Gulf states
Iranian naval exercises will heighten Gulf tensions
Tehran held a large naval exercise near the Straights of Hormuz, claiming to test its first submarine-launched missile
IranMiddle East summit reflects polarising US diplomacy
Many regional and European states failed to send senior officials to a US-sponsored summit to discuss peace and security
Middle EastOil price pressures will drive Gulf consolidations
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation is reportedly considering merging its subsidiaries amid a regional wave of consolidations
Gulf statesReligious tolerance aids the Gulf’s expats and rulers
Several Gulf states are making efforts to improve their reputation over acceptance of other faiths
Gulf statesGulf rivals will likely increase US lobbying efforts
Spending by the Gulf states on lobbying in Washington has risen since 2017 as rivals compete for US support
Gulf statesThe Gulf states may follow ever more divergent paths
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged the Gulf states to put aside their differences
Gulf statesJordan’s economic stability will hinge on foreign aid
Gulf donors have offered support to Jordan amid anti-austerity protests
JordanNew Red Sea forum will channel Saudi interests
Saudi Arabia is looking to build a new multilateral forum in the Red Sea that will better represent its interests
East Africa
