Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Saudi Vision 2030 aims to redefine life in Saudi Arabia through economic diversification, women’s empowerment, and a commitment to moderation and zero tolerance for extremism to foster social and economic opportunities, and collaboration for stability and prosperity
Rebels attack Aleppo, reigniting the civil war, Israel continues assaults in Gaza despite expected talks for a ceasefire with Hamas, the latest on protesters demanding the release of Imran Khan, a new carbon-absorbing powder offers hope for climate efforts and record online holiday shopping
Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud reflected on the 40th anniversary of the National Council on US-Arab Relations in November 2023 and highlighted Palestinian suffering and the need for international intervention, human rights recognition, and a two-state solution for lasting peace
The Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s and Israeli threats have shaped Iranian military capabilities including advancements in missile technology, asymmetric warfare, and integration of foreign military insights into strategies for deterrence
The Chinese-Arab interactions date back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC to AD 220) and Chinese inventions the compass, gunpowder, paper, and printing had a profound impact on the Arab world while Arab advancements in astronomy and calendar systems significantly influenced Chinese society
The US orchestrated the overthrow of democratically-elected Iranian Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh in 1953 for nationalizing oil and restored the oppressive Pahlavi monarchy, setting the stage for Ayatollah Khomeini’s 1979 revolution
Iran has since the 1980s survived American sanctions and the 20th century’s longest war to create the Middle East’s most extensive industrial base that has over the last decade manufactured Shahed-136 drones, the mainstay of Iran’s first direct attack on Israel in April 2024, and helped Russians overwhelm Ukrainians
Jordan’s ruling Hashemite dynasty maintained secret ties with Israel since the foundation of the Zionist state so much so that King Hussein met Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir to warn her that an attack was imminent ahead of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war
The Dawoodi Bohras, a branch of the Ismaili Shia Muslim sect, have for centuries been unified under a supreme spiritual leader or Dai Syedna that has helped them remain well-knit and maintain a unique cultural identity
The British divided resource-rich Balochistan to secure access to Afghanistan, where the colonialists fought wars to maintain a buffer zone against Russia, frustrating the ethnolinguistic nationalism of the Baloch people scattered across Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran
