Saudi’s Maaden to Invest $5.6 Bln in Phosphate Project: REUTERS

2/21/12

State-controlled Saudi Arabian Mining Co (Maaden) plans to invest 21 billion riyals ($5.6 billion) in a phosphate project as part of a new industrial city in the country’s north, the company’s chief executive was quoted on Tuesday by Saudi state media as saying. ‘BIG INVESTMENT’: Khaled Al-Mudaifer, CEO of Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), said the availability of large quantities of phosphate near gas wells in the north and the presence of a railway system would boost phosphate industry as well as downstream industries, Arab News reports.  He emphasized Maaden’s ability to carry out giant projects including a SR21 phosphate complex that began operations last year. “We are also working on a SR40 billion aluminum smelter,” he added.

Saudi Boosts Market Monitoring Ahead Of Foreign Open: REUTERS

Dinesh Nair | 2/21/12

Saudi Arabia’s regulator adjusted stock ownership guidelines in a bid to boost transparency on Tuesday, as the Middle East’s biggest bourse takes gradual steps toward opening up to direct foreign investment.

Hamza Kashgari Is a Test for Saudi Arabia: WASHINGTON POST

Richard Cohen | 2/20/12

I have a certain soft spot for fellow columnists who get into trouble, especially when the issue is what we in the United States would call freedom of speech. But I have a certain soft spot, too, for Saudi Arabia. When I was there, I was treated with great courtesy and hospitality, and, like any romantic schooled in multiple viewings of “Lawrence of Arabia,” I am besotted by the considerable charms of the desert. I have had many weird experiences in my career, but one of them, surely, is turning around in a stadium outside Riyadh and realizing that my host was one of several thousand men dressed identically in white robes, their heads also covered in the exact same way. When my host said, “Follow me,” I grabbed his garment and held tight.

Saudis Pick First Envoy to Baghdad in 20 Years: NEW YORK TIMES

Jack Healy | 2/21/12

The Saudis did not say they were reopening an embassy in Baghdad. Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq’s foreign minister, said in a Twitter posting that the Saudi ambassador to Jordan would serve as the new “nonresident” Iraqi envoy. He is Fahd al-Zaid.

Saudi Petchem Firms Healthy Despite Global Uncertainties: ARAB NEWS

2/21/12

The growth outlook for Saudi petrochemical companies is healthy, despite the lingering uncertainties in the global economy. Though product prices are at reasonable levels compared to average prices during the last 4-5 years, they are expected to remain under pressure over the next 1-2 quarters. Further, the diversified companies will be less impacted by potential rise in feedstock costs in 2013, Al-Rajhi Capital said in its latest report Saudi petrochemical sector.

Saudi Oil Minister Al-Naimi Arrives in Qatar for Talks: BLOOMBERG

Robert Tuttle | 2/21/12

Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi held talks in Qatar with officials including his former Qatari counterpart Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah.

Peak Focuses On Arabic Social Games With Saudi Studio Acquisition: GAMASUTRA

Eric Caoili | 2/21/12

Peak Games (Happy Farm), which specializes in publishing social games for Turkey and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has purchased Saudi developer Kammelna Games.

The Saudi Twitter ‘Blasphemy’ Case: THE WEEKLY STANDARD

Stephen Schwartz | 2/21/12

Yet none of the Saudi denunciations suggest that Kashgari desecrated Muhammad’s birthday. Rather, Saudi Information Minister Abdul-Aziz Khoja said he wept when he read the tweets, and accused Kashgari of “attacking our prophet.” Nasr Al-Omar, one of the most vociferous Wahhabi bigots in the country, also shed tears, in a February 5 video calling for Kashgari’s arrest and trial, accessible with English subtitles through the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). (Al-Omar is known for encouraging Saudis to cross the northern border with Iraq for jihad against the U.S.-led intervention against Saddam Hussein in 2003.)

Alcoa: No Saudi Job Offer to Point Henry Workers: NASDAQ

2/21/12

Alcoa clarified on Tuesday media reports that it has offered Point Henry smelter workers job offers in Saudi Arabia to work in a joint venture project.

Minimum Salary Of Saudi Teachers In Private Schools To Be Increased: ARAB NEWS

2/22/12

The basic salaries of Saudi male and female schoolteachers working in private schools will soon be increased to SR5,600, local Arabic daily Al-Madinah reported Tuesday, quoting the official spokesman of the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF).

UAE, Saudi Fast-Food Sales To Grow 5pc: TRADE ARABIA

2/21/12

The fast-food restaurant markets in the UAE and Saudi will sustain a 5 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in sales by 2014, said an expert on the sidelines of the ongoing Gulfood expo in Dubai.

Saudi Authority Highlights Alert System On Food: ARAB NEWS

K.T. Abdurabb | 2/21/12

The two-day International Food Safety Conference started here on Tuesday with serious debates by representatives from different countries. Dr. Hamad Al-Kanhal of Saudi Food and Drug Authority in Riyadh elaborated on the Gulf’s rapid alert system on food.

Why One Saudi Arabian Poet Chose UI For His Children: PRESS-CITIZEN

Hani Elkadi | 2/20/12

I recall how uncertain my expectations were during my voyage from England to Saudia Arabia in the early 1970s. Contrary to the European depiction of a desolate medieval desert kingdom, I found an elaborate welcoming country and diligent cordial people.

“Well Fire at Number 12″ Part Five of Video Series “Distant Arabia”: ARAMCO EXPATS

Tim Barger | 2/21/12

The majority of the film clips posted on the Selwa Video You Tube channel are comprised of films taken in Saudi Arabia between 1937 and 1940 by Tom Barger, Les Snyder and Jerry Harriss. They are among the few moving pictures that record that critical and brief moment in the country’s history when an ancient pastoral way of life was coming to an abrupt end, to be replaced by an industrial society. Many of the Bedouin depicted had never seen an automobile let alone a movie camera before these men arrived. The herds of camels, once the lifeblood of Bedouin life, would become irrelevant. The dhows of the Gulf replaced by motor launches, the date oases, the very anchor of the Al Hasa economy, would become all but insignificant. All that remains of those days are these flickering images from a time before oil.

Saudi Accused In US Bomb Plot Competent To Stand Trial-Judge: CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Logan Carver | Reuters | 2/21/12

A Saudi student accused of plotting to build and detonate bombs against targets including the Dallas home of former President George W. Bush was declared competent to stand trial on Tuesday by a federal judge.

IRAN: UN SAYS NUCLEAR TALKS HAVE FAILED

The U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Wednesday it had failed to secure an agreement with Iran during two days of talks over disputed atomic activities and that the Islamic Republic had rejected a request to visit a key military site, Fredrik Dahl (Reuters) reports. NO IRANIAN SHIPS DOCKED IN PORT, PENTAGON SAYS: The Pentagon said on Tuesday it had no indication that Iranian ships had docked in Syria over the weekend, contrary to an account by Iran’s state-run media, Reuters reports. IF IRANIAN SHIPS RETURN TO MEDITERRANEAN, ISRAEL MAY ATTACK: Should Iranian warships revisit Syrian ports it is likely that they would be targeted by Israel, two retired Saudi military attaches have said, Omar Elmershedi (Saudi Gazette) reports.

EDITORIAL: THE TEST OF TALKING TO IRAN: In fact, it appears likely that Tehran perceives talks as an opportunity to undermine sanctions. Mr. Jalili’s letter referred to negotiations “based on step-by-step principles and reciprocity,” language that could describe a proposal originally put forward by Russia last year. Moscow outlined a sequence of steps in which Iran would receive relief from sanctions in exchange for incremental actions to satisfy the IAEA. Iran rejected the idea, but now the P5+1, urged on by the Obama administration, is discussing a modified version. Reportedly, it could grant some sanctions relief if Iran suspended only its higher-level enrichment of uranium, and surrendered material enriched to that 20 percent level, the Washington Post’s editorial board writes.

SYRIA: US ‘SIGNALS POSSIBILITY OF ARMING SYRIAN REBELS’

The United States appeared to open the door to eventually arming Syria’s opposition, saying that if a political solution to the crisis was impossible it might have to consider other options.

The comments, made by officials at both the White House and the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, marked a shift in emphasis by Washington, which so far has stressed a policy of not arming the opposition and has said little about alternatives, Reuters reports.  ACTIVISTS SAY 100 KILLED: Activists say Syrian forces have killed some 100 civilians in the latest violence, including 40 in the besieged city of Homs, Radio Free Europe reports. PHOTO-SHARING ACTIVIST KILLED: Syrian opposition activists say shrapnel wounds killed an intrepid citizen journalist who documented a neighborhood under siege in the tempestuous city of Homs, LA Times reports. DOCTORS STRUGGLE TO SAVE HOMS’ WOUNDED CHILDREN: The shrapnel wound is in the toddler’s left side. The boy needs “a proper hospital,” the doctor says, not the makeshift clinic in the Syrian city of Homs where he’s being treated.

“Even the children are not allowed to get there,” he says. “Where is the Red Cross that was negotiating yesterday?” Soon afterward, the 2-year-old dies of his wounds. The child’s father — whose head, right hand and left knee are bandaged as well — swears to avenge his death as the sound of artillery echoes outside, Nick Paton Walsh (CNN) writes.

YEMEN: THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WITH ONE CANDIDATE

While the election was short on candidates — the only person on the ballot was Vice President Abdurabu Mansur Hadi, who became acting president in November as the result of a power transfer brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council after months of protests — it appeared to be long on hope, Mohammed Jamjoom (CNN) reports.

ANALYSIS: AFTER IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, ‘A NEW WHIFF OF GUNPOWDER IN THE AIR?’

The United States has now endured what by some measures is the longest period of war in its history, with more than 6,300 American troops killed and 46,000 wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and the ultimate costs estimated at $3 trillion. Both wars lasted far longer than predicted. The outcomes seem disappointing and uncertain. So why is there already a new whiff of gunpowder in the air? Talk of war over Iran’s nuclear program has reached a strident pitch in recent weeks, as Israel has escalated threats of a possible strike, the oratory of American politicians has become more bellicose and Iran has responded for the most part defiantly, Scott Shane (NYT) writes.

AFGHANISTAN: WASHINGTON IN DAMAGE CONTROL OVER QURAN BURNING

An angry crowd gathered outside the Bagram military complex in Afghanistan when local workers on the base reportedly found copies of the Koran in rubbish bags tagged for incineration. Some of the religious books had already been partly burned. The US military commander, General John Allen, issued an unqualified public apology, and also ordered an investigation, Craig McMurtrie (ABC.NET) reports. AFGHAN OFFICIALS MEETING WITH TALIBAN IN PAKISTAN: Afghan officials are holding talks with the Taliban in Pakistan, the head of a provincial peace council in the insurgency’s heartland Kandahar said on Tuesday, in a possible signal that Islamabad is boosting its support for Afghan peace efforts, Ismail Sameem (Reuters) reports.

PAKISTAN: INTERPOL MAY BE ASKED TO ARREST MUSHARRAF

Pakistan plans to ask Interpol to arrest its former President Pervez Musharraf in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said, UPI reports.

MIDDLE EAST: BREZEZINSKI, SLAUGHTER DISCUSS OBAMA’S MIDEAST CHALLENGES

Zbigniew Brzezinski knows something about dealing with Iranians and his advice to President Barack Obama is this: Don’t start a war with Iran. National security adviser three decades ago when the Carter administration struggled to free U.S. hostages in Iran, Brzezinski says that Obama should not attack Iran’s nuclear sites even if that gives political ammunition to his more hawkish Republican opponents, Al-Monitor reports.

Q&A: Dividing Oil’s Spoils In Saudi Arabia: GLOBAL ATLANTA

Trevor Williams | 2/20/12

There’s a huge gap, both in understanding and distance, between Saudi Arabia and Georgia. But the largest economy in the Middle East, flush with oil money allocated to diversifying its industrial base, had no trouble gaining an audience with the state’s key decision-makers during a December forum in Atlanta. Both Mayor Kasim Reed and Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal greeted a delegation of 300 business and government leaders, which included the nation’s ministers of commerce, education and health.  The forum was a homecoming for U.S. Ambassador James Smith, who grew up in Fayette County. Georgia’s hospitality was fitting for a people as warm and welcoming as the Saudis, and the event’s success in its second year (drawing 1,200-plus attendees) showed that the first one in Chicago in 2010 was “no fluke,” he said.

Saudi Stocks Hit 40-Month High: TRADE ARABIA

2/21/12

Saudi Arabia’s bourse rallied for a fourth-straight session, hitting a 40-month high with heavyweight stocks supporting the index as local buying momentum continued.

Saudi Arabia Plans $6.9bn Mining City Project: ARABIAN BUSINESS

Andy Sambidge | 2/21/12

Saudi Arabia is planning to invest SR26bn ($6.9bn) in a new industrial zone for mining companies in the north of the country. The project will contribute about SR15bn annually to the country’s gross domestic product, oil minister Ali Al Naimi said in comments published by the Saudi Press Agency.

Saudi Arabia Names First Ambassador To Iraq Since 1990: WASHINGTON POST

2/21/12

Iraq’s foreign minister says Saudi Arabia has named an ambassador to Baghdad for the first time since Saddam Hussein’s troops invaded Kuwait in 1990. Hoshyar Zebari said that the new ambassador will arrive in Baghdad in the near future to submit his credentials, but he will not be residing in Iraq.

Saudi Arabia Vows to End Violence in Restive Eastern Province: THE NATIONAL

Reuters | 2/21/12

Saudi Arabia’s interior ministry said its security forces would use “an iron fist” to end violence in a Shiite Muslim area of the country and defended its tactics against what it called foreign-backed troublemakers. FOREIGN PARTIES BLAMED: A Saudi interior ministry official says “foreign parties’’ are instigating unrest in Shiite-majority eastern regions, calling the protesters “the new terrorists,” Boston Globe reports.

Saudi Arabia’s Domestic Oil Demand Rises 4% In 2011, JODI Says: BUSINESSWEEK

2/21/12

Saudi Arabia’s domestic consumption of crude oil rose 4 percent in 2011 from a year earlier, data the government submitted to the Joint Organization Data Initiative showed.

Saudi Mining City Infrastructure To Cost $1.2 Billion, SPA Says: BLOOMBERG

Mourad Haroutunian | 2/21/12

The Saudi government plans to spend 4.5 billion riyals ($1.2 billion) to develop infrastructure, power and railway links for the 440-square-kilometer (170- square-mile) Mining City of the North, the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi.

Saudi Arabia Considers Law to Protect Women Divorced In Absence: DIGITAL JOURNAL

Katerina Nikolas | 2/21/12

A member of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council has proposed a new law to give greater protection to divorced women, necessitated by the increase in men divorcing their spouses without bothering to inform them.

A Concrete Oasis In The Middle Of the Saudi Arabia Desert: THE NATIONAL

Gary Meenaghan | 2/21/12

The drive from downtown Riyadh to the Reem International Circuit involves traversing an asphalt snake that slithers through cratered, sunburned plains, over monumental kilometre-deep wadis, and into scorched, staggering, multicoloured sand dunes. The landscape could not be more in contrast to the neon dust bowl that marks the Saudi Arabian capital; it is little wonder the residents of the city come here to escape.

Saudi Investors ‘Warm To Goldman Sukuk’: TRADE ARABIA

2/21/12

Saudi investors are warming to a sale of $2 billion of Islamic bonds by US investment bank Goldman Sachs, banking sources told Reuters, lending support to a sukuk which has run into controversy over whether it complied with Islamic principles.

Shoura Oks Abdullah Center For Dialogue: ARAB NEWS

2/20/12

The Shoura Council approved a draft proposal on Monday to set up the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue in Vienna.

Gulf Air Adds 11 Extra Flights To Saudi: TRADE ARABIA

2/20/12

Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air plans to boost its Saudi operations with 11 extra flights to Jeddah and Riyadh from next month which will offer 3,000 more seats and 22 tons more cargo space per week. NASAIR CELEBRATES PILOTS GRADUATION:  Nasair held an event in Riyadh to mark the graduation of 30 Saudi pilots.  This was the first batch of Saudi pilot graduates under the airline’s “Future Pilots Program,” which ultimately aims for the graduation of 100 Saudi pilots, Arab News reports.

Sultan Prize For Research In Alzheimer’s Disease Set: ARAB NEWS

2/21/12

An international prize for scientific research in Alzheimer’s disease, named after Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, was announced here Monday.

Saudi Aramco Continues Gas Exploration in All Regions, SPA Says: BLOOMBERG

Mourad Haroutunian | 2/21/12

Saudi Arabian Oil Co. will continue exploring for natural gas in all of the kingdom’s promising regions, including the northern region, the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing Aramco Chief Executive Officer Khalid Al Falih.

AFGHANISTAN: US AND NATO APOLOGIZE FOR QURAN BURNING

US and NATO forces have rushed to apologize for discarding and possibly burning copies of the Qur’an, as thousands of furious Afghans gathered to protest outside Bagram military airbase.

Some carried ancient hunting rifles and others used slingshots to pelt the outer walls of the airbase with stones for several hours, shouting “down with America” and other slogans, despite the bitter cold, the Guardian reports. HOW SHOULD HOLY BOOK BE DISPOSED OF? Many religious traditions accord their holy books the same respect as they give human remains. Most traditions say scripture and other sacred texts cannot be burned. Some religious scholars give guidance on how holy books from each faith can be disposed of, Elizabeth Flock (Washington Post) reports. PAKISTAN CRUCIAL TO TALKS: Afghan President Hamid Karzai says Pakistani support of negotiations with the Taliban will be “crucial” to the success of any peace talks, CBS News reports.

YEMEN: VOTE ENSURES SALEH’S EXIT AFTER 33 YEARS

Yemen ushered Ali Abdullah Saleh from power after 33 years on Tuesday, voting to endorse his deputy as president, with a mission to rescue the nation from poverty, chaos and the brink of civil war, Reuters reports.

IRAN: ISLAMIC REPUBLIC WILL ‘ACT WITHOUT WAITING’ TO PROTECT INTERESTS

Iran would take pre-emptive action against its enemies if it felt its national interests were endangered, the deputy head of the Islamic Republic’s armed forces was quoted by a semi-official news agency as saying on Tuesday, Reuters reports. STRIKE WOULD BE PREMATURE AND DESTABILIZING: Both the U.S. and England urged Israel on Sunday to hold off from any attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, with General Martin Dempsey saying that such a strike would be “premature” and “destabilizing,” National Post reports. LEADERSHIP ON EDGE AS ELECTION NEARS: While the general public in Iran is anxious about the increasingly harsh sanctions imposed by Western powers on Iran’s financial and oil sectors, the leaders of the Islamic Republic appear more consumed by the upcoming parliamentary elections to be held Mar. 2, IPS reports.

SYRIA: HOMS BOMBARDMENT STEPPED UP

Syrian forces have intensified their attack on rebel-held areas of the besieged city of Homs, activists say. Hundreds of shells were fired at the city in a two-hour period earlier, with reports that buildings were razed, 16 people killed and scores injured, BBC reports.

TURKEY: US, TURKEY UNITED ON SYRIA

The United States and Turkey continue to call on the Assad regime to heed the Arab League’s latest efforts to end the killing immediately, withdraw military forces from residential areas, allow in monitors and journalists, release political prisoners, and begin a genuine, sincere democratic transition that starts with a serious dialogue with the opposition, VOA writes, in an editorial.

PALESTINE: PRISONER ENDING HUNGER STRIKE AFTER DEAL

A Palestinian held without trial by Israel agreed Tuesday to end his 66-day hunger strike after Israeli authorities promised to release him in April in a deal that avoided judicial review of the detention policy, Reuters reports.

IRAQ: GREEN ZONE EMPTIES OUT UNDER IRAQI CONTROL

Green Zone. International Zone. The Bubble. To the foreigners still living there, the Iraqi capital’s fortified center has a new name: Ghost Town. The Iraqi government has taken full control of the former heart of the American occupation. It decides who gets past the 17-foot-tall concrete blast walls encircling the zone, Dan Morse (Washington Post) writes.

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES, MESSY OUTLOOK?: The Iraqi economy has gone through a roller coaster of changes for the last sixty years. In the first part of our analysis, we explore how Iraq fundamentally changed from an agricultural-based economy to one that relied solely on oil. We also question how this reliance on oil shaped the aftermath of Iraq’s economy and society after the Iran-Iraq war as well as the first Gulf war, Economy Watch writes.

OPINION: THE DAY AFTER: WHAT DESK WARRIORS AND ARM CHAIR REVOLUTIONARIES DO NOT GET

In the ever-dysfunctional ménage a trois between Iran, Israel, and the United States, it is difficult to know when to be really worried and when to be ‘just’ concerned. In many respects, over the last six months things have gone from bad to worse in all three countries. Sadly, the three nations have recently shared many ugly and politically worrisome trends, and it remains a depressing truth that pessimism about developments in the Middle East is the safest bet of all, Muftah reports.

US Envoy Honors Arabia500 Winners: ARAB NEWS

2/19/12

Building stability in the region is the common goal of both the United States and Saudi Arabia and this is being pursued with a long term common interest policy of creating jobs, US Ambassador to the Kingdom James B. Smith said recently. He said the Saudi entrepreneurs are complementing the government efforts in job creation.

Population Growth to Push Saudi PC Penetration Rate Beyond 30% by 2015: BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ME

2/20/12

Personal computer penetration in Saudi Arabia is expected to surpass 30 per cent by 2015, with a rapidly growing population to act as a major market driver.

Saudi Arabia Well Positioned For Growth in 2012, Says Alkhabeer Capital: BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ME

2/20/12

Alkhabeer Capital, a leading Saudi investment company, has today released its latest global economic outlook for 2012, which finds the combined GDP of the GCC region is expected to register a growth in excess of 4% where Qatar will top the list with (7%) followed by Saudi Arabia (4.6%), Kuwait (3%), Oman (2.7%), UAE (2.4%) and Bahrain (1.2%).

Saudi Arabia Cut Oil Output, Exports in December, JODI Says: BLOOMBERG

Wael Mahdi | 2/19/12

Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s largest crude producer, reduced oil output and exports in December from November when it produced the most in more than 30 years, according to the Joint Organization Data Initiative. NON-OIL EXPORTS INCREASE BY 25%: Saudi Arabia’s nonoil exports in December 2011 rose by 25 percent to SR15.55 billion compared to SR12.43 billion in December 2010, a report issued by the General Statistics Department said Sunday. During the same period the volume of exports increased 3 percent from 4,057,000 to 4,180,000 tons, Arab News reports.

Rising Consumer Affluence Drives Growth in Saudi Consumer Food Service Saudi Fast Food Market To Approach US$4.5 Billion by 2015: MIDDLE EAST EVENTS

2/19/12

According to Michael Schaefer, Head of Consumer Foodservice Research, “Fast food outlets have become important social spaces for a growing cohort of Saudi young people. Future expansion will be driven by those operators which offer a combination of indulgence and inviting, comfortable outlets, with hamburgers, ice cream, and sweet baked goods all in high demand. Euromonitor International expects chains to lead the way, with chained operators projected to account for nearly 20% of Saudi foodservice transactions by 2015.”

