The decision not to extend waivers on buying Iranian oil further underlines the Trump Administration’s determination to continue to hit Tehran hard, even at the risk of damage to other important issues, both domestic and international.
Articles tagged: ‘China’
Trump recognises Israeli annexation of Golan
Posted onTrump announces a U-turn on the Golan Heights. General condemnation. A boost for Netanyahu’s election prospects.
Oil: The “Donald Dip”
Posted onSaudi Arabia may or may not continue to bend to President Donald Trump’s wish to see the oil price go lower still. But there are good reasons to suppose that, whatever Opec decides on 6 December, the trend for the next few weeks at least may be upwards.
Mawlid
Posted onMawlid popular holiday, widely celebrated by both Sunnis and Shia but condemned by some including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Prophet’s Birthday (al-Mawlid al-Nabawi, or simply Mawlid) is celebrated in the month of Rabi’ al-awwal, by Sunnis usually on the 12th and by Shia on the 17th. There is some flexibility as the precise date is not recorded. This year 12 Rabi’ al-awwal coincides with 21 November, and in most Arab and Muslim states Mawlid will be today or tomorrow, though the celebrations begin the night before. In some countries …
Sudan coming in from the cold
Posted onSudan – old genocide charge unresolved, but conflicts reduced and security improving. US warming up relations.
Sudan: new government
Posted onCabinet cut from 31 to 21 members as Sudan faces severe economic problems. Deals with Turkey and China. Torrential rains
Pakistan – Imran Khan
Posted onAs Prime Minister Imran Khan prioritises blasphemy in line with strong sentiment in Pakistan, and also with Saudi policy. He needs Saudi finance but is not personally close to the Saudis. Next problem: China and the Uighurs.
Syria: the endgame
Posted onSyrian government forces to target Idlib next. Complications with Israel, Iran, Turkey, Kurds, China, US, IS. Russia in the driving seat.
The hajj: the old and the new
Posted onThe hajj next week, with the Eid on 21 August. Health, innovation, politics, crime, devotion.
China and the Middle East
Posted onPresident Xi’s visit to Abu Dhabi marks a change in Chinese policy, with the Middle East a key link in China’s belt and road initiative, and his own emergence as a world leader, not afraid to address problems such as Palestine or Qatar vs. the 4.