Does Saudi Arabia Have a Dubai Complex?

Kingdom feels encircled by enemies around the region

(NEWSER) - Popular unrest roiling the Middle East is is rocking the ultra-rich, ultra-conservative kingdom of Saudi Arabia, leaving its rulers feeling isolated both from regional allies and the United States alike, reports the New York Times . King Abdullah has called President Obama at least twice to voice his concerns about Egypt, with the latter call reportedly ending badly. “The Saudis are completely encircled by the problem, from Jordan to Iraq to Bahrain to Yemen,” says an Arab diplomat. “Saudi Arabia is the last heavyweight US ally in the region facing Iran." More»

Afghan president arrives in Riyadh

(NEWSER) - Hamid Karzai arrived in Riyadh today, hoping to secure Saudi Arabia’s help in peace negotiations with the Taliban. Karzai and his entourage will first make a pilgrimage to Mecca, then meet with King Abdullah tomorrow to discuss the reconciliation process. Abdullah has said his government won’t participate as a mediator unless the Taliban agrees to deny refuge to Osama bin Laden. More»

(NEWSER) - Open arms and a full red carpet rollout greeted President Obama on his arrival in Saudi Arabia this morning, but the pleasantries will likely end when the policy talk starts, the New York Times reports. Obama wants the Arab nations to offer a peaceful gesture toward Israel, but Saudi officials and experts say King Abdullah wants some gesture from Israel first. More»

Kingdom aims to stabilize prices to protect oil market

(NEWSER) - Saudi Arabia aims to put the brakes on oil prices by raising output to its highest ever, the New York Times reports. The kingdom resisted calls from President Bush earlier this year to boost production, but is now concerned that record oil prices could lead to lower demand in the long term by cutting economic growth and making alternative fuels more viable. More»

Rival Palestinian factions bicker over control of Gaza

(NEWSER) - In a second attempt to mend fences, rival Palestinian groups Fatah and Hamas agreed to resume direct talks today to resolve disputes and revive their failed coalition. A Hamas official called the deal “a new beginning and the start of a new stage,” but just hours after signing the Yemeni-sponsored Sanaa Declaration, the factions returned to feuding, Reuters reports. More»