Saudis Yet To Approve Renewable Energy Strategy, Official Says: BLOOMBERG

Wael Mahdi | 2/19/12

Saudi Arabia has yet to approve the country’s renewable energy strategy that aims to reduce crude oil used for domestic power generation and water desalination, an official said today. 18 BILLION ALLOCATED FOR CLEAN ENERGY: Saudi Arabia has allocated SR18 billion budget for renewable energy for a period of 10 years, Prince Turki Bin Saud Bin Muhammad Al Saud, Deputy Chairman of the Research Institute at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) told Okaz/Saudi Gazette Sunday on the sidelines of the two-day first conference on renewable energy that kicked off at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Gazette reports.

Saudi Arabia in the New Middle East: Gause, Jones: SUSRIS BLOG

2/19/12

In January Professor Gause appeared in a CFR event with historian Toby C. Jones who offered his perspectives on the assessment in “Saudi Arabia in the New Middle East.” The panel was shared by CFR in a video, the link to which we provide here for your use. This presentation, about one hour twenty minutes, provides an excellent assessment of Saudi Arabia’s stability and place in the Middle East. We commend it to your attention.

London-Based Oil Executive Linked To 9/11 Hijackers: THE TELEGRAPH

Anthony Summers, Neil Tweedie and Dan Christensen | 2/19/12

A Saudi Arabian accused of associating with several of the September 11 hijackers and who disappeared from his home in the United States a few weeks before the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, is in London working for his country’s state oil company.

Aramco, Sumitomo May Delay Rabigh Chemical Expansion, HSBC Says: BLOOMBERG

Anthony DiPaola | 2/19/12

Saudi Arabian Oil Co. and Sumitomo Chemical Co. (4005) may postpone a $6 billion plan to expand their joint-venture petrochemical plant in the Red Sea town of Rabigh, HSBC Holdings Plc said.

Update on Hamza Kashgari: SAUDI JEANS

Just a quick update on the Hamza Kashgari case since many people have been asking: The young man is now in detention, his family visited him and he is reportedly in high spirits and being treated respectfully. Several sites and petitions have been set up to support him and call for his release.

Saudi Arabia Donates $10 Million To UNRWA: MA’AN

2/20/12

Saudi Arabia on Monday donated $10 million to UNRWA’s programs in Gaza and the West Bank, a statement said.

Saudi Activist Acquitted After 5 Years’ Detention: BOSTON GLOBE

AP | 2/20/12

A Saudi court has acquitted a rights activist who spent five years in detention accused of supporting al-Qaida’s ideology.

Saudi C.Bank Sees Near-Term Price Stability: REUTERS

2/19/12

Saudi Arabia’s central bank said it expected relative price stability or a slight decline in inflationary pressures in the near-term, it said in its latest inflation report published on Sunday.

Saudi’s Dar al-Arkan to repay $990 mln debt this year: THE DAILY STAR

Asma Alsharif | REUTERS | 2/19/12

Saudi Arabia’s biggest property developer, Dar al-Arkan, plans to repay about 3.7 billion riyals ($986.6 million) of debt this year, its chief financial officer said on Sunday.

Speed Cameras Growing Unpopular in Saudi Arabia: THE NEWSPAPER

2/19/12

The photo radar systems known as “Saher” are increasingly unpopular in Saudi Arabia according to a government poll. The ​​Riyadh Traffic Department surveyed the public online with the loaded question, “Do you support the strict enforcement of traffic regulations with equality and transparency?” Despite the benign wording, 39 percent of the 44,497 residents responded that they do not support the principle, knowing it referred to the use of speed cameras, Dar Al Hayat reported.

At a Rape Trial, Two Views of a Prince’s Wealth: NEW YORK TIMES

Russ Buettner | 2/19/12

In a trial that featured lurid and clinical details of a rape at the Plaza Hotel, a different sort of story line emerged: the tremendous wealth and opulent lifestyle of an unnamed Saudi prince.

TUNISIA: ISLAMISTS’ IDEAS ON DEMOCRACY AND FAITH FACE TEST

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was reported and written before Mr. Shadid’s death in Syria.

If the revolts that swept the Middle East a year ago were the coming of age of youths determined to imagine another future for the Arab world, the aftermath that has brought elections in Egypt and Tunisia and the prospect of decisive Islamist influence in Morocco, Libya and, perhaps, Syria is the moment of another, older generation. No one knows how one of the most critical chapters in the history of the modern Arab world will end, as the region pivots from a movement against dictatorship toward a movement for something that is proving far more ambiguous. But the generation embodied by Mr. Ferjani, shaped by jail, exile and repression and bound by faith and alliances years in the making, will have the greatest say in determining what emerges, Anthony Shadid (NYT) writes. 

IRAN: AMERICANS STILL RATE IRAN AS TOP ENEMY

Americans most frequently mention Iran when asked to name the country they consider to be the United States’ greatest enemy, and the 32% who do so is up from 25% in 2011. China is second on the list, with significantly fewer Americans mentioning North Korea, Afghanistan, and Iraq — the countries that round out the top five, Gallup reports. UN INSPECTORS RETURN: Senior United Nations nuclear inspectors have arrived in Tehran for two days of talks on Iran’s disputed nuclear program, the second U.N. visit in three weeks, VOA reports.

UNITED STATES: RISING GAS PRICES GIVE AMMO TO REPUBLICANS

Rising gasoline prices, trumpeted in foot-tall numbers on street corners across the country, are causing concern among advisers to President Obama that a budding sense of economic optimism could be undermined just as he heads into the general election, Michael D. Shear (NYT) reports.  BP IDLES REFINERY AFTER FIRE: BP Plc idled production at its Cherry Point refinery in Washington state on Saturday, a day after a large fire broke out near the core crude oil unit of the third-largest plant on the West Coast, Reuters reports. DOES ‘BIG OIL’ WANT TO KILL THE KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE: With America on the verge of achieving energy independence in the next five years by dramatically expanding domestic energy production, why should anyone be surprised that it’s Big Oil money that’s out to kill the Keystone XL Pipeline to prevent competition, writes Chris Street (BigGovernment).

BAHRAIN: BANKERS RELIEVED, EYE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Bahraini bankers expressed relief on Sunday that the February 14 anniversary of last year’s democracy uprising passed without major disruptions but said lenders needed to see more infrastructure projects in the Gulf bank and tourism hub, Reuters reports.

SYRIA: REINFORCEMENTS HEADED TO HOMS
Syria’s military sent tanks and other reinforcements toward the restive central city of Homs on Monday in what appears to be preparations by President Bashar Assad’s regime for an offensive aimed at retaking rebel-held neighborhoods, activists said, Bassem Mroue (AP) reports.

ANALYSIS: WHY $200 OIL IS THE SUBPRIME MORTGAGE OF ENERGY

What does an oil price shock have to do with subprime mortgages? Well, consider this: the global economy found itself on the edge of the abyss in 2008 when reality — in the form of wildly overvalued mortgage securities — landed hard on the illusion that real estate-related investments were a guaranteed, perpetual cash machine.

So what do you think might happen when a different reality — in the form of wildly undervalued eco-services and energy-related externalities — comes crashing down on the illusion that there’s no need to steer away from business as usual in an increasingly resource-strained world? Greenbang blog writes.

YEMEN: IMPERFECT ELECTION MARKS START OF YEMEN’S TRANSITION

Yemenis go to the polls Tuesday in an uncontested presidential election that is part of a negotiated end to the decades-long rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, VOA reports.

EGYPT: JOHN McCAIN SAYS US, EGYPT MUST REMAIN FRIENDS

Sen. John McCain said Monday U.S. relations with Egypt are changing a year after the ouster of Hosni Mubarak but the two countries “must remain friends.”

McCain was speaking at a business conference in Cairo just before meeting with the country’s military leaders, who took power after Mubarak stepped down in the face of a popular uprising, Google News/AP reports.

ISRAEL: TOP COURT TAKES PALESTINIAN DETAINEE APPEAL

Israel’s Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing this week on the appeal of a Palestinian prisoner waging an unprecedented hunger strike that has stretched for more than two months, court officials and his lawyers said Monday, AP reports.

Americans Give Record-High Ratings to Several U.S. Allies: GALLUP

2/16/12

A Gallup poll shows that Saudi Arabia’s favorability rating in the eyes of Americans increased by 5% since 2011.

Al Qaeda’s Biggest Threat: CNN

2/16/12

This report is based on a one-year investigation by CNN into air cargo security in light of a thwarted plot by al Qaeda in October 2010 to blow up cargo jets over the United States.

Cyber Attacks Can Spark Real Wars: WALL STREET JOURNAL

Richard Clarke | 2/16/12

For most of this year, Arab-Israeli tensions have been spilling off the streets and airwaves and onto the region’s fiber optic cables. Citizen hackers on both sides have engaged in tit-for-tat raids on Israeli, Saudi and other regional computer networks. Stock exchanges, airlines, government offices and even hospitals have had their websites defaced or shut down. Credit-card numbers and personal emails have been stolen and posted on the Internet. One Israeli official has labeled the escalating cyber hostility “terrorism” and called for it to be dealt with as such.

Saudi Foreign Policy Dilemma amid Regional Upheavals: GULF NEWS

Patrick Seale | 2/17/12

While the Arab world struggles to reshape its future out of the fires and blood-letting of revolution, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a haven of stability, continues to pursue its goals of growth, modernity and social transformation with great resolve and singleness of purpose.

Growing Saudi-India Ties: ARAB NEWS

Editorial | 2/16/12

The agreements that emerged at the end of the two-day visit to the Kingdom this week by Indian Defense Minister A. K. Antony, signal the growing importance of both countries to each other.

Dubai and Saudi Hotels Lead the Region: AL BAWABA

2/16/12

Hotels in Dubai and Saudi Arabia outperformed other markets in the Middle East last year as they continued to improve revenues, occupancies and room rates, according to the Ernst & Young (E&Y) Middle East Hotel Benchmark Survey.

Creating Jobs Needs Innovative Solutions: ARAB NEWS

2/17/12

Labor Minister Adel Fakeih has described unemployment as a major challenge and called for greater cooperation between the public and private sectors to create job opportunities for the increasing number of Saudi jobseekers.

BAE Profit Falls on Lower Vehicle Sales, Delayed Saudi Agreement: BLOOMBERG

2/16/12

BAE Systems Plc, Europe’s largest defense company, said profit last year fell amid lower orders of combat vehicles to the U.S. and a delay to price fighter aircraft for Saudi Arabia.

Sources: Saudi Will Not Provide Diesel To Yemen In March: YEMEN POST

Yemen needs to buy 270,000 tons of diesel in March as the main Aden refinery is still shut down and the Saudi Arabia would suspend its diesel grants to Yemen this month, well informed sources said. Yemen depends on fuel imports and denotations as its main refinery has been shut for two months following consecutive bombings led to stopping of crude flow.

Saudi to Build Rail to Bahrain in 2014: EMIRATES 24|7

2/16/12

Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Bahrain have agreed to construct a rail way between them at a cost of round $4.5 billion and the project will be launched in 2014, a Saudi newspaper reported on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia Isn’t Sending Women to the London Olympics – But a Boycott Wouldn’t Help Women’s Rights: TELEGRAPH

Jennifer Lipman | 2/16/12

“Islam isn’t the only religion to proscribe certain clothing as immodest; Judaism has strict laws on modesty too, and certainly Christianity calls for women to behave appropriately in other respects. But, regardless of which religion it is, there are ways to uphold the requirements of the faith without compromising on lifestyle; this can be anything from working in “male professions” as a woman, to Orthodox Jewish women wearing the latest trends with added sleeves, or Muslim women exercising to their hearts’ content in private spaces.”

Saudi Female Athletes Challenge Muslim Norms: ESPN

AP | Barbara Surk

Behind concrete walls and out of sight of men, Saudi women wearing shorts and short-sleeve shirts meet three times a week to play soccer in an all-female club in Saudi Arabia’s port city of Jeddah. Cheering them on is Jeddah King’s United coach and striker Reema Abdullah, who also is leading a campaign in the ultra-conservative Muslim country to allow women to participate in sports and compete internationally. Saudi Arabia has never sent a woman to compete in the Olympics. Human rights groups say the country is violating the International Olympic Committee charter’s pledge of equality.

Saudi Mufti Rejects Call to Try Hamza by Non-Religious Court: GULF NEWS

2/17/12

Saudi Arabia’s mufti, the country’s highest religious figure, has rejected calls to shift the trial of Hamza Kashgari, the controversial former columnist, from religious courts to the information ministry.

SYRIA: U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONDEMNS SYRIA

The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a nonbinding resolution that further isolates Syria and its backers, while calling on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step aside. The resolution “fully supports” an Arab League plan for Mr. Assad to relinquish power to a vice president while a national unity government is formed, leading to a general election. Damascus has already rejected the plan, Joe Lauria (WSJ) reports. ATTACKS CONTINUE: Activists say Syrian troops are heavily shelling rebel-held areas in the central city of Homs, just one day after the U.N. General Assembly condemned the regime for violating human rights in its crackdown, VOA reports. OPPOSITION HAILS RESISTANCE: Thousands of Syrians sloughed off their regime’s relentless, bloody crackdown as angry throngs defiantly staged public protests and braved heavy gunfire Friday. Demonstrators took to the streets of Idlib, Daraa, Homs, Hama and suburban Damascus, chanting for the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, and focused their attention on “popular resistance” — the theme of the protests, CNN reports.

WORLD: ANTHONY SHADID, REPORTER FOR NEW YORK TIMES, DIES IN SYRIA

Anthony Shadid, a gifted foreign correspondent whose graceful dispatches for the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe and the Associated Press covered nearly two decades of Middle East conflict and turmoil, died, apparently of an asthma attack, on Thursday while on a reporting assignment in Syria. Tyler Hicks, a Times photographer who was with Mr. Shadid, carried his body across the border to Turkey, Rick Gladstone (NYT) reports.

MIDDLE EAST: ‘GAINING MOMENTUM’ AMID GLOBAL CRISIS

The Middle East is “on track” for recovery from the global financial crisis despite the concerns around the Euro, according to a leading economist, Trade Arabia reports. Speaking in Dubai on the current global economy and outlook for the Middle East, Andrew Scott, Professor of Economics at London Business School, said 2012 will be a year of slow growth but the region is doing well in re-balancing its economies and is beginning to gain momentum.

RUSSIA: IF EMBARGO HITS IRAN, RUSSIAN OIL TO BENEFIT

For months, the Russian government has opposed the idea of Western petroleum sanctions against Iran. But new threats to Iranian oil flow could have at least one beneficiary: Russia.

The Russian oil industry was already reaping the rewards of higher global oil prices from Iranian tensions, even before Tehran raised the stakes Wednesday by threatening to cut off oil to six European nations, Andrew E. Kramer (New York Times) writes. HOW THE STANDOFF LOOKS FROM RUSSIA: “There was never much love lost between the two countries. To Iranians, Russia was too powerful and too threatening. Russians, meanwhile, remembered their own embassy trauma at Iranian hands in 1829. Every schoolchild knows the fate of Alexander Griboyedov, the czar’s ambassador to Persia, who was murdered, with his entire embassy staff, by an angry Tehran mob. Griboyedov was a great Russian author, many of whose lines Russian children — and grown-ups — know by heart,” Dmitri Trenin (Bloomberg) writes.

IRAN: SANCTIONS BITE IRAN TRADERS IN OMAN: Iranian traders in Oman, struggling to secure financing because of Western economic sanctions against Tehran, are raising loans from sympathetic Omani businessmen in order to ship foodstuffs to Iran, the traders say, Trade Arabia reports.

GCC: GULF CITIES AMONG LEAST EXPENSIVE IN THE WORLD

Dubai has fallen sharply in a new list calculating the cost of living in 130 cities around the world.

The World Cost of Living Survey 2012 published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, ranked Dubai in 94th position – a drop of 16 places from last year, Arabian Business reports.

ANALYSIS: HAMAS AND THE NEW MIDDLE EAST PUZZLE

Hamas, the Palestinian “Islamic Resistance Movement,” is on the move.

Hamas is leaving Syria, where it has been based, making a pit stop in Jordan to mend affairs with King Abdullah II, declaring nonviolent resistance the preferred mode of struggle against Israeli occupation, signing (yet another) reconciliation agreement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and lastly, planning to relocate its headquarters to the State of Qatar. All of this has happened in the span of a few weeks, Sam Bahour (Al-Monitor) writes.

OPINION: HOW HISTORY LESSONS COULD DETER IRANIAN AGGRESSION

We are hearing a new concept these days in discussions about Iran — the zone of immunity. The idea, often explained by Ehud Barak, Israel’s defense minister, is that soon Iran will have enough nuclear capability that Israel would not be able to inflict a crippling blow to its program.

In fact, while the specifics are fresh, this is not a new strategic concept at all. Nations have often believed that they face a closing window to act, and almost always such thinking has led to disaster, Fareed Zakaria (Washington Post) writes.

AFGHANISTAN: AT SUMMIT, A SHOW OF UNITY

If there existed any conflict among the chief executives of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the three neighboring Islamic nations, they certainly weren’t showing it Friday at the close of a trilateral summit in Pakistan’s capital. At a news conference Zardari hosted in his splendid official residence, the theme was fraternal unity as the trio pledged to work for peace and prosperity in a region raging with war and terrorism, Richard Leiby (Washington Post) writes.

UN General Assembly Plans to Vote on Syria Resolution on Thursday: HAARETZ

DPA | 2/15/12

The UN General Assembly is scheduled to meet Thursday to consider a Saudi Arabia-led draft resolution condemning the continuing violence in Syria and calling for a political transition to a democratic system. The meeting is set for 2000 GMT, diplomats and the UN confirmed Wednesday. The assembly may vote on the draft, which contains language similar to the Western-backed resolution that was vetoed by Russia and China at a UN Security Council meeting on February 4.

How Iran Nuclear Standoff Looks From Saudi Arabia: Mustafa Alani: BLOOMBERG

2/16/12

The most likely victims of a nuclear armed Iran are not the U.S. or Israel, but the Gulf states — countries that are engaged in intense competition with the regime in Tehran, but that lack the power to deter any threat or aggression with a nuclear-strike capability of their own. That, at least, is how it looks from Riyadh and other Gulf capitals.

Mars to Invest $60 Mln. In Saudi Chocolate Factory: RTT News

2/16/12

U.S.-based global food giant Mars Incorporated will make an initial investment of SR225 million ($60 million) to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at the King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh, about 130 kilometer north of the Red Sea port city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, it was announced on Wednesday.

Aramco’s Sadara Awarding Construction Contracts, KBR Says: BLOOMBERG

2/14/12

Sadara Chemical Co., a joint venture between Saudi Arabian Oil Co. and Dow Chemical Co., is awarding contracts for the construction of a petrochemical plant, said an official with KBR Inc., an adviser on the bidding.

Group Calls On Saudis to End Female Discrimination: ESPN

Associated Press | 2/15/12

A human rights group is calling on the International Olympic Committee to require that Saudi Arabia’s participation in Olympic sporting events, including the upcoming London Games, be contingent upon the Arab country allowing girls and women to play competitive sports.

Saudi Papers Backs Russian, Chinese Goods Boycott in Middle East: BLOOMBERG

Glen Carey and Mourad Haroutunian | 2/15/12

Two Saudi newspapers supported a boycott of Russian and Chinese products after the two countries vetoed a United Nations Security Council Resolution aiming to end the 11-month conflict in Syria.

Saudi Utility Gets $1.2 Billion Loan: CPI FINANCIAL

2/15/12

HSBC and Banque Saudi Fransi have helped arrange a $1.2 billion loan for Saudi utility company Marafiq, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

Saudi Pension Fund Buys Stake in Riyad Bank, Eqtisadiah Reports: BLOOMBERG

Glen Carey | 2/15/12

Saudi Arabia’s Public Pension Agency bought as much as 5.5 percent of Riyad Bank (RIBL) from the kingdom’s central bank, al-Eqtisadiah newspaper reported, without saying where it got the information.

Saudi to Launch Restaurant, Car Index: EMIRATES 24|7

2/16/12

Saudi Arabia is planning to launch a unique index for its restaurants, car shows and clothes shops to classify them as either good or bad, a move that will have a strong impact on customer demand, a newspaper said on Thursday.

Kingdom’s Desalination Output To Keep Rising: SAUDI GAZETTE

2/16/12

Saudi Arabia’s water sector is poised for a period of significant activity over the next year, as the government – under pressure to deliver better public services – implements a major spending program designed to ramp up access to water.

Saudi in Mohammed Twitter Row ‘Repents’: TELEGRAPH

2/15/12

A Saudi journalist awaiting interrogation over Tweets deemed insulting to Islam’s Prophet Mohammed insisted that he has repented, according to a relative.

Arab Spring Started With Saudi King’s Initiative to Find Peace in Region: Lebanese PM: AL ARABIYA

2/15/12

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the Arab Spring started in 2002 with the initiative launched by then Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. “In 2002, the Arab Summit was held in Beirut and the then Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz launched an initiative to ensure the prevalence of peace in the region,” Mikati told Al Arabiya’s Special Interview from the French capital Paris.  The initiative, Mikati explained, was meant to start a new era of Arab-Israeli peace, therefore setting the foundation for the Arab Spring.

Saudi Aramco to Re-Open Oldest Field to Tap Heavy Oil, EIU Says: BLOOMBERG

2/16/12

Saudi Arabian Oil Co. plans to re- open the Gulf kingdom’s oldest oil field and produce there for the first time in 30 years as the company boosts output of heavy crude, the Economist Intelligence Unit said.

India, Saudi to Ramp up Defence Cooperation: TIMES OF INDIA

2/16/12

India and Saudi Arabia plan to establish a joint committee to chalk out a roadmap for bolstering bilateral defence cooperation, ranging from stepped up high-level exchanges and warship visits to hydrography and training, as well as work out the details of a proposed defence pact.

Saudis Throw Their Money at Qualifier: SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Michael Cockerill | 2/16/12

Saudi Arabia are sparing no expense before their do-or-die World Cup qualifier against Australia this month, with Frank Rijkaard’s squad arriving in Melbourne tomorrow for a $500,000 training camp that will involve two matches against the New Zealand ”B” team.

BAHRAIN: UN CONCERNED ABOUT CLASHES REPORTED IN BAHRAIN

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he’s concerned about reported clashes between security forces and demonstrators in Bahrain in recent days, CBS News reports.

