Summary: Europe’s dilemma in the Middle East – its interests differ from those of the US but it bears some of the cost of US policies decided regardless of its interests, Palestine, Iraq, Iran. Khashoggi may be another example?
Summary: Saudi responsibility for killing Khashoggi seems to go to the top. Trump seeking to avoid commitment to protect arms sales, Kushner’s “peace deal”, and the oil price with his eye on the 6 November midterms. Turkey the key.
Summary: more death sentences – action against Muslim Brotherhood – agreements with Russia, UK and EU.
Summary: murder evidence accumulates, but Saudi Arabia still in denial. Cautious reaction in the Middle East. Trump ambiguous, but strong reaction from Congress and from international finance.
Summary: numerous dismissals and arrests in police, army and security, linked by some to the presidential election next year.
Summary: military action reduced, some practical normalisation. Idlib quiet but remains a massive unsolved problem.
Summary: Erdoğan shrugging off what appears to outsiders an economic crisis. How far will he take his criticisms of the US?
Summary: Trump has blamed OPEC for the high oil price, but his efforts to shut off Iranian oil may be more to blame – with uncertain political consequences.
Summary: Putin and Erdoğan agree a plan to avoid military action in Idlib, but the Idlib problem remains unsolved. Russian plane shot down by Asad forces, Putin cools it.
Summary: no movement on the dispute with the four. Increasing Qatari confidence, outward investment, arms purchases. Mediation going nowhere, but Qatar itself a mediator.
