Abdulrahman Al-Rashed

Every side in the war has declared victory. Trump announced the attack with 14 bunker-busting bombs and the destruction of three nuclear facilities, and called for a peace deal. Israel described “Operation Iron Glove” – the name of its campaign – as historic. It assassinated leaders and experts…

Iran makes threats, but it will not act. It will not mine the Strait of Hormuz or block it by bombing passing ships. This scenario would backfire and primarily harm China – the largest buyer of Gulf oil – which would lose four million barrels a day. Iran’s enemies – the Americans and Israelis –…

Last week, the idea resurfaced that Israel may target Iran’s Supreme Leader – as if he were just another easy military target in the fierce war between Israel and Iran, which may soon involve the United States. US President Donald Trump made a point of distancing himself from the Israeli plan,…

This war had been brewing for two decades - long anticipated but repeatedly avoided. Both the Iranian and Israeli sides had succeeded in avoiding direct confrontation, limiting themselves to proxy wars, until the October 7, 2023, attack happened. At that point, the Israelis decided to eliminate the…

It’s been about 150 days since Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam took office. On one hand, Lebanon is experiencing its best chapter in two decades. On the other hand, there are concerns about the slow pace of progress – and that another war is on the verge of erupting. Regardless of whether the…

Israel’s crushing victory in its war against Hezbollah in Lebanon last year is considered one of its military triumphs, ranked alongside the Six-Day War victory in 1967. Meanwhile, its operations against the Houthis in Yemen, so far, have been more theatrical than effective, resembling its 2006 war…

Sanctions on Syria could have extended for a year or more due to various considerations, including the uncertainty surrounding the country’s political future, reservations about its new leadership, or concerns from powers like Israel. The United States does not lift sanctions except after a lengthy…

“I’ve come this afternoon to talk about the bright future of the Middle East”—this is how the voice of US President Donald Trump echoed everywhere, among those who love him and those who oppose him. He chose to deliver his remarks in the evening in Riyadh, which was morning in the United States. He…

A Saudi nuclear program, military deals, a defense agreement, ending the Gaza war, a pathway to the two-state solution, negotiations with Iran, and a trillion dollars in trade and investment—this momentum will all be part of US President Donald Trump’s visit. He is expected to be accompanied by a…

Some are preempting US President Donald Trump’s expected visit to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf next month by discussing the promised three trillion dollars, suggesting it should be conditional upon achieving political deals – ranging from Gaza to a Palestinian state, to Yemen and Iran. First, these…