OPINION: IRAN IS READY TO TALK, SAYS DENNIS ROSS

“Today, Iran is more isolated than ever. The regional balance of power is shifting against Tehran, in no small part because of its ongoing support for the beleaguered government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. The Assad regime is failing, and in time, Iran will lose its only state ally in the Arab world and its conduit for arming the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon….The Obama administration has now created a situation in which diplomacy has a chance to succeed. It remains an open question whether it will,” Dennis Ross (NYT) writes.  INTERVIEW WITH HAARETZ: In an interview with Haaretz, Ross said, “These sanctions, Ross said, are the crippling sanctions Israel has called for, and can affect Iran’s behavior. When the Iranians feel they are under sufficient pressure, they look for a way to reduce it, Ross said, and right now they are under pressure they have not been under before. “It’s not an accident that suddenly they want to meet with the P5 +1,” Ross said, referring to the forum of five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany.”

ARAB SPRING: A YEAR AFTER THE EGYPTIAN REVOLUTION, 10% OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA DOCUMENTATION IS GONE.

The Egyptian revolution on the 25th of January 2011 was unlike any other revolution in history because of the role of social media. Several blogs, Storify entries, web pages, channels on YouTube where created to document the revolution. Several books were even published documenting the 18 days. All of these contributions were made by the public, not historians, utilizing the tools of web 2.0. As a result of all these contributions we have an enormous digital content including thousands of posts, tweets, images, videos and sound files narrating and documenting the revolution. Unfortunately, at the first anniversary of this revolution over 10%
of this digital content is already gone, WSDL (Blog) writes.

AFGHANISTAN: US AND AFGHANS IN TALIBAN TALKS

The U.S. and Afghan governments have begun secret three-way talks with the Taliban, Afghan President Hamid Karzai told The Wall Street Journal, disclosing an important breakthrough in efforts to end the 10-year war.

Mr. Karzai, whose government had protested being left out of recent talks between Washington and the insurgents, added he believes most Taliban are “definitively” interested in a peace settlement.

PAKISTAN: US MONITORS PAKISTAN’S CHOICE OF SPYMASTER

The succession question in Pakistan’s ISI has triggered barely a ripple in Pakistan’s normally boisterous media, with some pundits betting that the army will solve the dilemma by pushing for Lt Gen Pasha to stay on for a year. But the issue is being keenly watched by the Obama administration, which wants to convince the ISI to nudge its former Taliban protégés into talks to end the Afghan war, FT reports.

OPINION: WASHINGTON’S WAR IN YEMEN BACKFIRES

The taking of Zinjibar could be an indication that AQAP is effectively exploiting the growing power vacuum in Yemen. But what could be more dangerous is that support for AQAP’s agenda is indigenously spreading and merging with the mounting rage of powerful tribes at US counterterrorism policy and Washington’s years of support for the Saleh regime, writes Jeremy Scahill, in a feature for The Nation.

INTERVIEW: REPLACING MUBARAK; A DISCUSSION WITH AMR MOUSSA

Amr Moussa is nothing if not a political survivor. As he prepares to contend Egypt’s upcoming presidential election, he talks to Foreign Policy about his views toward Israel, the military’s role in politics, and Obama’s first term in office.

CULTURE: WIKIPEDIA LOOKS TO EXPAND ARABIC CONTENT VIA EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE

Wikipedia is looking to North Africa as the key to unlocking an audience that would increase the number of visitors to the online encyclopedia by millions. While the English version of Wikipedia has about 3.8m articles, the Arabic version has only about 150,000 – this despite the fact that Arabic is the fifth most common language in the world and has about 400 million speakers globally, the Guardian reports.

LIBYA: MILITAS THREATENING DEMOCRACY

Armed militias are threatening the security and stability of Libya, Amnesty International has warned, BBC reports.

EGYPT: MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD WILL BACK MILITARY IN DISPUTE OVER JAILED AMERICANS

Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood on Wednesday threw its weight behind the country’s military-backed government in an escalating dispute with the U.S. over the funding of pro-democracy groups, AP/Washington Post reports.

Saudi Arabia in a Post “Arab Spring” Environment: Obaid: SUSRIS

2/14/12

This week Nawaf Obaid, a senior fellow at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies based in Riyadh, circulated a Powerpoint presentation titled, “Saudi Arabia: the Kingdom in a Post “Arab Spring” Environment.” In an email he said the presentation reflected, “on Saudi Arabia’s standing at the beginning of 2012 after the ground breaking events that have changed forever the region last year. We hope that the assessment will serve to highlight the basic geo-political facts as they are seen from Riyadh to demonstrate the prevailing realities in the Arab World and the wider Middle East and how they will determine Saudi Arabia’s new national security doctrine as the Kingdom adopts to a new political emerging regional environment.”

KSA Budget for 2012 Devotes Billions to Education, Healthcare and Economic Growth: AL MONITOR

Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal (Pan Arab)  | 2/14/12

On January 26, 2011 Saudi Arabia announced its 2011 budget, the largest in its history, with plans to focus on future investments. The distinctive results of 2011 are a starting point for the 2012 budget. (Al-Monitor is a new service that translates articles written in Arabic).

Saudi Construction Projects At All Time High In 2011: EMIRATES 24|7

Nadim Kawach | 2/15/12

A surge in public spending to a record high in 2011 boosted the value of awarded construction projects in Saudi Arabia to an all time high and activity will remain strong through 2012, the Gulf kingdom’s largest bank said on Wednesday.

IEA Downgrades Saudi Arabia’s Output Capacity: FINANCIAL TIMES

Javier Blas | 2/14/12

The latest monthly report of the International Energy Agency contained the usual update on oil supply and demand numbers, but it also revealed a striking fact: the maximum production capacity of Saudi Arabia is lower than we thought.

$4.2 Billion: The Cost Of Bahrain-Saudi Railway: ALBAWABA

2/14/12

Private sector companies in Bahrain yesterday (February 14) opened talks with the government about a proposal to build a 90km railway link, expected to cost around $4.2 billion, between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Value Of Saudi Contracts Surged To SR270bn In 2011: ARAB NEWS

2/14/12

The continued surge in the value of awarded contracts during the fourth quarter of 2011, which reached SR93 billion, has led to a record setting year in 2011 on the back of heavy capital spending by the government.

Exclusive: Turkey Sticks With Iran Oil after Saudi Talks: REUTERS

Humeyra Pamuk and Evrim Ergin | 2/14/12

Turkey has no plans to cut its imports of Iranian oil, remaining a rare loyal customer of Tehran despite rising pressure from international sanctions and initial signals it may buy more Saudi oil, Turkish and Saudi sources told Reuters.

Dubai, Saudi Hotels Lead Region: GULF NEWS

2/14/12

Dubai Hotels in Dubai and Saudi Arabia outperformed other markets in the Middle East last year as they continued to improve revenues, occupancies and room rates, according to the Ernst & Young (E&Y) Middle East Hotel Benchmark Survey.

“Bahrain in 1938″ – Part 4 of Video Series “Distant Arabia”: ARAMCO EXPATS

2/13/12

We invite you to enjoy part 4 of the 12 part Distant Arabia video series courtesy of Selwa Press.

The majority of the film clips posted on the Selwa Video You Tube channel are comprised of films taken in Saudi Arabia between 1937 and 1940 by Tom Barger, Les Snyder and Jerry Harriss. They are among the few moving pictures that record that critical and brief moment in the country’s history when an ancient pastoral way of life was coming to an abrupt end, to be replaced by an industrial society.

Joint Team To Prepare Road Map For Saudi-India Defense Cooperation: ARAB NEWS

Ghazanfar Ali Khan  | 2/15/12

Saudi Arabia and India agreed on Tuesday to set up a joint panel that will be entrusted with the task of preparing a road map for defense cooperation and to work out details of a proposed defense pact to be signed later in Riyadh.

Saudi Marafiq Signs $1.2 Billion Islamic Loan Accord, SPA Says: BLOOMBERG

Mourad Haroutunian | 2/14/12

Saudi Arabia’s Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu, known as Marafiq, signed an agreement with local banks to obtain a 4.5 billion riyal ($1.2 billion) Islamic loan, the official Saudi Press agency reported, citing Chief Executive Officer Thamer al-Sharhan.

Three Saudi Hostages Freed By Houthis: YEMEN POST

2/14/12

The three Saudi nationals captured earlier this month by al-Houthi followers in the northern Yemeni province of Saddah, have been released on Monday, according to the Saudi Al-Watan Newspaper, which cited the Saudi ambassador in Yemen Ali al-Hamdan.

Saudi Analysts Warn Of Dire Consequences Of High Divorce Rate: AL ARABIYA

Khalid Alshayea  | 2/15/12

The divorce rate in Saudi Arabia increased by 35 percent in 2011 according to a recent social affairs ministry’s study, making the kingdom’s figure higher than the world average of between 18 to 22 percent.

IRAN: GOVERNMENT CLAIMS TWO STEPS TO NUCLEAR SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Iran claimed Wednesday that it has taken two major steps toward mastering the production of nuclear fuel, a defiant move in response to increasingly tough Western sanctions over its controversial nuclear program, CNN reports. STATE MEDIA SAYS IRAN TO CUT OIL TO EU: Iran struck back against a European oil embargo by cutting supplies to six European countries Wednesday as state media in Tehran said that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was being briefed “on new nuclear achievements” expected to be announced later in the day. The oil cutoff affects the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Portugal, NYT reports.

SYRIA: CRACKDOWN ON REBELS CONTINUES IN HOMS

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has scheduled a popular vote on a new constitution that would expand political pluralism but retain sweeping powers for the president, and seems unlikely to defuse the country’s rapidly escalating crisis, Liz Sly (Washington Post) reports.

EGYPT: THE ‘COLD SHOULDER’

As 16 U.S. citizens await trial in Egypt for accepting foreign financing to promote democracy, for the first time in more than 30 years there is a serious debate in Washington about whether to end the $1.3-billion annual military assistance to Cairo. There’s no debate in Egypt, however. More than 70% of Egyptians, according to a recent Gallup poll, no longer want U.S. funding, LAT writes.

CONSTITUTION ‘NOT REALLY ABOUT THE RELIGIOUS CLAUSES’: As Egypt’s parliament prepares to designate the drafters of a new constitution, the country is embarking on an unprecedented and difficult journey. This is not the first time a constitution has been written for Egypt but it is the first time so many Egyptians will be focused on writing one. Previous constitutions have been authored by small committees serving existing rulers; now a wide range of voices insist on being heard, Nathan Brown (The Guardian) writes.

UAE: AFGHAN CASH BUYERS TARGET LUXURY DUBAI PROPERTIES

Wealthy Afghans are pouring millions of dollars into the UAE property market, in the run up to NATO withdrawing from the country in two years time, Shane McGinley (Arabian Business) reports. According to a number of estate agents spoken to by Arabian Business, properties in the Palm are amongst the areas being targeted for cash deals. An estimated $8bn is believed to have been stashed away in Dubai by Afghan investors in recent years, according to experts.

OPINION: THE DILEMMAS OF ISRAELI POWER

Peter Beinart’s “The Crisis of Zionism” is an important new book that rejects the manipulation of Jewish victimhood in the name of Israel’s domination of the Palestinians and asserts that the real issue for Jews today is not the challenge of weakness but the demands of power….Threats persist, of course. The annihilationist strain in Palestinian ideology, present since 1948, has not disappeared. Arab anti-Semitism festers, although at least in Tunisia it’s being debated. Hezbollah and Hamas have their rockets and missiles. Iran has a stop-go nuclear program. Terrorists can strike in New Delhi or Tbilisi. Still, the greatest danger by far to Israel is that it will squander the opportunities of power or overreach militarily (Iran) through excess of victimhood, rather than that any imaginable coalition of its enemies will deliver a crippling blow, Roger Cohen (NYT) writes.

AFGHANISTAN: NATO EXPRESSES REGRET FOR AIRSTRIKE THAT KILLED 8 AFGHAN YOUTHS

The U.S.-led military coalition said Wednesday that it regrets the killing of eight civilians in a NATO airstrike this month in eastern Afghanistan. Civilian casualties have long been a source of friction between the U.S.-led international force and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who condemned the bombing and sent a delegation to the scene to investigate, Washington Post reports.

UNITED STATES: $800 MILLION IN AID TO ARAB SPRING

The White House announced plans on Monday to help “Arab Spring” countries swept by revolutions with more than $800 million in economic aid, while maintaining U.S. military aid to Egypt, Susan Cornwell (Reuters) reports.

GAZA: POWER PLANT STOPS DUE TO SMUGGLED FUEL SHORTAGE

The Gaza Strip’s only power station, which supplies the Palestinian enclave with up to two-thirds of its energy needs, was shut down on Tuesday because of a shortage of fuel smuggled in from neighbouring Egypt, Reuters reports.

Entrepreneurship: A Cornerstone Of Cooperation Between US And Saudi Arabia: ARAB NEWS

James Smith | 2/12/12

During my travels in Saudi Arabia, I have been impressed to see the way entrepreneurs are remaking the Saudi Arabian economy.

GCC Supplied Over 23% of Saudi 2011 Imports: EMIRATES 24|7

2/14/12

Saudi Arabia’s five partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) emerged among the largest exporters to the Gulf Kingdom in 2011, accounting for more than 23 per cent of its total imports of goods through letters of credit (LCs), a Saudi bank said on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia Halts Cement Exports to Meet Local Market Needs: BLOOMBERG

2/13/12

Saudi Arabia said it halted exports of cement and clinker to prevent shortages of the products and stabilize prices in the Arab world’s largest economy.

Syria Is Opportunity for Sunni Saudis to ‘Defang’ Shiite Iran: BUSINESSWEEK

2/14/12

Syrian unrest is giving Saudi Arabia an opportunity to weaken rival Shiite Iran, which has been closely allied with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Saudi Arabia is taking steps to force regime change in Syria, while seeking to thwart any Arab Spring contagion in Persian Gulf states. The Sunni monarchy, which tolerates little dissent at home, has joined with Qatar, another Gulf monarchy, in leading efforts to isolate Syria internationally.

Saudi Arabia’s Surprising About-Face on Climate Change: HUFFINGTON POST

2/13/12

Formal Saudi recognition of the need to get to grips with climate change is a major about-face. The speech signaled that the Saudis may be prepared to play a more progressive and less obstructionist role in the negotiations. And just last week we heard that Al-Sabban will be replaced by the well-respected Khalid Abuleif as the leading voice of Saudi Arabia at the climate negotiations.

KFUPM, From Jabal Al Dhahran To Pasadena’s JPL: ARAB NEWS

Abdulateef Al-Mulhim | 2/14/12

On Sept. 23, 1965, a group of 67 Saudi students became the nucleus of what would be the most influential educational institute in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This small educational institute used to be called the College of Petroleum and Minerals (CPM).

Saudi Fransi Capital Has Six IPOs in the Pipeline: GULF TIMES

Reuters | 2/13/12

Saudi Fransi Capital, the brokerage arm of Banque Saudi Fransi, has six initial public offerings in the pipeline, including three that might launch in the first half of the year, its chief executive said.

Saudi King Khalid Airport 2011 Passengers Rose 10%, SPA Reports: BLOOMBERG

Mourad Haroutunian | 2/13/12

The number of passengers travelling through Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh rose 10.2 percent in 2011 to 15.3 million, the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing Abdullah Al Tasan, the airport’s director-general.

Saudi Arabia Expecting 15.8 Million Tourists by 2014: ARABIAN BUSINESS

Claire Ferris-Lay | 2/14/12

The number of tourists heading to Saudi Arabia is expected to reach 15.8 million by 2014, up from around 13 million in 2010, according to international industry consultant Business Monitor International (BMI).

Scientists, Scholars to Redefine Halal: ARAB NEWS

2/14/12

Riyadh Gov. Prince Sattam inaugurated the first international conference on halal food and a related exhibition in the Saudi capital on Sunday.

Lawyers for Saudi Writer Turn Up Heat on Malaysian Officials: WALL STREET JOURNAL

Celine Fernandez | 2/14/12

A day after Malaysia deported a 23-year old Saudi Arabian journalist to face charges of insulting the Prophet Muhammad on Twitter, his Malaysia-based lawyers are hoping to keep the case alive in Malaysia’s courts, even though it’s unlikely to affect the journalist’s fate in his home country. Lawyers for Hamza Kashgari on Monday filed an application with Malaysia’s High Court asking judges to declare that the columnist’s arrest and detention by local authorities was unlawful. The application, which is expected to be heard Feb. 14, named as respondents Malaysia’s Minister of Home Affairs, the Inspector General of Police, and other government authorities. OPINION: THE PRICE OF TWEETING: It may very well be “micro-blogging”, but the recent global row over what were considered to be blasphemous tweets by Saudi columnist Hamza Kashgari have proven, yet again, how “macro” the impact of just 140 characters can be,” Faisal J Abbas (Huffington Post) writes.

The Saudi King’s Hypocrisy: WASHINGTON POST

Editorial | 2/13/12

It’s hard to top the bloody hypocrisy of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, but Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah is making a run at it. On Friday, the king delivered an angry speech denouncing the United Nations Security Council’s failure to act on Syria, where Saudi Arabia is supporting an Arab League plan for a “democratic transition” that would end the Assad regime. “The world is ruled by brains, by justice, by morals and by fairness,” he piously declared.

Gunfights in Saudi Oil Province Show Spread of Iran Tensions: BLOOMBERG

Glen Carey  | 2/14/12

Armored anti-riot vehicles cluster outside the police station in Awwamiya in Saudi Arabia’s oil- producing eastern region, where unrest is turning violent. SAUDI FORCES PROVOKED, SAY OFFICIALS: Demonstrators in a Shiite village in an eastern province in Saudi Arabia deliberately provoked security forces, the government said in a statement, UPI reports.

Ex-FBI Leader Joins Saudi Terror Suspect’s Defense: POLITICO

Josh Gerstein | 2/13/12

A former top-level FBI official has agreed to serve as an expert for the defense of a Saudi Arabian student accused of trying to assemble a bomb in Texas.

Arabs Own Seven Of World’s Top Ten Superyachts: ARABIAN BUSINESS

2/13/12

Arab owners have dominated the list of the word’s’ top superyachts, taking seven of the top ten rankings.

SYRIA: FORCES CONTINUE ATTACKS ON CIVILIAN OPPOSITION, ARABS MULL ARMS SUPPORT

Syrian government forces attacked opponents of President Bashar al-Assad in cities and towns across the country on Tuesday and Arab officials confirmed that regional governments would be ready to arm the resistance if the bloodshed did not cease, Reuters reports. UN WARNS OF CIVIL WAR: U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay warned on Monday that the Security Council’s failure to take action has emboldened the Syrian government to launch an all-out assault, CBS reports. OPINION: ASSAD’S PROSPECTS GROW ‘DIMMER BY THE DAY’: Syrian President Bashar Assad’s brutal regime may count on its Russian and Chinese apologists on the United Nations Security Council, and on Iranian friends who are lurking in the weeds. But its prospects of crushing the Arab Spring revolt against 40 years of Assad family rule grow dimmer by the day, an editorial in the Toronto Star writes.

ISRAEL: BANGKOK BLASTS PROMPT MORE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST IRAN

Israel ratcheted up security levels in public places and at key strategic targets on Tuesday, a day after accusing Iran of responsibility for twin bombing attempts aimed at Israeli embassy personnel in New Delhi and Tbilisi, Georgia, Washington Post reports.

IRAN: NEW NUCLEAR PROJECTS TO BE UNVEILED TOMORROW

Iran’s official news agency says that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will unveil new nuclear projects on Wednesday. IRNA did not say in its Tuesday report what the projects would be. But an independent news website that regularly reports on nuclear developments says the ceremonies are likely to include the formal inauguration of the underground Fordo uranium enrichment site in central Iran, and starting operations on two lines of centrifuges there. ATTACK ON FACILITIES ‘EASIER SAID THAN DONE’:  Despite renewed media speculation regarding possible Israeli attacks against Iran’s nuclear facilities as early as this spring, skepticism that such a campaign could actually be successfully carried out remains relatively high, raising the question of whether there is more bark than bite to Israeli threats, David Isenberg (IPS) writes.

BAHRAIN: DEMONSTRATORS ARRESTED ON ANNIVERSARY

Bahrain’s mostly Shiite Muslim opposition called on supporters to mark the first anniversary of their anti-government protests by heading to the former Pearl Roundabout, focus of last year’s rallies, Donna Abu-Nasr (Bloomberg) writes.

EU: RADICAL CLERIC FREE AS DEPORTATION TALKS CONTINUE

A radical cleric who poses a serious risk to the UK’s national security was free to walk the streets as talks continued to deport him as soon as possible, SMH reports.

PAKISTAN: US EMBASSY EMPLOYEE FREED AFTER BULLETS FOUND IN SUITCASE

A U.S. Embassy employee was released after being held for questioning in Pakistan on Tuesday when airport security officials discovered bullets in his luggage, police said, MSNBC reports.

Saudi Banks Profits At 5-Year High: EMIRATES 24|7

2/13/12

Saudi Arabia’s banks earned nearly SR30.9 billion in 2011 to net their highest income since 2006 as a result of a pick up in domestic credit and lower loan loss provisions, according to official data.

33% of Saudi Firms ‘Definitely Hiring In the Next 3 Months’: ARAB NEWS

2/13/12

The latest Job Index survey conducted by Bayt.com and YouGov has shown that Saudi Arabia’s hiring expectancy in the coming months is slightly lower than it was in the fourth quarter of 2011. Most jobs in the coming three months will be for junior executives in the private sector, with a preference for computer science, commerce and business management qualifications across the region.

Young Saudis Trained In Construction Trades: ARAB NEWS

Galal Fakkar | 2/13/12

Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal attended the graduation ceremony of the first batch of 300 Saudi youths who have completed training in various vocations in the construction industry such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters and technicians. Addressing the function at the headquarters of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the governor said this is a serious step toward establishing partnerships among various sections of the Saudi society for the development of Makkah province.

Hiring Female Shop Attendants in Saudi Raises Profits, Reduces Returns: AL ARABIYA

2/12/12

One month after responding to calls for hiring female shop attendants at women’s wear stores, Saudi investors in the field met to assess the outcome of the change. In a meeting held at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, Saudi businessmen working in women’s clothing found that replacing male shop attendants with female ones, especially in lingerie stores, has had many positive results, the Saudi newspaper al-Eqtisadiah reported.

Saudi Telecom Mobily Secures $2.7 Billion Shariah Compliant Refinancing Deal: WASHINGTON POST

Associated Press | 2/12/12

Saudi Arabian telecom firm Etihad Etisalat says it has secured a 10 billion riyal ($2.7 billion) Shariah-compliant loan from seven banks that allows its to consolidate several other loans into one.

Saudi Arabia Approves $5.6 Billion Expansion in Jubail, SPA Says: BLOOMBERG

Mourad Haroutunian | 2/12/12

Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu gave approval for companies to invest 21.2 billion riyals ($5.6 billion) in projects at Jubail Industrial City, the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing a signing ceremony.

