Abdulrahman Al-Rashed

Abdulrahman Al-Rashed
Abdulrahman Al-Rashed is the former general manager of Al-Arabiya television. He is also the former editor-in-chief of Asharq Al-Awsat, and the leading Arabic weekly magazine Al-Majalla. He is also a senior columnist in the daily newspapers Al-Madina and Al-Bilad.

Targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader is Madness

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,…

Settling for Half a Victory in the Iran-Israel War

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…

Will Lebanon Learn from al-Sharaa’s Government?

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…

Why Did Israel Succeed in Lebanon but Not in Yemen? 

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…

Why Lift Sanctions on Syria?

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…

Trump from Riyadh: Good luck, Syria

“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…

Trump’s Visit to Saudi Arabia is Anything but Ordinary

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…

Trump’s Trillions and Palestine

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…

Trump, Khamenei, and the Return to Muscat

Twelve years ago, former US President Barack Obama’s team and Iran began secret negotiations that lasted two years and led to what became known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). It was implemented for three years before President Donald Trump came into office and courageously tore…

America’s Victory over the Houthis Is Not Enough

For the past twenty days, US forces have been heavily bombing Houthi missile systems, drones, air defenses, weapons depots, command centers, training sites, and the homes of militia leaders across several provinces, including Sanaa. If the operations continue with this level of focus and eliminate…