develop a nuclear energy programme by signing a protocol that ensures the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has legal rights to operate inside the kingdom. However an agreement to the inspection of nuclear facilities by the Vienna-based supervisory body, including a protocol that would allow snap visits, remains outstanding.  “As nuclear activities are poised to grow in Saudi Arabia, facilitating the work of IAEA staff as they carry out duties is key,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi posted on X, formerly Twitter, on August 7.