Saudi Arabia expecting $ 187 billion revenue in 2012: GLOBAL ARAB NETWORK

2/13/12

Driven in part by state spending on infrastructure, housing and social development projects, Saudi Arabia’s economy is set for a year of solid growth. Longer-term predictions, however, are factoring in the uncertain state of the global economy.

Policing the Religious Police in Saudi Arabia: ARAB NEWS

Khalid Alnowaiser | 2/13/12

Recently, the Saudi government appointed a new president for the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice who is known to be a more open-minded and progressive thinker. However, the problem is not so much with the individuals on the commission but with the institution itself and how it operates.

Saudi Writer Wins Plagiarism Case against Prominent Cleric: AL AKHBAR ENGLISH

Mariam Abdallah | 2/12/12

A young female Saudi writer sued a prominent cleric for stealing her work and won, despite a campaign of defamation against her. Saudi female author Salwa Aededan won her lawsuit against prominent cleric Sheikh Ayad al-Qarni.

Malaysia Deports Saudi Journalist Accused Of Insulting Prophet On Twitter: WASHINGTON POST

2/12/12

Malaysian authorities on Sunday deported a young Saudi journalist accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad on Twitter, a police official said. The move came despite concerns from rights groups that he may be persecuted at home. SAUDI ARRESTS BLOGGER: Saudi Arabia’s authorities arrested blogger Hamza Kashghari at Riyadh’s international airport for criticizing Islam after being deported from Malaysia, Arab News reported, without saying where it got the information, Glen Carey (Bloomberg) reports. MALAYSIA DEFENDS DEPORTATION: Malaysia’s government on Monday defended its decision to deport a young Saudi journalist who may face persecution at home for allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad on Twitter, Boston Globe reports.

Saudi Arabia Awards $160 Million in Rebuilding Deals, SPA Says: BLOOMBERG

Mourad Haroutunian | 2/13/12

Saudi Arabia awarded contracts valued at 600 million riyals ($160 million) to rehabilitate areas affected during the 1991 Gulf War, the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing Prince Turki Bin Nasser Bin Abdulaziz, the president of the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment.

Foster Wheeler Awarded EPCm Contract for Propylene Oxide Unit in Saudi Arabia for Sadara Chemical Company: PRESS RELEASE

Foster Wheeler AG announced today that subsidiaries of its Global Engineering and Construction Group have been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCm) contract by Aramco Overseas Company B.V. (AOC), a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, and by Dow Europe Holding B.V. (Dow) for a propylene oxide (PO) unit at Jubail Industrial City in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Says Elements Are Firing on Awwamiya Forces: BLOOMBERG

Glen Carey | 2/12/12

Saudi Arabia blamed “a number of elements” for trying to provoke violence by firing on security forces in Awwamiya, a Shiite village in the nation’s eastern oil-producing region.

Saudi Arabia: How Long Will We Watch Syrian Massacres?:  ARAB NEWS

2/13/12

Arab foreign ministers agreed on Sunday to back the Syrian opposition and called for a joint UN-Arab peacekeeping mission in Syria, after their meeting in Cairo on Sunday.

Saudi Municipality Steps Up Restaurant Inspections: ARABIAN BUSINESS

Elizabeth Broomhall | 2/13/12

Authorities in the Saudi Arabian town of Yanbu are stepping up their inspections of local restaurants this year after detecting 45 cases of bacterial contamination in 2011, local media have reported.

SYRIA: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO THE ASSAD CLAN

Slate.com provides an illustrated guide to Syria’s “First Family,” and asks how long it can cling to power. ARAB LEAGUE SEEKS PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN SYRIA: The Arab League asked the United Nations Security Council on Sunday to send a peacekeeping mission to Syria, and it called on Arab nations to sever diplomatic relations with Damascus in an effort to pressure the government to end the violence there, Liam Stack and Neil Macfarquhar (NYT) report. VIDEO: SHOULD THE WEST INTERVENE?: On his show, GPS, Fareed Zakaria hosts three great guests to talk about whether or not the West should intervene in Syria. Fawaz Gerges joins from London. He is the director of the Middle East Study Center of the London School of Economics. Elliott Abrams was the Deputy National Security Advisor for President George W. Bush. He lives in D.C. And in Beirut, Rami Khouri runs the International Affairs Program at the American University. Here’s a link to the transcript of the discussion.

EGYPT: CONSERVATIVE PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL SAYS ISLAM ‘GIVES NO FREEDOM’

Egypt’s firebrand and controversial ultra-conservative presidential hopeful Hazem Saleh Abu Ismail said in a recent interview that Islam gives no guarantees of personal freedom, Joseph Mayton (BikyaMasr.com) reports. ARMY URGES GOOD US TIES: Egypt’s military ruler stressed the importance of good ties with the United States in a meeting with the government on Sunday, a message that could signal an attempt to ease a crisis triggered by an Egyptian probe targeting American democracy activists, Reuters reports.

IRAN: LESSONS FROM THE IRAN-IRAQ WAR

This policy brief seeks to contribute to and inform the debate concerning a possible attack by the United States and/or Israel on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. The presumed aim of such an attack would be to weaken the Islamic Republic, particularly by hindering its ability to build a nuclear weapon. However, the history of the Iraqi invasion of Iran in September 1980 calls into question the contention that an attack will weaken the regime in Tehran, writes Annie Tracy Samuel (Muftah.org). PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER SENTENCED: An Iranian news agency says President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s former press adviser has been sentenced to six months in jail, AP/NPR reports.

ISRAEL: BOMBS TARGET EMBASSIES ABROAD

Bombers targeted staff at Israel’s embassies in India and Georgia on Monday, wounding four people, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of involvement, Dan Williams (Reuters) reports.

PAKISTAN: SUPREME COURT INDICTS PRIME MINISTER FOR CONTEMPT

The Pakistani Supreme Court on Monday indicted Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for contempt after his steadfast refusal to revive old corruption cases against the country’s president, CNN reports.

EUROPE: MAN HELD AFTER THREAT ON AMSTERDAM AIRPORT

A major disruption at Amsterdam’s busy Schiphol Airport ended Monday after military police arrested a man who had locked himself in a toilet, claiming to have a bomb, officials said, AP reports.

AFGHANISTAN: SENIOR AFGHAN TALIBAN LEADER, MULLAH OBAIDULLAH, IS DEAD

The Afghan Taliban have announced the death of one of their most senior former leaders, Mullah Obaidullah. He served as defence minister in the Taliban government before its overthrow in 2001 and as a prominent military commander afterwards, BBC reports. IN AFGHANISTAN, A SOVIET PAST LIES IN RUINS: Kabul holds many glimpses of its Soviet past hidden in plain sight around its jumbled hillsides: a polytechnic school built in the 1960s, when the Soviet Union and the United States jostled for cold war influence in Afghanistan by building big infrastructure projects; or a car factory expanded after 1979, when the Soviet Army marched in to wrench this nation more forcefully into the Kremlin’s sphere of power and way of thinking, Graham Bowley (NYT) reports.

ASIA: BALI BOMBING SUSPECT STANDS TRIAL

The top remaining suspect in the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings went on trial today, more than a decade after the attacks brought international attention to Jemaah Islamiyah, a previously overlooked Al Qaeda-linked group operating in Southeast Asia, CSM reports.

Jobs for Saudis Is Key for Economy, Says IMF: ARABIAN BUSINESS

Andy Sambidge | 2/10/12

The creation of new jobs for Saudi nationals in a growing private sector is the key for the kingdom’s economy in the future, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund has said. Following a visit to Saudi Arabia, Christine Lagarde said job creation and access to housing were “clear priorities” for the country.

Saudi Nets About $2.5trn From Oil Sales In 42 Years: EMIRATES 24|7

2/9/12

Saudi Arabia has netted a whopping sum of nearly $2.5 trillion from oil exports over the past 42 years and more than half of the income has been earned in the past 11 years, according to official data. 1 MILLION BARRELS TO S. KOREA: Saudi Arabia is exporting more than one million barrels a day of crude oil to South Korea, Riyadh newspaper reported, citing S-Oil Corp’s Chief Executive Officer Ahmed A. Subaey, Bloomberg reports. SAUDI TO SUPPLY FULL MARCH CRUDE TO ASIA: Saudi Arabia, the world’s top crude exporter, will supply full contracted volumes of crude oil in March to at least one Asian term buyer, unchanged from February, an industry source familiar with the matter said on Friday, Reuters reports.

Report: Saudi Arabia To Acquire Nuclear Weapons If Iran Tests Bomb: GLOBAL POST

2/10/12

If Iran tests a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia plans to acquire nuclear weapons and begin its own enrichment program “within weeks,” a report said.

Malaysia Detains Saudi Over Twitter Posts on Prophet: NEW YORK TIMES

Liz Gooch and J. David Goodman | 2/10/12

A Saudi Arabian writer who flew to Malaysia amid calls for him to be executed after he posted Twitter messages considered insulting to the Prophet Muhammad will likely be repatriated, Malaysian authorities said Friday.

Saudi Telecom Eyes Global Top 10 Status: ARABIAN BUSINESS

Andy Sambidge | 2/10/12

Saudi Telecom Company has announced that it has now surpassed 160 million customers across its operations in 11 countries.

Three Saudi Nationals Kidnapped in Yemen: YEMEN POST

2/10/12

The Saada-based Houthi group has kidnapped three Saudis while they were crossing the restive governorate of Aljawf located in the Saudi-Yemen borders, a Saudi newspaper, Alwatan said on Thursday. The newspaper affirmed that the Saudis were interrupted in a checkpoint set by the Houthi group and were transferred to Saada governorate.

Only 38 Percent Of Saudis Own Houses: ARAB NEWS

2/10/12

There are strong indications that commercial banks will increase their real estate financing this year. Last year, banks offered Saudi citizens housing loans amounting to more than SR6 billion, business daily Al-Eqtisadiah reported Wednesday, quoting banking sources.

Saudi Arabia Enters Solar Manufacturing – Polysilicon: SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

2/10/12

Saudi Arabia is getting into solar manufacturing by setting up a plant to produce the key material for conventional solar panels – polysilicon.

Saudi Investing $1.2b: MANILA BULLETIN

2/10/12

A Saudi Arabian agro-industrial firm is investing $1.2 billion to cultivate an initial 2,000 hectares of idle lands in Maguindanao for the production of banana and root crops that are highly in demand in their oil-rich nation.

Police Kill Protester In Eastern Saudi Arabia-Activists: REUTERS

2/10/12

Saudi security forces shot and killed one protester and wounded at least six others when they opened fire on a march in the oil-producing Eastern Province, home to a large Shi’ite minority, activists said on Friday.

In Morocco and Saudi Arabia, Limits Seen to Speech on Social Media: NEW YORK TIMES

J. David Goodman | 2/9/12

Morocco and Saudi Arabia, two kingdoms that have survived the Arab Spring’s revolutionary wave, remain prickly when it comes to unwelcome speech on social media.

Saudi Fund to Help Finance Congo Republic-Cameroon Road Project: BLOOMBERG

2/9/12

The Saudi Fund for Development will provide as much as 5 billion CFA francs ($10.1 million) of funding for a road linking the Congo Republic town of Ouesso with Sangelima in neighboring Cameroon, Congo’s government said.

Saudis To Honor 100 For Returning Artifacts: PITTSBURGH LIVE

Jennifer Reeger | 2/10/12

More than four decades ago, while on a picnic with fellow oil company employees near a fishing village in Saudi Arabia, Bob Ackerman reached down to scratch the sand, and his fingers grazed the bottom of a clay pot.

IRAN: SIGNS BUILD THAT IRAN SANCTIONS DISRUPT FOOD IMPORTS

More evidence emerged of the crippling impact of new sanctions on Iran, with international traders saying Tehran is having trouble buying rice, cooking oil and other staples to feed its 74 million people weeks before an election, Reuters reports. STEEL IMPORTS COLLAPSE: Steel exports to Iran, one of the world’s top importers of billet used in construction, are grinding to a halt as crippling U.S.-led sanctions have left local buyers without access to major currencies, traders said, Reuters reports.

SYRIA: BLASTS HIT SECURITY HQ AS VIOLENCE ESCALATES

Two explosions struck security compounds in the Syrian city of Aleppo on Friday, killing 25 people and wounding 175, state media reported, in a major city that has largely stood by President Bashar Assad in the nearly 11-month-old uprising against his rule, AP reports.  WHY RUSSIA SUPPORTS ASSAD: The Russian mediation might have had a chance if Lavrov and Fradkov had come to Damascus last summer, or even last fall, and kept coming in an exercise of shuttle diplomacy. Given Russia’s role as Syria’s traditional backer and arms supplier, Moscow might have been more successful as a peacemaker than Ankara. Today, Lavrov and Fradkov’s mission looks more like a face-saving gesture, writes Dmitri Trenin (NYT).

Russia’s stance on Syria is often explained in terms of Syria’s importance to Moscow. It is true that Syria is positioned in the strategic heart of the Middle East, and that Moscow’s links to the Assad family go back four decades. WEST ‘RELUCTANTLY’ WEIGHS MILITARY OPTION: After diplomatic efforts at the UN failed Saturday, there is a growing consensus that supporting the rebel Free Syrian Army may be the only way to break the stalemate between Assad and his opponents, CSM reports.  HAGUE: NO PLANS TO ARM SYRIA REBELS: Britain has no plans to arm Syrian rebels trying to overthrow President Bashar Assad, the Foreign Secretary has said, News Republic reports.

EGYPT: NGO WORKERS FACE UP TO 5 YEARS IN PRISON

Two Egyptian judges laid out their case today against 43 foreign NGO workers, including at least 16 Americans, saying the civil society organizations they worked for were trying to influence politics in Egypt and deliberately worked illegally in the country. The accused face criminal charges and as much as five years in prison, the judges said, CSM reports. MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD DEMANDS MILITARY CEDE POWER IN EGYPT: The Muslim Brotherhood demanded Thursday that Egypt’s military rulers cede control of the government, stepping closer to a long-anticipated confrontation between the ruling generals and the Islamist-dominated Parliament, David D Kirkpatrick (NYT) reports.

JORDAN: DEMONSTRATIONS WHISPER OF AN ARAB SPRING IN JORDAN

When the Arab Spring began, Jordan initially appeared vulnerable to the protests that were roiling other nations and toppling their long-serving dictators. With none of the resources of its wealthy neighbors on the Persian Gulf, Jordan struggles with rising energy costs, a water shortage, social strains and an official unemployment rate of around 12 percent — with unofficial estimates of at least double that, NYT reports.

EUROPE: ISLAMIC EXTREMIST CONVICTED OF MURDER IN ATTACK ON US AIRMEN IN GERMANY, SENTENCED TO LIFE

An Islamic extremist who killed two U.S. airmen bound for Afghanistan at Frankfurt airport last year and injured two others was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison on Friday, AP reports.

AFGHANISTAN: NATO INVESTIGATES CIVILIAN DEATHS

NATO is investigating a report by Afghan authorities that an airstrike by coalition forces killed eight children in Kapisa province this week, it said Friday, CNN reports.

ANALYSIS: HOW TO SET SYRIA FREE

The rebels in Homs have guns, but they are no match for the army’s tanks. And yet the butchery seems only to fire the conviction among the city’s inhabitants that state violence must not prevail against the popular will. The outside world, to its shame, has shown no such resolve. A vote on February 4th, in the UN Security Council, condemning Syria’s president, Bashar Assad, and calling on him to hand powers to his deputy, was defeated thanks to vetoes from Russia and China. For Mr. Assad, this was the impunity he needed to redouble the killing. Earlier a ramshackle mission to Syria by the Arab League had ended in bickering. Division has eviscerated international co-operation just when the turmoil whipped up by the Arab spring makes it essential. The people of Syria deserve better, the Economist writes.

Saudi Sukuk Success Boosts Bond Hopes: FINANCIAL TIMES

Tom Gara and Simeon Kerr | 2/8/12

Bankers expect a bumper year of bond sales in Saudi Arabia following the success of the country’s first sovereign-guaranteed sukuk in January. The 15bn riyal ($4bn) Islamic instrument, issued to finance the expansion of Jeddah’s international airport, was the largest single-tranche sukuk yet, says HSBC, which led the issuance. It was sold at a profit rate of 2.5 per cent and was 3.5 times oversubscribed.

Saudi Pumped Almost 10m Bpd In January: AME INFO

2/8/12

Saudi Arabia has produced some 9.87 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil in January, up by around 70,000 bpd from December’s daily average, Reuters has reported, citing an industry source familiar with the matter. “Demand continues to remain strong from Asia,” said the source. In December, Saudi Arabia produced around 9.8 million bpd, of which around 7.5 million was exported.

Saudi Director General at IMA voted ‘Arab Woman of the Year’: SAUDI GAZETTE

2/9/12

Saudi Director-General at the Arab World Institute, Mona Khazindar, has been elected “Woman of the Year 2012” by the Arab Women’s Forum, winning out over several prominent Arab women who have made the headlines in the past 12 months.

Is The West United With Its Gulf Allies Over Syria?: BBC NEWS

Mark Urban | 2/8/12

In the aftermath of the failed UN vote, the countries of the Saudi Arabian led Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have expelled Syrian diplomatic missions, and there is credible talk that leading members of that alliance intend to step up arms supplies to the Free Syrian Army. But do the UK and France, who have been vocal in support of the same Arab countries, share the same objectives? SYRIA: THE NEXUS OF REGIONAL POWER STRUGGLE: Recent, though futile, efforts to resolve the crisis in Syria have demonstrated the absence of leadership from global powers such as the U.S. and likely set the stage for possible contagion. The unwillingness of the major powers to intervene in crises such as in Syria — a marker of what Eurasia Group has called the G-Zero World — has allowed regional players to step into the breach, notably Qatar via the Arab League. But the League’s efforts have also exposed a regional power vacuum and tensions among Middle East nations that could potentially escalate into a proxy war in Syria, Ayham Kamel (Foreign Policy) writes. ALWALEED SAYS SYRIA MAY HAVE REACHED POINT OF NO RETURN: Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal said Syria may have reached a “point of no return” and criticized the blocking of a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a political transition, Tamara Walid (BusinessWeek) reports.

Saudi Plans New Oil Power Plant: EMIRATES 24|7

Reuters | 2/9/12

State-controlled Saudi Electricity Co plans to build a new oil fired power plant in Jeddah over the next four years, two industry sources said on Wednesday. The 2,400-megawatt (MW), heavy fuel oil burning plant is expected to be completed by 2016 and will be called Jeddah South, an industry source said.

S-Oil Inks 20-Yr Deal With Aramco To Secure Oil Supplies: REUTERS

2/8/12

S-Oil said on Thursday it signed a 20-year contract to buy crude from Saudi Arabia as South Korea seeks to secure supplies and reduce dependence on Iran under pressure from the United States to halt doing business with the Islamic Republic.

Twitter Aflame With Fatwa Against Saudi Writer Hamza Kashgari: THE DAILY BEAST

2/8/12

A young Saudi blogger’s tweets about the Prophet Muhammad have inflamed Islamists, who are calling for his execution. Mike Giglio exclusively interviews Hamza Kashgari.

Saudi Cement Rises On Bullish Prospects: STEEL GURU

2/9/12

Saudi Cement Company rose to the highest in more than 3 years after the producer of the building material said cement companies are in talks to sell as much as 600,000 tonnes of extra clinker supplies.

UAE, Saudi Oil To Make Up For Shortfall: GULF NEWS

2/9/12

Iran’s oil industry was under renewed pressure last night as both the UAE and Saudi Arabia signaled that they planned to increase supply to Tehran’s key buyers of crude.

Saudi Fund to Help Finance Congo Republic-Cameroon Road Project: BLOOMBERG

2/9/12

The Saudi Fund for Development will provide as much as 5 billion CFA francs ($10.1 million) of funding for a road linking the Congo Republic town of Ouesso with Sangelima in neighboring Cameroon, Congo’s government said.

Saudi Prince Who Funded Harvard Program Visits: HAVARD CRIMSON

Michelle M. Hu And Justin C. Worland | 2/8/12

Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud of Saudi Arabia—who donated $20 million to create the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Islamic Studies Program at Harvard in 2005—discussed the future of the Middle East at a panel on Wednesday.

Saudi, Bahraini Kings Discuss Improving Gulf Unity, BNA Reports: BLOOMBERG

2/8/12

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa discussed with his Saudi counterpart today ways to implement a plan to make the Gulf Cooperation Council a united entity, state-run Bahrain News Agency said.

“May 1st, 1939″ – Part 3 of Video Series “Distant Arabia”: ARAMCO EXPATS

Six years after the oil concession was signed the first tanker load of oil was shipped at Ras Tanura on this date. King Abdul Aziz ibn Saud arrived to celebrate the occasion. The tanker D.G. Scofield awaits offshore. At 0:53 Crown Prince Saud arrives. At 1:37 various bodyguards of the royal retinue collect near the pier. At 2:57 Emir Hamad bin Khalifa of Bahrain arrives. At 3:00 King Abdul Aziz arrives at the pump house. At 3:12 in the company of Floyd Oligher, Aramco’s General Manager, the King tours the tank yard. At 3:35 Ibn Saud is smiling with great satisfaction at the success of a venture many years in the making. At the pump house, beginning at 4:50 the king turns the valve that sends the oil to the tanker. 5:11 the King and Shaikh Hamd leave the ceremony, Crown Prince Saud behind them. Saudi Arabia’s future has begun.

ISRAEL: ISRAEL IS FUNDING TERROR GROUPS IN IRAN

US officials say the assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists have been carried out by an Iranian opposition group with logistical and financial support from the Mossad, NBC News reported Thursday, JPost reports. The report was based on a testimony by one of Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s senior advisers who detailed the intimate relationship between Israel and the opposition group MEK, which “two senior US officials” confirmed as accurate. US AND ISRAEL ARE SPLIT ON IRAN THREAT: Amid mounting tensions over whether Israel will carry out a military strike against Iran’s nuclear program, the United States and Israel remain at odds over a fundamental question: whether Iran’s crucial nuclear facilities are about to become impregnable, NYT reports.

SYRIA: SHELLS TARGET SYRIAN FLASHPOINT CITY

Syrian rights activists say government forces have continued their assault on the central city of Homs, killing at least 24 people in an escalated wave of violence against an 11-month opposition uprising, VOA reports. ‘APALLING BRUTALITY’: Baba Amr has been blasted by the fiercest shelling with entire areas destroyed in an apparent bid by the regime to pave the way for a tank-backed ground assault, ABC reports. UN-ARAB OBSERVER MISSION?: As violence in Syria reportedly raged anew on Thursday, the United Nations and the Arab League were considering sending a joint observer mission to the war-ravaged Middle Eastern nation, LAT reports.

