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  • Tim Lenderking: Hope in Yemen?

    Nobody among the Gulf countries wants this conflict to continue, and I think that there's been a more united front on that side—the primary point of that is that there is no military solution to this conflict. That’s basically what the world has been saying. I think that's what the parties themselves have realized over the course of the last year. That has been beneficial in leading toward the truce and the de-escalation of hostilities.

  • Will Turkey’s outreach to the PUK change Iraqi Kurdish politics?

    Between the two ruling parties in Iraqi Kurdistan, Turkey has warmer relations with the KDP. Ankara’s relationship with the PUK has long been strained due to the latter’s ties with the PKK, which is based on an ideological overlap, and the PUK’s need to balance the KDP’s political power.

  • What’s Next for Marines in the Middle East?

    So MARCENT is upgrading communication networks so troops can come in from anywhere and immediately plug in, and pre-positioning equipment in the theater to reduce the requirement for strategic lift, Rock said. It is also working with partners in the region—which not only improves relationships and the readiness of U.S. Marines, but also beefs up the capability of other area militaries, “all of which help deter and help those countries preserve the stability and security of the region by deterring Iran.”

  • Who is Michael Ratney, President Biden’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia?

    President Biden's pick to be US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia is Michael Ratney, a career diplomat. Ratney is currently serving as the acting deputy director of the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute (FSI).

  • Has Imran Khan’s ouster opened a Pandora’s box in Pakistan?

    Indeed, since Khan was removed from office earlier this month after losing a vote of no confidence, his supporters have taken to the streets in large numbers — first in protests the day after his ouster, and then in massive rallies led by the former prime minister in Pakistan’s largest cities. Rather than just fading into political oblivion, as Bajwa and the opposition seem to have assumed, Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have come back with a bang.

  • Has Raisi fulfilled Rouhani’s pledge to free Iranian opposition leaders?

    Iranian media reports that restrictions have been eased on opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard. The two Reformists have been under house arrest since 2011. The government-run IRNA news agency has credited Ebrahim Raisi for the move, insisting that the conservative president has accomplished what his moderate predecessor Hassan Rouhani (2013-21) could not. However, sources close to Mousavi have downplayed the significance of the reported easing of restrictions.

  • How can Saudi Arabia unleash national success in fintech?

    In summary, fintechs are leading much of the innovation in the KSA financial space, but their work must be supported by a proactive (as opposed to a responsive) regulatory approach. Saudi Arabian regulatory bodies have done well to nurture new fintech ideas within the SAMA regulatory sandbox – this is important if startups are to get to market quickly and efficiently. Through this, and through open banking and open APIs, Saudi Arabian fintechs can nurture a future talent pool with cutting-edge skills.

  • How can Saudi Arabia unleash national success in fintech?

    According to various reports, there were 35 approvals of fintech startups in 2020 – and more recently, 16 companies were approved in the third quarter of 2021. While there are signs of improvement, this is a process that can be made faster when compared to the growing number of fintech startups worldwide – which now amounts to 26,000 as of 2021. Although regulators must conduct due diligence and balance economic security, there must be ways to balance this priority with a process for faster approvals.

  • How will Pakistan’s new PM approach Gulf Arab states, Iran?

    Sharif has entered office on shaky political ground and his tenure may be short-lived. He is set to serve as prime minister until the next general elections, which are expected to take place next year. However, the polls may be brought forward in the face of a popular uprising led by Khan, who is demanding early elections. Of note, a Gallup opinion survey conducted on Apr. 10-11 found that over two-thirds Pakistanis want early polls.

  • Saudi-backed golf series: Can the LIV Golf Invitational Series still become a dominant force in golf?

    "The most overlooked thing with the Saudi Tour at the minute is that everybody is focusing on the players of today and nobody is thinking of the players of tomorrow," Southgate told the Sky Sports Golf podcast. "Five years ago, we didn't know Bob MacIntyre, we didn't know Scottie Scheffler, we don't know Viktor Hovland or either of the Hojgaard brothers. When you start going through the list of players who weren't on Tour five years ago, it's quite significant.