EGYPT: US SENATORS TO VISIT FOR TALKS

John McCain has said he will join a group of senators travelling to Egypt as early as next week after the State Department expressed frustration over charges against American pro-democracy workers, SMH reports.

BAHRAIN: US ENVOY URGES RENEWED CRISIS TALKS

The U.S. State Department’s top human rights envoy is urging Bahrain’s Sunni monarchy and Shiite-led opposition to resume talks aimed at ending yearlong unrest in the strategic Gulf nation, Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.

AFGHANISTAN: US, UK SET FOR EXIT IN 2014

Both the UK and US remain committed to a timetable for withdrawal of combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, the Foreign Secretary has told MPs, Google News/Press Assn reports.

YEMEN: TWO KILLED IN DEMONSTRATION

Yemeni security forces shot dead two southern Yemeni activists during a demonstration Thursday in Daleh against presidential elections to be held later this month, witnesses and activists said, AFP reports.

IRAN: SEABORNE TRADE SUFFERS AS PRESSURE FROM SANCTIONS MOUNTS

Iran’s seaborne trade is withering as sanctions are stepped up against the Islamic Republic, freezing bank finance and deterring many international trade and shipping companies from getting involved in deals, industry sources say, Reuters reports.

U.S. Exports to Saudi Arabia: Opportunities in the Energy Sector?: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES

2/7/12

Saudi Arabia has one of the highest per capita energy consumption (mostly for air conditioning and distilling potable water) in the world; it is four times the global average and continues to outstrip supply, growing at an average rate of eight to nine percent annually. During peak demand times, the government-controlled Saudi Electric Company even limits usage in some regions, according to the ITA.

Saudi Finance Minister Pledges Support for Smes: CONSTRUCTION WEEK ONLINE

2/8/12

KSA’s minister of finance Ibrahim Al-Assaf has pledged more support for small and medium enterprises as the nation embarks on its largest ever round of public and social spending. SAUDI INITIATIVE CREATES 50,000 JOBS FOR YOUTH: Juman al-Tamimi (Gulf News) reports that a record 50,000 job opportunities were provided to Saudi youth last year under an initiative established by a prominent businessman.

Dip in Iran’s oil supply gets China to buy from Saudi, Russia: FIRSTPOST

2/8/12

China is scouring the world for alternative oil supplies to replace a fall in its imports from Iran, as it seeks to negotiate lower prices from Tehran, and has been drawing heavily on Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabian Ambassadors to America in Context: SUSRIS

2/6/12

The three most recent Saudi Arabian Ambassadors to the United States — Prince Bandar bin Sultan (1983-2005), Prince Turki bin Faisal (2005-2007), and Adel al-Jubeir (2007-Present) — have each faced the common challenge of representing his King and government to the American government and the American public. However, each has done so in the context of differing circumstances as the status of the American-Saudi relationship has passed through peaks and valleys that some have described as like a marriage — not always harmonious but the partners always stick it out.

Best Western debuts in Saudi Arabia: TRADE ARABIA

2/8/12

Best Western International, the world’s largest hotel chain, has continued its Middle Eastern expansion with the launch of its first hotel in Saudi Arabia. The new Best Western Plus Sand Rose Suite Hotel in Al Khobar features 48 rooms and suites, and a range of facilities to excite both business travelers and family groups.

Saudi Business Mood Recedes in Q1: EMIRATES 24|7

2/8/12

The global downturn and a decision by Saudi Arabia to cut oil output through 2012 to give way to recovering production in Libya have dampened the business mood in Saudi Arabia although it remains robust.

Saudi Firm in Deal to Build $1bn Solar Project: TRADE ARABIA

2/8/12

Saudi-based Idea Polysilicon Company (IPC), a top integrated polysilicon and solar wafers firm, has signed an agreement with Germany’s Centrotherm Photovoltaic to help develop its SR4 billion ($1.06 billion) industrial complex in Yanbu.

N2V Invests in Saudi Gaming Platform GameTako: WAMDA

2/8/12

Investment and incubation platform N2V announced investment in Saudi gaming portal GameTako yesterday, in move designed to boost the creation of high-quality Arabic games.

S. Korea, Saudi Arabia Agree To Boost Defense Cooperation: YONHAP NEWS AGENCY

Chang Jae-soon | 2/8/12

South Korea and Saudi Arabia agreed Wednesday to significantly bolster their defense cooperation to elevate relations in non-economic sectors to match those of their prospering business ties, an official said Wednesday.

Saudi Writer Hamza Kashgari Flees Country after Controversy on Twitter: SAUDI JEANS

2/8/12

Hamza Kashgari, young Saudi writer, caused a firestorm when he posted a series of tweets on the birthday of Prophet Mohammad last week. Saudi users on Twitter erupted with outrage, posting nearly 30,000 tweets on the topic in less than 24 hours. Many people believed that he insulted the Prophet by addressing him and speaking about him like that.

October Trial Set In NY Saudi Ambassador Plot Case: WALL STREET JOURNAL

2/7/12

A judge on Tuesday scheduled an October trial for a man charged with plotting to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States, saying it would be unfair to everyone involved to let the case drag out.

Saudi Arabia’s Sabic in Talks on Trinidad Methanol Venture: BLOOMBERG

Ayesha Daya | 2/8/12

Saudi Basic Industries Corp., the world’s largest petrochemicals producer, is in talks over a potential methanol plant venture in Trinidad and Tobago, according to Chief Financial Officer Mutlaq al-Morished. Talks are being conducted under a confidentiality agreement, al-Morished said today at a conference in Dubai, without giving any further details.

Saudi Arabian Students Studying At Virginia Tech: WDBJ7

2/7/12

15 gifted students from Saudi Arabia have left their desert kingdom for Blacksburg.

Saudi Qaeda Leader Sentenced To Death In Iraq: KHALEEJ TIMES

2/7/12

Iraq has sentenced to death a Saudi man who was an Al-Qaeda leader in northern Iraq, the Higher Judicial Council said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Book Review: The Ruins of Us by Keija Parssinen: SEATTLE PI

2/7/12

The Ruins of Us by Keija Parssinen is a fictional book set in Saudi Arabia. The book is a character study of marriage in the midst of a culture clash.

SYRIA: EU THREATENS NEW SANCTIONS

The European Union will impose harsher sanctions on Syria, a senior EU official said Wednesday, as Russia tried to broker talks between the vice president and the opposition to calm violence. Activists reported at least 50 killed in military assaults targeting government opponents, AP reports. VIOLENCE ‘INTOLERABLE,’ TURKEY CALLS FOR BROAD COALITION: Syria’s violence is heading toward an “intolerable point,” Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said, as he called for an international coalition to stop President Bashar al-Assad’s deadly crackdown, Emre Parker (Bloomberg) writes. RUSSIA PUSHES DIPLOMACY: Fresh from talks with President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Russia’s foreign minister announced on Wednesday that Syria’s vice president would seek to open talks with opposition forces in the country and called on Western and Arab leaders to support such efforts, NYT reports. OPINION: SHOULD REBELS PUT DOWN THEIR GUNS? “It is remarkable how quickly we’ve forgotten about nonviolence in Syria. Only a few months ago, the White House was testifying unequivocally in favor of nonviolent protest, rather than armed opposition, against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his regime’s awful crackdown. Even today, President Obama eschews military intervention. Yesterday, Yahoo News’ Laura Rozen offered the views of four experts on moving forward in Syria. While one doubted the efficacy of arming the opposition, none advocated nonviolence. When blogger Jasmin Ramsey wrote up a rundown of the debate over intervention in Syria, nonviolence wasn’t even mentioned,” Daniel Serwer (Atlantic) writes.

UK: CASE IN BRITAIN ECHOES DILEMMA AT GITMO

A legal case in Britain involving a radical cleric has raised new questions about whether authorities can hold a suspected terrorist forever. An immigration judge ruled Monday that a longtime terrorism suspect and detainee in the U.K. should be released on bail, NPR reports.

AFGHANISTAN: CONFLICTING REPORTS ON AFGHAN ARMY READINESS

We’re going to be hearing more in the coming weeks and months about how the Afghan army is increasingly ready to shoulder more of the burden of defending its nation from the Taliban. But there’s a Marine assessment from last fall now floating around, and it gives the ground truth a good scrub, Mark Thompson (Time) writes.  SPECIAL OPS: First in and last out — that’s the current plan for elite U.S. forces in Afghanistan, according to Adm. Bill McRaven, the AP reports.

EGYPT: JUDGES OUTLINE CASE AGAINST AMERICANS

Egyptian judges say the evidence collected in the case against 19 Americans referred to court for their alleged involvement in banned political activity through nonprofit groups includes maps, cash and videos taken of churches and military facilities, AP reports. EGYPT ‘WILL NOT BE SWAYED BY AID:’ Egypt said on Wednesday it would not be swayed by threats to aid when investigating foreign-funded pro-democracy groups and NGOs, a case that has prompted Washington to warn that U.S. military support worth $1.3 billion a year may be in jeopardy, Reuters reports.

PAKISTAN: TALKS HELD WITH NATO ON BORDER

Pakistani military and NATO officials are holding talks on border security after last November’s cross-border coalition attack that killed 24 Pakistani troops.
That attack brought relations between the United States and Pakistan to a new low and prompted Pakistan to block NATO supply routes into Afghanistan, VOA reports.

ISRAEL: NETANYAHU SAYS PALESTINIANS HAVE ‘NOT CHOSEN PEACE’

Palestinians have decided not to embrace the path of peace, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Wednesday at a ceremony marking the 63rd anniversary of the Knesset, JPost reports.

At the U.S-Saudi Business Opportunities Forum held in Atlanta in December the Saudi delegation included many highly qualified women. Their contributions to the Forum and to the community outreach effort were noted by Ms. Samar Fatany who wrote in Arab News, “The participation by highly competent and professional Saudi women certainly contributed to the success of the US Saudi Business Opportunities Forum,” adding, “Not many people outside our borders are aware of the existence of exceptional women in Saudi Arabia so the presence of such qualified women was a great surprise to a lot of attendees at the forum.” One such exceptional woman delegate was Ms. Samra Al-Kuwaiz, Managing Director of Osool Capital, regarded as among the most influential women in the Middle East financial industry. SUSRIS had an opportunity to talk with Ms Al-Kuwaiz and will provide that exclusive interview in a separate item. Today we have for your consideration her presentation to the Forum as the keynote speaker at the December 7, 2011 luncheon.

Two Holy Mosques Will See Projects worth SR2 Billion This Year: ARAB NEWS

2/7/12

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah will implement a number of projects valued at over SR2 billion at the two holy mosques during the current financial year. Muhammad bin Nasser Al-Khozaim, deputy head of the presidency, said a total of SR1.76 billion has been earmarked for the implementation of various maintenance, operation and cleaning contracts at the Grand Mosque.

Saudi Fin Min: Too Early To Offer IMF Contribution: REUTERS

2/7/12

Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister Ibrahim Alassaf said on Tuesday that it was too early for his country to offer a fresh financial contribution to the International Monetary Fund. IMF LAUDS SAUDI ROLE IN STABLE ECONOMY: The head of the International Monetary Fund has hailed Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting the world economy, following meetings with the country’s king and top finance officials, AP/Bloomberg reports.

Gulf States Recalling Ambassadors in Syria: REUTERS

2/7/12

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, current head of the council, announces that the GCC states have decided to withdraw all their ambassadors from Syria and also demand that all ambassadors of the Syrian regime in its lands leave immediately,” said the six-member council, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Saudis Risk Iranian Anger Over Crude Flow: FINANCIAL TIMES

Javier Blas | 2/7/12

Saudi Arabia has started to supply small quantities of extra crude oil to several European countries that have begun to reduce their purchases of Iranian crude, a move that would put Riyadh on collision course with Tehran.

BRJ Created 19,771 Jobs in Four Countries in 2011: ARAB NEWS

2/6/12

Bab Rizq Jameel (BRJ), an initiative of ALJ Community Initiatives (ALJCI), created 19,771 jobs through its international branches in Egypt, Syria, Turkey and Morocco in 2011.

This is in addition to the 40,000 job opportunities BRJ created in Saudi Arabia during the same year.

Saudi Arabian Power Demand Is Growing by 8% a Year, SPA Reports: BLOOMBERG

Mourad Haroutunian | 2/6/12

Saudi Arabia’s electricity demand is growing by 8 percent a year, the official Saudi Press Agency reported, citing Mohammed Ibn Ibrahim Al-Suwaiyel, the president of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.

Saudi Petrochemicals Manufacturers Form Committee to Counter Anti-Dumping Duties: PLATTS

2/7/12

Saudi Arabia’s petrochemicals manufacturers have formed a 15-member organization called Saudi Committee of Petrochemical Manufacturers in the wake of growing number of anti-dumping cases against the country’s petrochemical producers, an industry source said Tuesday.

Johnstown Company Finding Success Overseas: DAILY AMERICAN

2/6/12

Three years ago Somerset native Eileen Melvin, president of UMF Medical in Richland Township, never dreamed she would be donning an abaya, the robe-like dress worn by some women in parts of the Islamic world. On a trade mission to Saudi Arabia, however, Melvin did just that, after using Pennsylvania’s State Export Program funded by the Office of International Business.

Arbabsiar in Talks for ‘Disposition’ Of Saudi Ambassador Bomb-Plot Case: BLOOMBERG

Patricia Hurtado | 2/6/12

A lawyer for the Iranian-American car salesman accused of plotting to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the U.S. lost a bid for a delay in the case to discuss a possible resolution.

Saudi Arabia Most Risky of Emerging Economies, Maplecroft Says: BLOOMBERG

Ayesha Daya | 2/7/12

Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest crude exporter, has the most uncertain political environment of 15 major growth economies including China and Russia, according to the founder of risk-assessment consultants Maplecroft.

Students Abroad Want Child Care Allowance Hiked: SAUDI GAZETTE

Doha Ghouth | 2/6/12

Saudi students in the United States are calling on the government to increase their allowances for child daycare and other expenses.

Saudi Arabia Will Not Let Oil Go Above $100: Prince: CNBC

Margo D. Beller | 2/6/12

An “element of fear” is playing into the price of oil despite higher supply and decreasing demand, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal al Saud told CNBC Monday.

SYRIA: AFTER CATCHING A BREAK AT UN, ASSAD RESUMES SHELLING OF HOMS; RUSSIA DEFENDS DECISION AND CALLS ASSAD INTENTIONS ‘PEACEFUL’

Russia’s top diplomat said Tuesday that a Syrian commission has prepared a new constitution, to be voted on in a referendum, and added that President Bashar al-Assad is ready for a “dialogue” with opposition groups after months of a harsh and bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters. Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov made the statements following discussions with Assad in the Syrian capital, even as France and Italy recalled their ambassadors for consultations over the worsening crisis and shelling continued for a fifth day in the restive city of Homs, Alice Fordham, Will Englund and Debbi Wilgoren (Washington Post) report. IN DEPTH: SEVEN HOURS IN HAMA: Hama is situated in a valley, so you cannot catch sight of the city from afar until you reach a hill at the midpoint between Rastan and Hama. My heart still squeezes as I remember the very first glimpse of the ruined city. A layer of clouds covered the city but a small window allowed a few strong sun rays to pierce the gray sky. Dust was everywhere, billowing out of the many monstrous bulldozers Assad had sent to finish what his tanks had failed to do. The three helicopters that regularly hovered over the city, between the western military airport and the eastern mount of Ali Kasoon, were absent. The lack of helicopters in itself was a sufficient sign that the city was not well, writes Bara Sarraj (Jadaliyya). TURKEY PLANS NEW INITIATIVE: Turkey is preparing a new initiative with those countries who oppose the Syrian government, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday, describing China’s and Russia’s veto of a U.N. resolution on Syria a “fiasco,” Al Arabiya reports. OPINION: ARMING THE OPPOSITION IS THE WRONG WAY TO UNSEAT ASSAD: That temptation to arm the opposition, however, should be resisted. Syria is not Libya. High on the list of differences: the fault lines in Syrian society are sectarian. If the Arab League, the U.S. or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization were to arm the rebels, that could accelerate the downfall of Assad, but it would also ensure a much broader civil war. Syria’s Sunni majority might mark its victory by taking revenge on the minority Alawites and Christians who have largely stood with the regime. Those who armed them would bear some of the responsibility.

EGYPT: AMERICANS FACE PROSECUTION AS EGYPT IGNORES CLINTON, CONGRESS

Egypt is bringing criminal charges against at least 40 people, including some American citizens, over the foreign funding of nongovernmental organizations, sharply raising the stakes in a standoff with the US that has put $1.3 billion in US military aid to Egypt at risk, CSM reports. WILL EGYPT’S MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD MEND TIES WITH GULF STATES?: As the Muslim Brotherhood ascends to power, a question remains on how the once “banned” group will handle the issue of ties with the Arab Gulf states, Sultan Al-Qassemi (Egypt Independent) writes.

ISRAEL: UNITY DEAL BRINGS RISKS

Palestinians cautiously embraced reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, but much remains to be done, and the effect on a bid for Palestinian statehood remains unknown, Ethan Bronner (NYT) writes.

IRAN: MIDDLE CLASS ON EDGE AS WORLD PRESSES IN

One measure of the profound anxiety now coursing through Iranian society can be seen on Manouchehri Street, a winding lane at the heart of this city where furtive crowds of men gather every day like drug dealers to buy and sell American dollars, Robert F. Worth (NYT) writes.  IRANIANS EXPECT TO FEEL SANCTIONS:  As the U.S. orders more economic sanctions against Iran, a new Gallup poll finds nearly two-thirds of Iranians think recent sanctions that the United Nations, the U.S., and Western Europe have already imposed will hurt the livelihoods of the country’s residents “a great deal” (27%) or “somewhat” (38%), Gallup reports.

ANALYSIS: WILL VICTORY IN LIBYA CAUSE DEFEAT IN SYRIA?

Did last year’s triumph in Libya help stymie efforts to forge an international consensus on Syria?

Some of you will have already seen FP colleagues Marc and Colum Lynch’s excellent posts bemoaning the U.N. Security Council’s inability to pass a resolution addressing the continuing violence on Syria. The proximate cause was a joint Russian and Chinese veto of the proposed resolution, ostensibly on the grounds that it was one-sided. I think Marc is right to say that this lapse weakens the authority and legitimacy of the Security Council (SC). I place less weight on the SC than some commentators do, but even I don’t think a weak and discredited SC is a good thing. I also agree that this development increases the danger of a prolonged conflict in Syria, and maybe even an internationalized civil war there, writes Stephen Walt (FP) writes.

PAKISTAN: ‘HIGHLY VULNERABLE’ TO ECONOMY SHOCKS, NEEDS TAX REFORM, IMF SAYS

Pakistan must stem risks to a “highly vulnerable” economy that include inflation projected at 12 percent, a widening budget deficit and declining currency reserves, the International Monetary Fund said, Bloomberg reports. The Washington-based IMF called on Pakistan to broaden the tax base, eliminate some subsidies and curtail central bank financing of a budget shortfall that may rise to 7 percent of gross domestic product this fiscal year.

OPINION: ENVISIONING A DEAL WITH IRAN

A diplomatic strategy must begin with the United States’ setting its priorities and then defining a practical path to achieve them. To achieve its top priorities, it will have to learn what Iran needs. Since the United States will not get total surrender from Iran, it must decide what it can put on the table to assure that both sides can reach a deal that will be durable, William H. Luers and Thomas R. Pickering (NYT) write.

Saudi GDP Gains Over $129bn: EMIRATES 24|7

2/6/12

Strong oil prices allied with a sharp rise in crude output to bolster Saudi Arabia’s nominal GDP by a whopping $129 billion in 2011 while its assets and current account surplus recorded massive increases. Figures by a key Saudi bank showed the nominal GDP of the largest Arab economy could slip in 2012 because of an expected fall in crude prices and the country’s production before it leaps again in 2013.

Saudi Urges ‘Critical Measures’ On Syria: KHALEEJ TIMES

2/6/12

Saudi Arabia on Monday called for “critical measures” to be taken on Syria, warning of an impending “humanitarian disaster” after the UN Security Council failed to pass a resolution on the crisis there. “The UN Security Council’s failure to pass a resolution in support of the Arab Initiative must not prevent the taking of critical measures to protect innocent lives and stop the bloodshed and all acts of violence that threaten serious consequences for the Syrian people and regional stability,” a cabinet statement said.

Iranian Warships Dock At Saudi Port: YAHOO! NEWS

2/4/12

Iranian naval ships docked on Saturday in the Saudi port city of Jeddah on a mission to project the Islamic republic’s “power on the open seas,” the Fars news agency reported.

Saudi Banks May Give Homebuilders Additional Credit, Watan Says: BLOOMBERG

Mourad Haroutunian | 2/6/12

Saudi Arabian banks may provide additional credit facilities to citizens who want to complete construction of their homes, al-Watan reported, citing Abdullah Radwan, the vice chairman of the contractors committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers.

Saudi Carriers Face Risks If Domestic Market Opens Up: AME INFO

2/6/12

Plans by Saudi Arabia to open up its domestic aviation market to foreign companies could wreak havoc on Saudi carriers as they will face competition on domestic routes for the first time.

Saudi Oil Minister Stresses Importance Of Stability In World Oil Markets: WASHINGTON POST

2/5/12

Saudi Arabia’s oil minister says cooperation is necessary between oil producing and consuming nations for the stability of crude markets at a time when concerns abound over Iran’s threats to close the vital Strait of Hormuz. The official Saudi Press Agency said Ali Al-Naimi’s comments came Sunday during a meeting with South Korea’s ambassador to the country.

Childhood Obesity on the Rise: ARAB NEWS

2/6/12 | Dr. Badr Al-Shibani

Obesity is on the rise in Saudi Arabia and it is pretty alarming for a country where strict dietary norms have been observed for several centuries. In the year 2007, Saudi Arabia ranked 29th on the Forbes’ list of the fattest countries with over two-thirds of all Saudi Arabians considered obese for having exceeded the Body Mass Index (BMI) threshold of 25.

Saudi Women Driving: Shifting Gears: SAUDI JEANS

2/5/12

The campaign for women driving has slowed down almost to a halt since the big push last June, but the issue is now making a comeback as activists seek a different route. On Saturday, two women filed lawsuits against the government for refusing to issue them driver’s licenses and banning them from driving a car. SAUDI WOMAN FILES SUIT OVER RIGHT TO DRIVE:  For CNN, Mohammed Jamjoom reports that a leader of a high-profile campaign pushing for women to drive in Saudi Arabia says she’s suing traffic police in order to get a driver’s license.

Saudi Developer Plans Ski Dubai Style Project: ARABIAN BUSINESS

Andy Sambidge | 2/5/12

An agreement has been signed to create the first indoor snow village in Saudi Arabia, similar to the Ski Dubai attraction in the UAE. Saudi construction giant Dar Al Arkan said on Sunday it had inked a deal with Al Othaim Investment and Real Estate Development Company to lease space for the project at Alqasr Mall in Riyadh.

Saudi Ministers embrace Twitter: ARAB NEWS

2/6/12 | Sultan Al-Tamimi

Perhaps the most recognized Twitter account currently is that of Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz Khoja (@abdlazizkhoja). Khoja’s Twitter handle as of Sunday has 65,749 Twitter followers. Through Twitter the minster keeps his followers updated with general and sometimes personal excerpts from his daily activity, particularly on January when the minster underwent open-heart surgery in Riyadh.

Siemens Receives another Major Order for Combined Cycle Power Plant in Saudi Arabia: PRESS RELEASE

2/6/12

Siemens will supply key components for the IPP Qurayyah combined cycle power plant (CCPP) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With an installed capacity of 4 gigawatts (GW) it will be one of the world’s largest CCPPs, and will supply enough electrical energy to meet approximately one tenth of the country’s current power demand for its 28 million inhabitants.

Saudi Small and Medium Enterprises Forum All Set: SAUDI GAZETTE

2/6/12

The two-day “Saudi Small and Medium Enterprises Forum” which is organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and by Al Iktissad Wal Aamal Group will kick-off tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Four Seasons Riyadh.

JCCI Urges Dubai Entrepreneurs To Invest In The Western Region: SAUDI GAZETTE

2/6/12

The high-level Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) delegation, in a meeting with its counterpart from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has urged Dubai businessmen to invest in Saudi Arabia’s western region in the areas of construction, infrastructure, manufacturing and tourism which are the most lucrative investment areas at the moment.

Carlyle To Focus On Turkey And Saudi Arabia: FINANCIAL TIMES

Daniel Schäfer | 2/6/12

Carlyle Group has installed a leadership pairing at its Middle East and north African arm as the private equity group reframes its investment strategy, focusing on the region’s main growth markets in Turkey and the Gulf.

Saudi Arabia Blocks Iranian Leader’s Website: EMIRATES 24|7

2/6/12

Saudi Arabia has blocked the website of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei for security reasons, a newspaper in the Gulf kingdom said on Monday.

Saudi Ministers Embrace Twitter: ARAB NEWS

2/6/12

Saudi minsters and officials are slowly embracing new media platforms. The move aims to better communicate with the younger audience who are normally associated with the medium.

SYRIA: U.N. VICTORY MAY PUSH ASSAD INTO UNWINNABLE WAR

Syria’s victory in dodging a U.N. resolution it deemed a license for regime change may only escalate its internal conflict into a full-fledged civil war that many analysts believe President Bashar al-Assad cannot ultimately win, Joseph Logan (Reuters) reports. SYRIAN FORCES CONTINUE TO POUND HOMS: Syrian forces intensified a shelling assault on the restive city of Homs Monday, activists said, the third day of an onslaught of violence that began just as Russia and China blocked a U.N. attempt to end the regime’s brutal crackdown on dissent. The U.S., outraged over the double veto, vowed to step up pressure on President Bashar Assad to quit but ruled out military intervention, CBS news. US EMBASSY CLOSES: Intense blasts echoed through the ravaged Syrian city of Homs on Monday after a weekend bloodbath ended in hundreds of deaths there, local activists said, CNN reports.

EGYPT: DESPITE $1.5 BILLION AID FROM US, 19 THREATENED WITH PROSECUTION

When Egypt raided the offices of American democracy promotion groups in December, warnings poured out of Washington: “Your $1.5 billion in annual aid isn’t as sacrosanct as you think it is,” CSM reports. MOST EGYPTIANS OPPOSE AID:  About 7 in 10 Egyptians surveyed by Gallup in December 2011 oppose U.S. economic aid to Egypt, and a similar percentage opposes the U.S. sending direct aid to civil society groups. This rebuke of U.S. financial support may be a challenge for Egypt’s newly elected parliament and its future president as the government attempts to bolster the nation’s financial stability, Gallup finds.

ISRAEL/IRAN: OBAMA DISCUSSES PROLIFERATION IN PRE-SUPERBOWL INTERVIEW

On Sunday, Obama said the U.S. was working in “lockstep” with Israel and did not believe Israel has decided whether to attack Iran, and said he hopes the standoff can be resolved diplomatically. “I don’t think that Israel has made a decision on what they need to do,” Obama said during a pre-Super Bowl interview with NBC. Obama refused to say whether the United States would get notice from Israel before any potential strike on Iran. “I will say that we have closer military and intelligence consultation between our two countries than we’ve ever had,” Obama said, adding, “We are going to be sure that we work in lockstep as we proceed to try to solve this — hopefully diplomatically,” ABC news/AP reports. ISRAELI CABINET MULLS RESPONSE: Growing tensions between Israel and Iran topped the agenda at the weekly Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, VOA reports.

AFGHANISTAN: IN AFGHAN WAR, OFFICER BECOMES A WHISTLE-BLOWER

On his second yearlong deployment to Afghanistan, Lt. Col. Daniel L. Davis traveled 9,000 miles, patrolled with American troops in eight provinces and returned in October of last year with a fervent conviction that the war was going disastrously and that senior military leaders had not leveled with the American public, Scott Shane (NYT) reports. 77% OF CIVILIAN DEATHS CAUSED BY TALIBAN: The Taliban and other insurgent groups were responsible for nearly 80 percent of the civilian deaths in the war in Afghanistan last year, said a U.N. report released Saturday, Boston Herald reports. NATO MEMBERS RATTLED: A U.S. proposal to step back from leading combat operations in Afghanistan by the middle of 2013 divided NATO on Thursday as some allies objected to being caught by surprise, and France suggested that the alliance completely end its involvement in fighting over the next two years, David Cloud reports.

PALESTINE: RIVALS AGREE TO FORM UNITY GOVERNMENT

The leaders of rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas signed a deal in Qatar on Monday to form a unity government of independent technocrats for the West Bank and Gaza, headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Reuters reports.

UNITED STATES: SENATOR SAYS CHINA CANNOT AVOID ‘ARAB SPRING’

A leading U.S. senator and one-time presidential candidate is warning China, “the Arab Spring is coming.” Republican Senator John McCain made the comment to Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun Saturday during a high level security conference in Munich, VOA reports.

YEMEN: ELECTION PREPARATIONS BEGIN

Yemen has begun a publicity campaign to get citizens to vote in the upcoming presidential election, officials said on Monday, part of a deal to ease President Ali Abdullah Saleh out of office and pull the country back from the brink of civil war, Reuters reports.

ANALYSIS: AFGHANISTAN 2013: AMERICA’S NEXT GROOVE

Steve Clemons (The Atlantic) writes, “Last night, former State Department official and US Marine Matthew Hoh, now a Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy, and I had a very good discussion with Chris Matthews on MSNBC’s Hardball about Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s comments that the US would cease combat operations in Afghanistan in 2013 — rather than the end of 2014.” Video can be viewed in the link.

The Saudi Industrial Property Authority – Modon: SUSRIS

2/2/12

This week Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the new Minister of Commerce and Industry, in his role as Chairman of Modon’s Board of Directors, signed contracts valued at $186 million for electrical infrastructure at five of Saudi Arabia’s industrial cities. Newly named Director General Saleh Al-Rasheed told Arab News that Modon’s next project will focus on the completion of services and infrastructure, so that the existing industrial cities that are under development become integrated services cities.

Saudi Leads Online Jobs Boom With 56% Growth: ARABIAN BUSINESS

Andy Sambidge | 2/3/12

Saudi Arabia has posted 56 percent growth in online job opportunities over the past year, while Oman saw a 12 percent decline, according to the Monster Employment Index.

Invest in Saudi Arabia: MARKETWATCH

2/3/12

Saudi Arabia is further opening its investment markets to foreigners — and the word is: buy.

With strong fundamentals, little to no debt, and effective dividends, Saudi companies are compelling investment opportunities. But that’s not all. Saudi Arabia is going big into the solar and water industries — and there will be myriad ways to capitalize on making the kingdom more sustainable.

Fairs Make Job Search Easier: ARAB NEWS

Reuters | 2/3/12

In a cavernous exhibition hall on the outskirts of Riyadh, dozens of young Saudi women stroll between corporate booths in search of jobs. Each has completed a 3-1/2 hour aptitude test that gives her scores for 10 behavioral characteristics and two types of cognitive ability. The results are shown to as many as 81 potential employers which schedule job interviews using a centralized, online system.  It is Women’s Day at the first of a series of job fairs launched by the Saudi government this year to find employment for its citizens. In coming months the scheme aims to arrange interviews for 15,000 men and women out of 100,000 applicants, holding similar fairs in the cities of Jeddah and Dammam.

Hyatt Soon to Dominate High-End Hotels in Saudi Arabia: MARKET WATCH

1/2/12

Hyatt Announces Plans for Three New Hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Agreements for Park Hyatt Riyadh, Grand Hyatt Jeddah, and Hyatt Regency Jeddah Bring Total to Six Hotels under Development in Saudi Arabia.

Saudis Set to Tap Fuel Oil Boom with Latest Pricing for Crude: BLOOMBERG

2/3/12

Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, is poised to raise the price of its lowest-quality crude to the most in almost two years relative to the top grade as it benefits from the rising cost of shipping fuel.

Saudi Contribution to IMF Faces Tough Sell: GULF NEWS

2/3/12

International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde faces a tough but not impossible sell when she visits Saudi Arabia today to discuss a contribution from the oil-rich kingdom to the IMF’s $500 billion (Dh1.83 trillion) fundraising effort to fight the European debt crisis.

Saudi Arabia: USCIRF Urges Release of Prisoners: U.S. COMMISSION ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

2/2/12

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today called for the immediate release of 35 Ethiopian Christians who have been detained by Saudi Arabian police since December 15, allegedly for participating in a private religious gathering.

System Will Link GCC to Manpower-Exporting States: ARAB NEWS

Md Rasooldeen | 2/3/12

Prospective Gulf workers’ medical reports issued from 11 manpower exporting countries will be linked electronically to the GCC health ministers’ secretariat and to countries in the region.

Saudi Arabia Tanker Load Capacity Gains 22%, Ship Data Show: BLOOMBERG

Rob Sheridan | 2/3/12

The carrying capacity of oil tankers that docked at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia’s biggest crude-loading port, gained 22 percent in the latest week, according to ship- tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

Are Men Afraid Of Women’s Success?: SAUDI GAZETTE

2/3/12

We all agree that women have proved themselves in fields such as education despite the many obstacles they encounter. One of the main obstacles is being deprived of their rights to continue education or work. It is generally accepted that it is the male authority which tries to deprive women of these rights.

IRAN: U.S. OFFICIALS CONCERNED BY ISRAEL STATEMENTS ON IRAN THREAT, POSSIBLE STRIKE

Israeli leaders on Thursday delivered one of the bluntest warnings to date of possible airstrikes against Iranian nuclear sites, adding to the anxiety in Western capitals that a surprise attack by Israel could spark a broader military conflict in the Middle East.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak, speaking at a security forum attended by some of Israel’s top intelligence and military leaders, declared that time was running out for stopping Iran’s nuclear advance, as the country’s uranium facilities disappear into newly constructed mountain bunkers, Joel Greenberg and Joby Warrick (Washington Post) report. IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER THREATENS RETALIATION AGAINST ATTACK: The supreme leader of Iran vowed on Friday to retaliate over oil sanctions and threats of military action by the West to stop Iran’s nuclear program, warning that the United States in particular would face severe damage to its interests if any strike were carried out against its nuclear sites, J. David Goodman (NYT) reports. EFFORT TO REBRAND ARAB SPRING BACKFIRES IN IRAN: It was meant to be a crowning moment in which Iran put its own Islamic stamp on the Arab Spring. More than a thousand young activists were flown here earlier this week (at government expense) for a conference on “the Islamic Awakening,” Tehran’s effort to rebrand the popular Arab uprisings of the past year, Robert F. Worth (NYT) writes.

EGYPT: PROTESTS ESCALATE AFTER DEADLY RIOT
Violent clashes reignited in Egypt on Friday between police and protesters angered by reports of inadequate security at a soccer match that devolved into a riot this week, leaving 79 people dead, Mohamed Fadel Fahmy (CNN) reports. AFTERMATH: WHERE TO PIN BLAME? Many of Egypt’s liberal youth activists quickly pinned the blame on a military-orchestrated conspiracy. “SCAF [the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces] is trying to manipulate people into begging for the reinstatement of the Emergency Law again,” activist Ahmad Aggour tweeted hours after the violence erupted on national news. Others questioned how a police force so notorious for its use of brutality against protesters — and in securing government buildings — had proved unable to stop a rampage in a soccer stadium, Abigail Hauslohner (TIME) writes.  TWO AMERICANS KIDNAPPED: Bedouin gunmen intercepted a tourist minivan and snatched two female American tourists and their Egyptian guide at gunpoint Friday near St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai Peninsula, the region’s security chief said, CBS news reports.

SYRIA: US ‘CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC’ OF STRONG SUPPORT FOR NEW UN RESOLUTION ON SYRIA

A senior State Department official said Friday the U.S. is “cautiously optimistic” of strong support for a new U.N. Security Council resolution condemning the violence in Syria and calling for a political transition in the country, AP/Washington Post reports. EMBOLDENED REBELS TEAR AT ASSADS POWER: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad looks increasingly cornered, his authority seriously wounded by rebel raids at the gates of Damascus and his ability to wield superior firepower complicated by political constraints, Reuters reports. ‘FINISH HIM’: Daniel Bynum (Foreign Policy) writes: Without international intervention, there’s a good chance that Syria’s dictator, Bashar al-Assad, could still rule for years.

UNITED STATES: ECONOMIC RECOVERY GAINS STEAM WITH UNEMPLOYMENT AT 3-YEAR LOW

The United States economy gained momentum in January, adding 243,000 jobs, the second straight month of better-than-expected gains. The unemployment rate fell to 8.3percent, giving a cause for optimism as the economy shapes up as the central issue in the presidential election. The Labor Department’s monthly snapshot of the job market uses a different survey, of households rather than employers, to calculate the unemployment rate, Motoko Rich (NYT) reports.

KUWAIT: ISLAMIST GAINS AT EXPENSE OF WOMEN AND LIBERALS

Kuwait has become the fourth Arab country in as many months to see overwhelming gains for Islamists and dismal losses for liberals in parliamentary elections, Gulf News reports.

ISRAEL: UN CHIEF URGES ISRAEL TO HALT SETTLEMENTS

Israel must halt settlement building and present detailed proposals for a border with a future Palestinian state, visiting U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday, as he tried to persuade the Palestinians to continue low-level meetings with Israel that the international community hopes will evolve into serious negotiations, CBS news reports.

Saudi Economy: Jadwa February 2012 Chartbook: SUSRIS

2/1/12

The Jadwa Investment firm in Riyadh introduced the “Saudi Chartbook” to provide a quick, chart-based briefing on the key developments and trends in the Saudi economy and stock market. SUSRIS is pleased to provide the summary from the February Saudi Chartbook and a link to the complete report, rich with illuminating charts and graphs. SUSRIS thanks Jadwa Investment’s Chief Economist, Brad Bourland, Head of Research, Paul Gamble and Associate Research Director Gasim Abdulkarim, for providing this insightful report for your consideration.

Saudi Economy Expected To Grow 3.8% in 2012: ARAB NEWS

2/1/12

Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, forecasts a 3.8 percent growth in Saudi GDP in 2012, backed by public sector spending, even as the global economy continues to lose momentum. With the oil sector remaining the main source of revenue for the Kingdom, the price of oil is forecast to remain at above $100 per barrel.

Saudi Arabia May Seek IMF Sway In Exchange For Riches: ARABIAN BUSINESS

Bloomberg | 2/2/12

Saudi Arabia, which has more than $500bn in foreign assets, may demand a greater share of voting rights at the International Monetary Fund in exchange for providing the lender with more money.

Tribalism in the Arabian Peninsula: A Family Affair: JADALIYYA

Sultan Al-Qassemi | 2/2/12

Across the Arabian Peninsula and stretching well into North Africa and Sudan, there is a common bond, perhaps only behind religion and language in importance, that binds Arabic language speakers together. Museums across the Gulf proudly display lineage maps illustrating the family trees of ruling members, linking them through lines and photos from bygone centuries up to the current leader. Major financial institutions in Dubai and Bahrain display in their offices large-scale maps detailing prominent ruling family members of the Gulf States and their marital, government, and business affiliations. Tribalism in modern day Arabia is alive and well. In this article, I highlight recent developments to illustrate how those in power in the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula use tribalism, and how, sometimes, it is used against them.

Saudi Gold Miner Adds Shine of Different Hue: THE NATIONAL

Hadeel Al Sayegh | 2/2/12

The Saudi mining company Ma’aden yesterday started operations at its Ras Al Khair plant to produce diammonium phosphate. The US$5.6 billion phosphate project is fully operational and the plant, which is 90km north of Jubail in the Eastern Province, will gradually increase its production to its designed capacity of 3 million tonnes a year, the state-run producer said in a filing to the Saudi bourse yesterday.

Saudi Energy Investment at $141b in 5 Years Biggest In MENA Region: SAUDI GAZETTE

2/2/12

Saudi Arabia remained the dominant energy investor in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with an estimated $141 billion during 2012-2016, data from the Dammam-based Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation (Apicorp), an affiliate of the 10-nation Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, showed.

Kuwait-Saudi Dorra Gas Work Seen Starting In June: REUTERS

2/2/12

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are pushing ahead with plans to develop the undisputed part of the offshore Dorra gas field with the front-end engineering and design (FEED) work expected to be completed by June, industry sources said.

Fujitsu Commences Smart Community Development in Saudi Arabia: PRESS RELEASE

2/2/12

Fujitsu signs a MOU with Saudi Arabia as Part of an Overseas Infrastructure Export Initiative of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Saudi-Japanese Forum to Open New Horizons: ARAB NEWS

2/2/12

More than 200 prominent businessmen and senior officials of public and private companies and organizations from Saudi Arabia and Japan are participating in the Saudi Japanese Economic Forum that began in Tokyo on Tuesday evening. Minister of Commerce and Industry Tawfiq Al-Rabiah is heading the Saudi delegation taking part in the event, which is discussing various aspects of bilateral business cooperation between the two major trade partners in Asia.

New Saudi Metro to Ease Haj Traffic: GULF NEWS

Aya Lowe | 2/2/12

Saudi Arabia’s new metro system will ease traffic congestion during the annual Haj pilgrimage, a top official has said. The Haramain High Speed Rail project, which is under construction, will be a 449.2km high-speed inter-city system linking Madinah and Makkah.

Saudi Equity Market Cap Surges To SR1.30 Trillion: ARAB NEWS

2/1/12

The Saudi stock market showed a positive march in January after falling over 3 percent in 2011.

Collaboration Forum Set For Saudi Arabia: UPI

2/1/12

A forum to promote collaboration and partnerships between Saudi Arabian industry and Lockheed Martin has been conducted in Riyadh. The forum, which was last Sunday and Monday, featured speakers such as Lockheed Martin President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Kubasik and U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia James B. Smith.

Saudi, Abu Dhabi Osps Awaited: EMIRATES 24|7

Reuters | 2/2/12

The Middle East crude market awaited the Saudi Aramco and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s (Adnoc) official crude selling prices (OSP) to gauge the direction of trade for the new month.

EGYPT: EGYPTIANS INCENSED AFTER 74 DIE IN SOCCER TRAGEDY

Egyptians incensed by the deaths of 74 people in clashes at a soccer stadium staged protests on Thursday as fans and politicians accused the ruling generals of failing to prevent the deadliest incident since Hosni Mubarak was overthrown, Reuters reports. MANY BLAME MILITARY FOR MELEE: The riot on Wednesday night refocused attention on the failure of the transitional government to re-establish a sense of order and stability in the streets and threatened to provoke a new crisis for Egypt’s halting political transition. The deadliest soccer riot anywhere in more than 15 years, the melee also illuminated the potential for savagery among the organized groups of die-hard fans known here as ultras who have added a volatile element to the street protests since Mr. Mubarak’s exit, David D. Kirkpatrick (NYT) reports. MARKET PLUNGES: Egypt’s benchmark stock index fell over 2 percent Thursday, paring an earlier plunge stemming from deadly soccer riots the night before that left 74 dead and rekindled fears of fresh instability akin to the unrest that has battered the country and its economy in the year since the ouster of Hosni Mubarak, Tarek El-Tablawy (ABC) reports. PORT SAID OFFICIALS SACKED: Senior officials in the Egyptian city of Port Said and the Egyptian football association have been sacked in the wake of riots on Wednesday in which at least 74 people were killed, BBC reports.

BAHRAIN: NATION BOILS LEADING UP TO ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF PROTESTS

A year ago this month, Bahrain’s majority Shiites took inspiration from the Arab Spring to sharpen long-standing grievances against the Sunni monarchy, accused by Shiites of relegating them to second-class status in the Western-allied nation. Within days of the first protest march, Bahrain was sliding into a crisis that would bring more than two months of martial law, more than 40 deaths, hundreds of arrests and ongoing clashes so disruptive that the U.S. Embassy last month relocated workers into safe haven neighborhoods, Reem Khalifa and Brian Murphy (Boston Globe) report.

AFGHANISTAN: PANETTA SETS TIMETABLE OF 2013 FOR END OF COMBAT MISSION

The secretary general of NATO echoed Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta on Thursday and said that the United States and its allies would step back from a combat role in Afghanistan in mid-2013, leaving Afghan forces in the lead to defend their own country, Elisabeth Bumiller (NYT) reports. TALIBAN RETURN SEEN AS UNLIKELY: Among the snippets in a secret NATO report detailing the hopes of jailed Taliban militants to retake Afghanistan was news the Islamist movement had set up telephone hotlines for Afghans to report anonymously on failures of its shadow government, Rob Taylor (Reuters) reports.

SYRIA: ANNIVERARY OF HOMS MASSACRE MARKED

Syrian security forces fanned out in Hama on Thursday as protesters splashed red paint symbolizing blood in the streets to mark the 30th anniversary of a notorious massacre carried out by President Bashar Assad’s father and predecessor, Fox News reports. TREATY WILL PUT PRESSURE ON SYRIA: Even a watered-down U.N. Security Council resolution will put pressure on the Syrian government, Arab League Secretary General Nabil Elaraby told CNN Thursday, ahead of renewed talks at the United Nations, CNN reports.

ISRAEL: SUSPECTED SITES REMAIN VULNERABLE, DEPUTY PM SAYS

Israel’s deputy prime minister says Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons sites remain vulnerable to possible military strikes, suggesting that underground bunkers do not offer sufficient protection, AP reports. ISRAEL SAYS IRAN HAS MATERIAL FOR 4 ATOMIC WEAPONS: Israel estimated on Thursday that Iran could make four atomic bombs by further enriching uranium it has already stockpiled, and could produce its first within a year of deciding to build one, Reuters reports.

PALESTINE: CITIZENS TRY TO BLOCK UN CHIEF FROM ENTERING GAZA, THROW SHOES

Palestinians tried to block the U.N. chief from entering the Gaza Strip and flung shoes at his armored convoy on Thursday, the second day of Ban Ki-moon’s mission to the region to keep informal peace talks alive, MSNBC/AP reports.

PAKISTAN: COURT TO CHARGE GILANI WITH CONTEMPT

Pakistan’s Supreme Court is to charge Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani with contempt for failing to reopen corruption cases against the president, BBC reports.

Saudi Arabia Cautious On Possible Afghan Talks: REUTERS

Angus McDowall | 1/31/12

Saudi Arabia is reluctant to host talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban without concessions from the Islamist movement including renouncing its ties to al Qaeda, sources in Riyadh and Kabul said on Tuesday. TALIBAN DENIES TALKS: The Afghan Taliban have denied planning to hold preliminary peace talks with representatives from the Afghan government in Saudi Arabia. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said media reports about an upcoming meeting in the kingdom were “not true,” BBC reports.

Top US Spy Warns Saudi Plot Shows Iran Willing To Attack The US On Its Own Soil: THE HILL

Jordy Yager | 1/31/12

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper warned a Senate panel that a 2011 plot to assassinate Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, which U.S. officials say was hatched in Iran, indicates that Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his government are willing to launch attacks in the United States.

CIA Chief Says Appears Saudi Oil “Ramping Up”: REUTERS

1/31/12

Saudi Arabia’s oil production appears to be “ramping up” and can fill some of the demand shortfalls caused by sanctions on Iranian exports, CIA Director David Petraeus said on Tuesday.

US Ambassador Hosts Art Exhibition: ARAB NEWS

Abdul Hannan Tago  | 2/1/12

US Ambassador to Riyadh James B. Smith and his wife Dr. Janet Breslin-Smith hosted on Sunday night at their Riyadh residence the “ART in Embassies” exhibition dubbed “Connecting Families,” which was attended by media and both Saudi and American artists.

“Pearl Diving In the Gulf – 1938″ – Part 2 of Video Series “Distant Arabia”: ARAMCO EXPATS

1/31/12

Part 2 of the 12 part Distant Arabia video series courtesy of Selwa Press. The majority of the film clips posted on the Selwa Video You Tube channel are comprised of films taken in Saudi Arabia between 1937 and 1940 by Tom Barger, Les Snyder and Jerry Harriss. They are among the few moving pictures that record that critical and brief moment in the country’s history when an ancient pastoral way of life was coming to an abrupt end, to be replaced by an industrial society. Many of the Bedouin depicted had never seen an automobile let alone a movie camera before these men arrived. The herds of camels, once the lifeblood of Bedouin life, would become irrelevant. The dhows of the Gulf replaced by motor launches, the date oases, the very anchor of the Al Hasa economy, would become all but insignificant. All that remains of those days are these flickering images from a time before oil.

Saudi Mulls Labour, Financial, Legal Reforms: KHALEEJ TIMES

2/1/12

In a cavernous exhibition hall on the outskirts of Riyadh, dozens of young Saudi women, clad in full-length black abayas and veils, stroll between corporate booths in search of jobs.

Each has completed a 3-1/2 hour aptitude test that gives her scores for 10 behavioral characteristics and two types of cognitive ability. The results are shown to as many as 81 potential employers which schedule job interviews using a centralized, online system.

Saudi Arabia Nominates Al-Moneef as Next OPEC Head, Reuters Says: BLOOMBERG

Ayesha Daya | 2/1/12

Saudi Arabia has nominated Majid al- Moneef to become the next secretary-general of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Reuters reported, citing an unidentified Gulf official.

Lockheed Martin Hosts Industry Collaboration Forum in Saudi Arabia: PRESS RELEASE

Lockheed Martin held its first Industry Collaboration Forum Jan. 29-30 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, launching an effort geared toward strengthening relationships with local industry and creating opportunities for new partnerships.

ABB Wins $250 Million Power Orders In Saudi Arabia: NASDAQ

2/1/12

Electrical engineering company ABB Ltd Wednesday said it has won orders worth more than $250 million from the Saudi Electricity Company (5110.SA) to construct new substations and reinforce existing ones in the country to address its growing demand for electricity.

Saudi Claims To Hack Syria President’s Email: EMIRATES 24|7

2/1/12

A hacker based out of Saudi Arabia, identified as Salman Al Anzi, claims to have hacked the private email account of Syrian president Bashar Al Assad, Saudi-based Arabic newspaper Al Madina reported. The hacker also claimed to have hacked into several Syrian ministries, including the Ministry of Information.

IRAN: UN NUKE INSPECTORS HAIL ‘GOOD’ TALKS WITH IRAN

The leader of a United Nations nuclear inspection team said Wednesday that their visit to Iran had been a “good trip,” and announced plans to revisit Tehran “in the very near future.”

The remarks by mission leader Herman Nackaerts indicated some progress on the team’s quest to wrest information from Iran about allegations that it is secretly working on an atomic arms program, MSNBC reports. OPINION: WEANING INDIAN OFF IRAN: How should India respond to U.S.-led efforts to halt Iran’s suspected rogue nuclear weapons program? An India that uses its oil purchases and diplomatic clout to create breathing room for Iran risks scuppering the notion New Delhi has benefited from for more than a decade: that India’s rise is beneficial to the West, WSJ reports.  CHINA LOOKS BOTH WAYS ON IRAN OIL: China’s response to calls from the West to join an oil embargo penalizing Iran for its nuclear program so far has been to choose the middle course typical of its non-interfering foreign policy of the last 30 years – denouncing sanctions on one hand yet working to protect its national interests on many fronts, Al Jazeera reports.

AFGHANISTAN: TALIBAN POISED TO TAKE BACK COUNTRY AFTER NATO LEAVES, THE US MILITARY SAYS

The U.S. military said in a secret report that the Taliban, backed by Pakistan, are set to retake control of Afghanistan after NATO-led forces withdraw, raising the prospect of a major failure of Western policy after a costly war, Hamid Shalizi and Mirwais Harooni (Reuters) reports.

SYRIA: PRESSURE AT UN ON RUSSIA AFTER REFUSAL TO CONDEMN SYRIA

The battle over Syria moved to the United Nations on Tuesday with Western powers and much of the Arab world confronting Russia and its allies in the Security Council over their refusal to condemn the Syrian government for its violent suppression of popular protests, Neil Macfarquhar (NYT) reports. WHY NO WORLD UPROAR?: Grainy videos depict the violence that has killed at least 6,000 Syrians, but the prospects for international intervention appear dim. Is the world inured to the ubiquitous images? CSM reports.

EUROPE: LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE BOMB PLOT ADMITTED BY FOUR MEN

Four men inspired by al-Qaeda have admitted planning to detonate a bomb at the London Stock Exchange, BBC reports.

ISRAEL: NETANYAHU WINS LIKUD CHAIRMANSHIP

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was victorious in the Likud Party chairmanship race, though his only challenger garnered about 24 percent of the vote, JTA reports.

PAKISTAN: ANTHRAX SENT TO PREMIER’S OFFICE

A university professor sent a packet containing anthrax to the office of Pakistan’s prime minister in October last year, his spokesman said Wednesday, an incident that will fuel security concerns in a country that is home to top al-Qaida leaders and other extremists, the AP reports.

TURKEY: WARNINGS FOR EUROPE OVER MOUNTING RACISM, ISLAMOPHOBIA

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday warned of rising racism and Islamophobia in Europe as he once again denounced a recent French bill outlawing denial of Armenian genocide, the Daily Star reports.

Connecting Interest With Business Opportunity: A Conversation With Khaled Al-Seif: SUSRIS

1/30/12

The 2nd US-Saudi Business Opportunities Forum in Atlanta last month brought together a high level delegation of over 200 Saudi officials and business people with over 1000 Americans to explore the $1 trillion-plus commercial openings available in the coming decade in the Kingdom. The response to the Forum – and what it means for American investment and partnerships in Saudi Arabia – was something distinguished businessman Khaled Al-Seif has been working to see for years. Since at least as far back as 2005, when he helped lead a multi-city trade mission to Atlanta, he has been a steadfast champion of the business-to-business relationship between Saudis and Americans.

Saudis Push Young People, Including Women, Into Jobs: WALL STREET JOURNAL

1/31/12

With eyes darting over racks of sales items, 28-year-old Haya Murzouq worked the counter at her new job at one of Riyadh’s busier lingerie boutiques in December. With one hand, she checked a tag for a female customer. With the other, the Saudi woman hoisted the trailing end of her black head scarf over her face, draping it for modesty as she spotted male customers.

Few mall shoppers gave the shop a second glance, and a passing patrol of Saudi religious police didn’t bother to stop in, but Ms. Murzouq and her co-workers, all of whom are Saudi women, are doing things long unseen in the capital and much of the rest of the kingdom: staking out sales racks and scrubbing shop floors for all to see. JOBS FOR WOMEN NOW A CONCERN: Women in the western workplace sometimes complain of the glass ceiling. In Saudi Arabia it is often a glass wall that separates them from the men. So it should not have been surprising that the most interesting question to be posed to the kingdom’s labour minister at an international gathering of global business leaders in Riyadh last week came from behind such a glass wall, The National reports.

An Oil Minister, Plugging Renewables?: NEW YORK TIMES

Clifford Krauss | ‘Green’ Blog | 1/30/12

When you think of proponents of green energy, the Saudi oil minister may not be the first person who comes to mind. But in a speech on Monday in London, Ali al-Naimi, the minister from OPEC’s leading member nation, had a lot to say about renewable energy and global warming.

Saudi Bourse at Six-Month High; Egypt’s Index Ends Rally: BUSINESS RECORDER

1/31/12

The Saudi bourse hit a six-month high in active trading on Monday after a state-run fund said it would buy more shares, while Egyptian stocks snapped their rally ahead of talks on political transition.

Net Profitability for Saudi Firms Increases to SR94.8bn: ARAB NEWS

1/31/12

Profitability for the Saudi market in 2011 showed strong growth with market net income up 22 percent to SR94.8 billion from SR78.1 billion in 2010, NCB Capital, Saudi Arabia’s leading wealth manager, has said in a new report.

Zain Careers Beckon Saudi Youth: ARAB NEWS

1/31/12

Zain Saudi Arabia, ranked “excellent” in the Nitaqat scheme, has revealed plans to attract more talented Saudi nationals.

Saudi Tribalism Lingers For Kingdom’s Settled Bedouin: ARABIAN BUSINESS

1/31/12

The kingdom’s Bedouin might have forsaken a desert lifestyle that brought more hardship than riches, but their tribal identity retains a lingering influence in modern Saudi life and one that some Saudis believe may be enjoying a revival. 

Saudi Arabia Issues Oil-Supply Assurance: THE DAILY STAR

Reuters | 1/31/12

Saudi Arabia can meet any future world oil shortages thanks to massive investment, and its rising gas output will mean crude exports will not be affected by booming domestic energy demand, Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said Monday.

Growing tension between Iran and the West over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program has led to fears of a disruption in oil supplies from the Middle East Gulf.

Saudi Officials Walk Out in Protest at Iran Comments, Mehr Says: BLOOMBERG

1/31/12

A Saudi Arabian delegation walked out of a conference in protest after a former Iranian parliament speaker criticized the kingdom’s policies, the state-run Mehr news agency reported without citing anyone.

Saudis Want Swap For Imprisoned Royals: UPI

1/30/12

Saudi Arabia is seeking a prisoner swap for six Saudis, including three royal family members, reported to be on death row in Iraq, officials said.

Twitter Is A Platform For Lies: Saudi Grand Mufti: EMIRATES 24|7

1/29/12

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti (religious chief) has launched a virulent attack on the social networking site Twitter, saying it has become a platform for promoting lies, newspapers in the Gulf Kingdom reported on Sunday.

Banks Probe Hacked Credit Cards: SAUDI GAZETTE

1/31/12

Customers at some local banks have withdrawn their money and closed their accounts in the wake of reports that hackers have accessed some credit card accounts. Banks have now employed teams of information technology experts to close the loopholes in their systems.

Saudi Docs Sue U Of Ottawa For $100M: CANADA NEWS

Kelly Roche | 1/31/12

Three doctors from Saudi Arabia are suing the University of Ottawa and several of its officials for more than $100 million.

Saudi Arabia: A Kingdom On The Move: THE DRUM

Ben Rich | 1/31/12

Saudi Arabia. The name evokes a visceral reaction in many people, conjuring visions of oppressed women swathed in black, hedonistic princes gliding across suntanned dune landscapes in cherry red Ferraris and a society subjected to a an ultra-conservative interpretation of Islam, Wahhabism, by a cynical Monarchy and a corrupt clerical establishment.

Indeed, the Western media has long promoted this view of the Kingdom and its occupants; an approach that has been reinvigorated in recent times by the various revolutions sparked across the Middle East.  There is incontestable truth in each of these images, but there is also a tendency towards simplicity in their presentation and an almost obsessive focus upon them as wholly descriptive of the Saudi experience.  This obscures the important cases of grass roots liberalisation occurring within the Kingdom on a daily basis, many of which are encouraged by the current ruler, King Abdullah.

AFGHANISTAN: AFGHAN OFFICIALS CONSIDER OWN TALKS WITH TALIBAN

Concerned that it is being left out of potential peace talks between the United States and the Taliban, the Afghan government is pushing to open its own direct negotiations with the insurgent group in Saudi Arabia, Afghan officials said on Monday, NYT reports. TALIBAN, US BEGINS TALKS WITH QATAR: Afghan Taliban negotiators are meeting with U.S. officials in Qatar for a series of discussions aimed at building trust between the two sides ahead of the upcoming peace talks, VOA reports.

SYRIA: DRAFT RESOLUTION TO UN CALLS FOR SYRIA’S ASSAD TO STEP DOWN

A draft resolution on Syria to be presented to the UN security council calls on President Bashar al-Assad to step aside or face “further measures” in 15 days’ time, but it stresses that any punitive measures would be peaceful, The Guardian reports.  LANDIS SAYS ASSAD WILL LAST: Audie Cornish talks with Joshua Landis, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma. He says the Assad regime is likely to hang on far longer than anyone could have predicted when the uprising began last March, NPR reports. RUSSIA OPPOSES: Much of the attention focused on Russia, which stoutly opposes an Arab League proposal, backed by Western and Arab diplomats, that calls for Mr. Assad to cede power as part of a transition to democracy, NYT reports.

YEMEN: DRONE STRIKE KILLS 13

At least 13 people have been killed in air strikes on militants from al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in southern Yemen, residents and officials say, BBC reports.

UNITED STATES: OBAMA OFFERS DEFENSE OF DRONE STRIKES: President Obama offered a vigorous defense of using unmanned aircraft to kill Al Qaeda operatives and other militants in Pakistan’s tribal areas and, in the process, officially acknowledged the highly classified CIA drone program that U.S. officials had refused to discuss in public until now.

RELIGION: CITING ATTACKS, CHRISTIANS FEAR LOSING FREEDOMS IN ARAB SPRING

The Arab Spring uprisings that have toppled secular dictatorships in the Middle East and North Africa have unleashed long-suppressed freedoms that have allowed Islamic parties to gain a share of political power they have been denied for decades. Their rise is creating near-panic among ancient Christian communities that dot the Muslim world and predate Islam by centuries, USA Today reports.

PAKISTAN: CLASHES KILL 50

Pakistani officials say at least 50 people have been killed in fighting between the military and Taliban in the country’s northwest, VOA reports.

ISRAEL: UN LEADER CALLS FOR GOODWILL GESTURES FROM ISRAEL

UN leader Ban Ki-moon called on Tuesday for “goodwill gestures” by Israel to encourage the Palestinians to revive the Middle East peace process, ahead of talks with leaders from the two sides, AFP reports.

Saudi Arabia’s Central Bank Eyes Bigger Role: ARABIAN BUSINESS

Reuters | 1/29/12

Saudi Arabia’s central bank will play a bigger role in the supervision of the country’s financial sector as the kingdom weighs opening up its stock market to direct investments by foreigners.

Saudi Bourse Opening To Boost Foreign Share of Stocks, RBS Says: BLOOMBERG

Arif Sharif | 1/30/12

Foreign investors’ share of trades on Saudi Arabia’s stock market, the Arab world’s biggest, may increase fivefold in two years after the bourse allows direct purchases, a banker at Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc said. SAUDI ARABIA’S CENBANK, CMA TO COORDINATE SUPERVISION: Saudi Arabia’s central bank will play a bigger role in the supervision of the country’s financial sector as the kingdom weighs opening up its stock market to direct investments by foreigners, Business Recorder reports.

Saudi Arabia to Remain Reliable Supplier of Crude Oil to Markets: PLATTS

1/30/12

Saudi Arabia’s growing domestic energy consumption will have no impact on Saudi oil exports “now or in the future” and the kingdom will continue to be a reliable supplier of oil to world markets with capacity to handle future supply shortages, Saudi Oil Minister Ali Naimi said Monday.

Nitaqat Generates 300,000 Jobs: ARAB NEWS

1/28/12

The Nitaqat Saudization program was instrumental in generating more than 300,000 job opportunities in the private sector, according to Ibrahim Al-Moaiqel, director general of the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF).

Saudi Arabian Inflation to Average 4.3% This Year, Al Rajhi Says: BLOOMBERG

Wael Mahdi | 1/29/12

Saudi Arabian inflation will average 4.3 percent this year as global commodity prices fall, Al Rajhi Capital, the investment arm of the country’s largest lender by market value, said today in an e-mailed report.

Economic Imperatives – Prince Turki: SUSRIS

William Ryan | 1/29/12

This week the 6th Annual Global Competitiveness Forum in Riyadh addressed the theme, “The Entrepreneurship Imperative.” Organized by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), the GCM2012 featured a keynote address by Prince Turki Al Faisal on the second day of the three day event.  In his remarks he touched on entrepreneurship including the implications of risk and failure and a comprehensive examination of the Saudi and global economic environments.

Pilgrim’s Progress: Journey To the Heart of Islam: INDEPENDENT

Arifa Akbar | 1/30/12

Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam at the British Museum attempts to distil a spiritual experience into an art exhibition. Arifa Akbar, who has travelled to Mecca, is impressed.

Afghan govt, Taliban to hold talks in Saudi Arabia: Diplomat: PAKISTAN TRIBUNE

1/30/12

Afghan government officials and representatives of the country’s former Taliban rulers are to hold peace talks in Saudi Arabia, a Riyadh-based Afghan diplomat said on Monday.

Report: Saudi Women Will Be Allowed To Attend Soccer Matches In 2014 In New Stadium: WASHINGTON POST

1/28/12

A government-run Saudi Arabian newspaper reports that for the first time in the conservative Muslim country, women will be allowed to attend soccer matches in one of the country’s stadiums.

Charity Begins At Home For Saudi Arabia: FINANCIAL TIMES

Roula Khalaf | 1/30/12

Executives from around the world descended on Riyadh last week, days before they moved on to the main January event in Davos. Saudi Arabia’s annual Global Competitiveness Forum has become a necessary stop for those hoping to cash in on an economy flush with oil revenues at a time of financial turmoil in the west.

Saudi Warns Of Mideast Nuclear Race: ASHARQ ALAWSAT

1/26/12

An influential member of the Saudi royal family warned Wednesday that unless the Middle East becomes a nuclear weapon-free zone, a nuclear arms race is inevitable and could include his own country, Iraq, Egypt and even Turkey. Prince Turki Al Faisal said the five permanent U.N. Security Council members should guarantee a nuclear security umbrella for Mideast countries that join a nuclear-free zone — and impose “military sanctions” against countries seen to be developing nuclear weapons.

Saudi Shura Council Asks to Oversee Aramco Income, Riyadh Says: BLOOMBERG

Wael Mahdi | 1/30/12

Saudi Arabia’s consultative body, the Shura Council, voted yesterday seek the right to oversee and review the income and activities of Saudi Arabian Oil Co., al- Riyadh newspaper said, citing members of the council.

Aramco to Host CSR Forum on Feb. 1: ARAB NEWS

1/30/12

Saudi Aramco will host and organize the first corporate social responsibility (CSR) forum in Dhahran on Wednesday.

Kingdom, Iraq Not To Execute Each Other’s Prisoners: ARAB NEWS

1/28/12

Saudi Arabia and Iraq have agreed in principle to put on hold execution of prisoners on death row in the two countries for at least two months until a final agreement to swap prisoners is reached.

OBG Report Focuses On Saudi Developments: TRADE ARABIA

1/30/12

The massive investment Saudi Arabia is making in major developments across the sectors of its economy, including housing, transport and oil refinery projects, is given wide-ranging coverage in a new report published by Oxford Business Group (OBG).

IRAN: WILL ISRAEL REALLY ATTACK IRAN?

The real answer is no, they will not. But you would never figure that out by reading the New York Times. The sensationalist article in the Sunday New York Times Magazine (Jan. 29) adds to the hysteria surrounding U.S. and Israeli relations with Iran. Ronen Bergman, a columnist with the leading Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, concludes that Israel will probably attack Iran this year, Gary Sick (Gary’s Choices) writes. GROWING ELITE OPPOSITION TO STRIKE IRAN: Like the imminent prospect of one’s hanging, to paraphrase the 18th century British essayist Dr (Samuel) Johnson, the suddenly looming possibility of war can concentrate the mind wonderfully. If that aphorism didn’t apply in the run-up to the United States invasion of Iraq nearly 10 years ago, it appears to be the case now for key sectors of the US foreign-policy elite – notably, liberal hawks who supported the Iraq war – with regard to the sharp rise in tensions between Iran and both the US and Israel earlier this month, Jim Lobe (Asia Times) writes. ATTACK COULD CAUSE GREAT RECESSION: This week renowned economist Nouriel Roubini told the Associated Press that a military conflict with Iran could lead to a global recession. Roubini was interviewed at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Jasmin Ramsey (Lobelog) writes.

SYRIA: ASSAD TROOPS FIGHT BACK AGAINST SYRIA REBELS

Street battles raged at the gates of the Syrian capital on Monday as President Bashar al-Assad’s troops sought to consolidate their grip on suburbs that rebel fighters had taken only a few miles from the center of government power, Reuters reports.  END OF OBSERVER MISSION OPENS DOOR TO MORE CONFLICTS: Just a day after the Arab League suspended its monitoring mission to Syria, the nation has erupted into what some observers have called the “fiercest violence” in months, CSM reports. EU LEADERS PRESS FOR UN RESOLUTION ON SYRIA: British and French foreign ministers say they are heading to New York to press for a United Nations resolution aimed at halting Syria’s violent crackdown, USA Today reports.

IRAQ: SUNNI-BACKED LAWMAKERS END PARLIAMENT BAN

An official with Iraq’s Sunni-backed political alliance says its leaders have decided to end a parliament boycott, but the bloc’s ministers will stay away from Cabinet meetings to protest arrests and prosecution of Sunni officials, Asharq Alawsat reports. DOZENS KILLED IN ATTACK ON FUNERAL PROCESSION: Dozens of people were killed and wounded when a suicide car bomber attacked a funeral procession in Baghdad on Friday, days after an al Qaeda-linked insurgent group warned it would step up its fight against Iraq’s government, security forces and Shiite majority, WSJ reports.

AFGHANISTAN: ANOTHER TIFF BETWEEN US, KARZAI?

News of the meeting in Saudi Arabia comes weeks after the Taliban agreed to open an office in Qatar and has raised some concern that Karzai could create the appearance of a disjointed negotiation effort that could undermine peace efforts and threaten relations between the Afghans and the West, Tom A Peter (CSM) writes. AFGHANISTAN TO PRESS PAKISTAN FOR ACCESS: Afghanistan will press Pakistan for access to Taliban leaders during a one-day visit to Kabul by Pakistan’s foreign minister, with Afghan officials hoping to ease cross-border strains and lay the ground for peace negotiations with the insurgents, Reuters reports.

EGYPT: CONSENSUS UNLIKELY ON EARLY POWER TRANSFER

The head of Egypt’s Islamist Nour party, whose bloc came second in parliamentary elections, said he doubts political groups will united behind calls for the ruling generals to cede power earlier than a June deadline, Bloomberg reports.

PALESTINE: PA SUSPENDS PLANS TO RAISE TAXES

The Palestinian Authority announced on Sunday it was suspending plans to raise income tax that have sparked widespread protests but said it was still seeking ways to cut costs in 2012 to plug a gap resulting from lower-than-expected foreign aid revenues, Reuters reports. LEADER OF HAMAS MAKES RARE TRIP TO JORDAN: Khaled Meshal, the leader of Hamas, made a rare and pointedly low-key visit to Jordan on Sunday, days after Hamas officials signaled that he had effectively abandoned the group’s base in Damascus, the Syrian capital, Stephen Farrell (NYT) reports.

EUROPE: EXTREMIST JAILED FOR PLANNING ATTACKS ON NEWSPAPER

Two men accused of plotting to attack a Danish newspaper that published cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad have been found guilty in the first convictions under Norway’s anti-terror laws, The Guardian reports.

Obama: U.S. ‘Saudi Arabia of Natural Gas’: US NEWS

1/27/12

President Obama called America the “Saudi Arabia of natural gas” Thursday and said the country should start using natural gas to power more cars and trucks.

Boeing hails Saudi deal amid $1.4bn Q4 profit:  ARABIAN BUSINESS

Andy Sambidge | 1/27/12

US plane maker Boeing has highlighted a $29.4bn agreement to deliver fighter jets to Saudi Arabia as one of its key deals of 2011.

DAVOS: Saudi Finance Minister Sees GDP At 6.8% In 2012: WALL STREET JOURNAL

1/26/12

Saudi Arabia’s economy, the largest in the Arab world, is likely to maintain its gross domestic product growth rate of 6.8% this year due to the kingdom’s expansionary budget, which will play a vital role in supporting the economy, the nation’s finance minister said Thursday. OIL MARKET SUPPLY ADEQUATE: Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf said on Thursday that supply to global oil markets was “adequate” and that he was comfortable with oil prices at their current level at DAVOS, Arab News reports.

New Saudi Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Tawfiq al-Rabiah Active in New Role: ARABIANOMICS

Lucien Zeigler | 1/27/12

His Excellency Tawfiq al-Rabiah, the recently appointed Saudi Minister of Commerce and Industry has been active in his new role with the Saudi Government. Minister al-Rabiah, who was appointed to the position in December of 2011, has already led delegations from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to India and Geneva, and has met with US Trade Representative Ron Malone.

Saudi Arabia’s Prince Turki Calls Reform ‘Work in Progress’: BLOOMBERG

1/26/12

Saudi Arabian modernization is “a work in progress” and the country needs to expand education and employment for its youth as it diversifies the economy, Prince Turki Al-Faisal said.

Saudi to Recognize Syrian National Council: KHALEEJ TIMES

AFP | 1/27/12

Saudi Arabia will recognize the Syrian National Council as the “official representative” of the Syrian people, a senior member of the opposition group said in remarks published on Friday.

Expo On Rare Arabian Relics Opens In Berlin: SAUDI GAZETTE

1/27/12

Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, President of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), and Klaus Wowereit, Berlin Mayor, opened here Wednesday the Exhibition entitled “The Saudi Archeological Masterpieces through the Ages”.

Mighty Wins Coveted Contract With Saudi Arabia: AFTERMARKETNEWS.COM

1/27/12

Top executives from Mighty Distributing System of America (Mighty Auto Parts) recently returned from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where they signed a Master Distributorship Agreement with Petromin Corp., which is headquartered there.

ISRAEL: WORLD PRESSES ON ISRAEL, PALESTINIANS TO EXTEND EXPLORATORY TALKS

The International community urged Israel and the Palestinians to keep their exploratory Jordanian- sponsored meetings after the Palestinians announced that the time- out for these talks had finished on Thursday, a well-informed Palestinians source said, Xinhua reports.

SYRIA: RUSSIA CRITICIZES ARAB-WESTERN DRAFT RESOLUTION

Russia says it cannot support the current version of a joint Arab-Western draft U.N. resolution on Syria because it “does not take into account” Moscow’s positions on how to end the 10-month-old political crisis, VOA reports.

IRAN: LEADERS MULLING PRE-EMPTIVE EMBARGO

Iran said Thursday it was considering pre-empting a European Union oil embargo and called on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to intervene against a Saudi pledge to fill the supply gap, as its strongest response to date to the EU ban drove oil prices higher, Wall Street Journal reports.

IRAQ: SUICIDE BOMBER KILLS 31

A suicide bomber detonated his explosive-filled taxi near a funeral procession in Baghdad on Friday, killing 31 people in the latest attack in a Shi’ite neighborhood amid rising violence since an Iraqi political crisis erupted in December, Reuters reports. AL QAEDA LEADER GUNNED DOWN: A senior leader of Awakening Council group in Iraq was shot dead in western Baghdad by unidentified gunmen, an Interior Ministry source told Xinhua on Wednesday, Xinhua reports.

BAHRAIN: THE CULTURAL PEARL IN THE GULF

Bahrain is the only island state in the Middle East and the smallest Gulf member. We have heard a lot about Bahrain recently, but where is it exactly? Bahrain is actually a chain of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf and is situated between Saudi Arabia’s east coast and Qatar peninsula. Bahrain is the largest of the islands and is about 48 km long, ETurboNews writes, in a summary of the country’s travel sector.

ISLAM: NYPD USED ANTI-MUSLIM TRAINING VIDEO

The New York Police Department is in hot water for showing some 1,400 of its officers a film during their training that depicts American Muslims as covert extremists, a controversial decision and one that directly contradicts previous statements by NYPD officials that greatly understated their use of the feature-length film, Abby Olheiser (Slate) writes.

PAKISTAN: MILITARY ACADEMY ATTACKED NEAR BIN LADEN HOUSE

The attack damaged a wall of the training centre but no-one was hurt, according to local officials and police, Telegraph reports.

OIL: CHINA, UAE DITCH DOLLAR, WILL USE YUAN FOR TRADE: REPORT

The US dollar is fast losing out its reserve currency status with China aggressively replacing the dollar with the Yuan as a currency for bi-lateral trade. The latest is an agreement signed between the China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which will use the Yuan for oil trade, Commodity Online reports.

OPINION: WHAT SHELDON’S MONEY BUYS

It is safe to say that without multi-billionaire Sheldon Adelson’s help the chances of Newt Gingrich becoming the Republican nominee for president would be zero — and consequently the race itself, going into Florida at the moment, would not be the competitive, drag-out fight it has become. Adelson, the hotel and casino magnate, has kept Gingrich alive, first through an infusion of $5 million into a super PAC, which allowed the former speaker to defend himself against attacks by Mitt Romney and led to Gingrich’s thumping victory in South Carolina. And now we know that Adelson’s wife, Miriam, has committed another $5 million to the cause of Newt, writes Gal Beckerman (Jewish Daily Forward).

Saudi Arabia Issues Its First Sovereign Islamic Bond: NEW YORK TIMES

Sara Hamdan | 1/25/12

Saudi Arabia issued its first government-backed Islamic bond this week, for its aviation agency, setting a benchmark for pricing of conventional and Islamic bond issues this year because of its size. At 15 billion riyals, or $4 billion, it was the largest Islamic bond, or sukuk, ever issued within the kingdom. The sukuk, guaranteed by the Saudi Ministry of Finance, was oversubscribed three times, and the Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation will use the proceeds to finance the expansion of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jidda, the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia, after Riyadh.

Al-Rabiah Starts Discussions In Trade Policy Review Meeting In Geneva: ARAB NEWS

1/26/12

Minister of Commerce and Industry Tawfiq Al-Rabiah began detailed discussions on the Kingdom’s Trade Policy Review at the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva on Wednesday. Al-Rabiah is heading the Saudi delegation participating in the policy review meetings. U.S. STATEMENT ON THE TRADE POLICY REVIEW OF SAUDI ARABIA:  Participating in Saudi Arabia’s first Trade Policy Review since the Kingdom joined the WTO in 2005, Ambassador Michael Punke, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Permanent Representative to the WTO, provides an overview of the U.S.-Saudi trade relationship.

AP Interview: Saudi Warns Of Mideast Nuclear Race: BOSTON GLOBE

AP | 1/25/12

An influential member of the Saudi royal family warned Wednesday that unless the Middle East becomes a nuclear weapon-free zone, a nuclear arms race is inevitable and could include his own country, Iraq, Egypt and even Turkey. Prince Turki Al Faisal said the five permanent U.N. Security Council members should guarantee a nuclear security umbrella for Mideast countries that join a nuclear-free zone — and impose “military sanctions’’ against countries seen to be developing nuclear weapons.

Jerusalem Concerned: Saudi Air Force To Outnumber Israel’s Advanced US Jet Fleet: DEBKA FILE

1/25/12

With its latest acquisitions from Washington and Europe, the Saudi Air Force will have more fighter-bombers of more advanced models that the Israeli Air Force. Deep concern over this was recently relayed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak to President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

Saudi Aramco Moves Ahead With $7 Billion Jazan Plant, MEED Says: BLOOMBERG

Ayesha Daya | 1/26/12

Saudi Arabian Oil Co. will invite contractors this month to prequalify to bid to build the $7 billion Jazan refinery in the Red Sea province, the Middle East Economic Digest reported, citing contractors it didn’t identify. The plant will have a 400,000 barrel-a-day capacity.

Saudi Oil 30-Year Output High Amid Gulf Tensions: SUSRIS BLOG

William Ryan | 1/24/12

Saudi Arabia’s monthly crude oil production jumped 7.3% in November topping 10.04 million barrels per day, a 30-year high mark, according to data compiled by JODI. The output numbers “came with an increase in exports and a decrease in domestic consumption,” according to Bloomberg Television’s Lara Setrakian who added, “it reflects OPEC as a whole.”

Saudi Hospital Wins Global Recognition for IT: TRADE ARABIA

1/25/12

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh and Jeddah has achieved Stage 6 on the Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM), which scores hospitals on the use of IT. CLEVELAND CLINIC TRAINING PROVIDERS IN SAUDI ARABIA: Cleveland Clinic has signed an affiliation agreement with professional managed healthcare company Healthcare Development Holding Co. to provide medical education and training to healthcare providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reports Fierce Healthcare.

Nine Held in Qatif as Police Raid Hide-Out: ARAB NEWS

1/25/12

Police have arrested nine suspects involved in recent shoot-outs with security patrols in the Qatif governorate in the Eastern Province.

Kingdom Wants Prisoner Swap Accord With Iraq: ARAB NEWS

1/26/12

Saudi Arabia has asked Iraq to sign a bilateral agreement to exchange prisoners, local Arabic daily Al-Eqtisadiah reported Wednesday, quoting an official source at the Iraqi Embassy in Riyadh.

Entrepreneurs, Saudi Arabia and Mobile Apps: YBI

Andrew Davenport | 1/26/12

For me, a first time attendee and speaker at the annual Global Competitiveness Forum in Riyadh, it has been a fascinating event with real insights into entrepreneurship in the Middle East. While having a strong international (mostly US) flavor, it was established by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority as an unashamed attempt to bring a profile and focus to attempts to raise the competitiveness of this resource rich middle income economy.

Academic Partner to Support SAGIA’s ‘Entrepreneurship Village’: ARAB NEWS

1/25/12

The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) launched a new initiative – dubbed the “Entrepreneurship Village” – on the final day of the Sixth Global Competitiveness Forum in Riyadh.

Abraaj May Invest in Egyptian, Saudi Arabian Companies: BUSINESSWEEK

1/25/12

Abraaj Capital Ltd., the Middle East’s biggest private-equity company, is in “advanced stages” of investing $20 million in small and medium-sized Egyptian companies and is also targeting investments in Saudi Arabia.

SOMALIA: U.S. SPECIAL FORCES FREE TWO AMERICAN HOSTAGES IN RAID

U.S. special operations forces swooped into Somalia on Wednesday and rescued two hostage aid workers after killing their nine kidnappers, a rare and daring raid in the Horn of Africa nation to free foreign captives. American Jessica Buchanan, 32, and Poul Hagen Thisted, 60, of Denmark, humanitarian aid workers for a Danish demining group, were rescued three months after they were kidnapped on October 25 in the town of Galkayo in the semi-autonomous Galmudug region of the Horn of Africa country, Reuters reports.

UNITED STATES: THE FUTURE OF MILITARY: MORE DRONES, FEWER TROOPS

The Pentagon plans to expand its global network of drones and special-operations bases in a fundamental realignment meant to project U.S. power even as it cuts back conventional forces.

The plan, to be unveiled by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Thursday and in budget documents next month, calls for a 30% increase in the U.S. fleet of armed unmanned aircraft in the coming years, defense officials said. It also foresees the deployment of more special-operations teams at a growing number of small “lily pad” bases across the globe where they can mentor local allies and launch missions, the Wall Street Journal reports.

EGYPT: COUNTRY BARS SAM LAHOOD FROM LEAVING

Officials of the group, the International Republican Institute, said the Egyptian authorities had blocked its Cairo chief, Sam LaHood, from boarding a flight at the airport several days ago. His father is Ray LaHood, the transportation secretary and a former Republican congressman from Illinois. Officials of the group said Egyptian legal authorities told them four others, including two other Americans, had been barred from travel outside the country as well. COUNTRY PROTESTERS PLAN SIT IN UNTIL ARMY LEAVES: Egyptian youths camped out on Thursday in Cairo’s Tahrir Square and vowed to stay put until the army hands power to civilians, a day after a mass demonstration marked a year since an uprising which brought down Hosni Mubarak, Arab News reports.

PAKISTAN: CLOSURE OF SUPPLY ROUTES COSTS US 6 TIMES MORE PER ROUTE

The U.S. is paying six times as much to send war supplies to troops in Afghanistan through alternate routes after Pakistan’s punitive decision in November to close border crossings to NATO convoys, the Associated Press has learned. ‘NEW NORMAL UNCLEAR’ FOR US AND PAK: With Pakistani disapproval of U.S. leadership soaring to an all-time high of 85% last year, hopes for achieving some normalcy between the nations appear somewhat grim. But Gallup data also show a sizable percentage of Pakistanis (43%) believe it is very important for Western and Muslim societies to get along — suggesting this hope is not completely dead, Gallup reports.

TURKEY: GCC-TURKEY MEET WILL BOLSTER TIES

Prince Saud Al-Faisal, foreign minister, will co-chair the ministerial meeting between the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Turkey in Istanbul on Saturday, Arab News reports.

QATAR: RESEARCHERS FIND POTENTIAL NEW OVARIAN CANCER TREATMENT

A medical college in Qatar said that its researchers have made a possible breakthrough in the way ovarian cancer is treated, Gulf News reports.

ENERGY: IN STATE OF THE UNION, A GOOD START

The very fact that energy played a prominent role in the president’s framing of key measures to help build an “America built to last” is important and correct. Affordable and reliable energy has always been a staple of American economic growth and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. With all of the other issues plaguing government right now, energy could easily have been downgraded to a lesser priority, but it wasn’t, CSIS writes.

OPINION: HOW THE ARAB SPRING CAN SAVE SYRIA

The Arab League observer mission to Syria—sent under an agreement with the Syrian government to withdraw forces from the cities, release all political prisoners and allow monitors and journalists free movement throughout the country—has utterly failed and should not be extended, Kate Seelye (National Interest) writes.

Saudi Oil Can Replace Large Part of Iranian Exports, EIU Says: BLOOMBERG

1/25/12

Saudi Arabia has enough spare crude capacity to replace much of the heavy oil exported by Iran, which faces a European Union import ban, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Saudi IT Market To Hit $5bn by 2015: TRADE ARABIA

1/25/12

Saudi Arabia’s lucrative IT sector – currently the biggest in the Gulf region – is expected to grow into a $4.9 billion market by 2015, said experts ahead of a major information and communications technologies (ICT) event in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia, UAE Lead The World In Consumption Of Water: AL ARABIYA

1/23/12

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates consume more water per capita than the global average, according to new report which claimed that Gulf residents “disregard the consequences of their water usage.”

Gulf Monitors Leave Syria, League Seeks U.N. Support: REUTERS

1/25/12

Observers from Gulf Arab states left Syria on Wednesday after their governments said they were “certain the bloodshed and killing of innocents would continue,” and the Arab League pursued U.N. support for a plan to end President Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

Saudi Prince: Why Iran Won’t Shut Strait of Hormuz: CNN

1/25/12

In the halls of the GCF, executives expressed deep concerns about potential conflict with Iran and the impact such a move would have. As he does with some of his investments, Prince Alwaleed took a contrarian view. “I don’t believe war is inevitable,” he said. “I don’t believe the Strait of Hormuz will ever be closed because Iran knows this is suicide.”

Saudi Artists Test Limits Of Expression In Rare Show: REUTERS

1/25/12

In addressing last year’s political turmoil through his work, the Saudi artist is testing the boundaries of self expression in a kingdom where direct criticism of the authorities is not tolerated, cinema and theatre are banned and art and media are censored.

Saudi Police Chief Raises Hope Of Social Freedoms: AFP

Mohammed Hawari | 1/24/12

The appointment of a moderate to head the feared Saudi religious police has raised hopes that a more lenient force will ease draconian social constraints in the kingdom, but human rights activists remain skeptical.

Saudi King Calls Hariri to Check on His Health: DAILY STAR

1/24/12

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri received Tuesday a call from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz to check on his health after the surgery he underwent at the American hospital in Paris, according to a statement released by Hariri’s press office.

Porsche Saudi Arabia, Mobil 1 Renew Links: ARAB NEWS

1/24/12

Following a successful relationship for many years, the renewal contract for the strategic partnership between Samaco, the dealer of Porsche cars in Saudi Arabia, and the Arabian Petroleum Supply Company Ltd., (Apsco), dealer and producer of Mobil 1 lubricants, was signed at a special event.

In New York Dailies, Three Very Different Rape Trials: ATLANTIC WIRE

Adam Martin | 1/24/12

Three New York daily newspapers carrying three different accounts of the rape trial of a Saudi prince’s friend on Monday posted stories so varied you’d be forgiven if you didn’t realize they were all about the same thing. The New York Post, the New York Daily News, and The New York Times all covered the testimony of a woman who says 60-year-old Mustapha Ouanes, a member of the traveling entourage of an unnamed Saudi prince, raped her in the Plaza Hotel in January 2010. The student says Ouanes had sex with her while she was unconscious in his hotel room, having passed out after a night of drinking. Ouanes says the sex was consensual, and that he’s the victim of a shakedown because of his ties to Saudi royalty.

IRAQ: NEWT, MITT AND REPUBLICANS FORGET IRAQ MISTAKE IN PUSH FOR WAR WITH IRAN

Gingrich, Romney and Santorum pushed for the Iraq War. Now the media should make them explain what they’ve learned from being wrong and why we should trust their eagerness to bomb Iran, writes Peter Beinart (Daily Beast) in an analysis.

IRAN: CAN EUROPE’S BOYCOTT SINK IRAN?

Although a European boycott of Iranian oil will increase the cost of doing business for Iran, will hurt the Iranian public, and is already harming the value of the Iranian currency, it is highly unlikely to cut Iran off from exporting to the world market or to put so much pressure on the government that it will change its policies, Juan Cole (CNN) writes.

UNITED STATES: OBAMA DELIVERS STATE OF THE UNION

By using his State of the Union speech to draw sharp contrasts with Republicans on such high-profile issues as taxes and the housing market, President Obama opened an election-year debate on the role of government that could be more intense than any in decades, writes the LAT in a news analysis.

EGYPT: IN POLL, EGYPTIANS EXPECT TRANSFER OF POWER

As Egyptians mark the first anniversary of the revolution that toppled their last president, 82% believe that the military will relinquish power to a civilian government after they elect their next president, a Gallup poll finds. TAHRIR SQUARE PACKED: Thousands of Egyptians flooded into Tahrir Square, the center of Egypt’s revolt, on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of a revolution that began on this date in 2011, Leila Fadel (WaPo) reports.

AFGHANISTAN: THE AFGHAN WAR, CAUSE AND EFFECT

More than half of Americans want the U.S. to pull its remaining 90,000 troops out of Afghanistan “as soon as possible,” according to a Pew survey released Monday. That continues a sharp reversal that has existed since last summer. It’s interesting to compare the two lines in the Pew chart with the U.S. casualty toll detailed in a new Congressional Research Service report, also released Monday, by Steven Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists’ Secrecy Project (you pay for them, but Congress won’t let you see them, so Aftergood gets them somehow and posts them for taxpayers). MENTAL TRAUMA TAKES HUGE TOLL: The intensity of the shock experienced by people as their lives change in an instant was captured in a powerful image by AFP Kabul photographer Massoud Hossaini, who was at the shrine when the explosion happened. His photograph showing a girl dressed in green screaming in horror, surrounded by dead and wounded relatives, featured on newspaper front-pages around the world and has become one of the emblematic images of the Afghan war, AFP reports.

YEMEN: CLASHES KILL 6

Fresh clashes in southern Yemen have killed six al-Qaida militants and injured 10 soldiers, military officials said Wednesday, AP reports.

SUDAN: SPECIAL FORCES FREE 2 HOSTAGES FROM SOMALI PIRATES

American commandos raced into Somalia early Wednesday and rescued two aid workers, an American woman and a Danish man, after a shootout with Somali pirates who had been holding them captive for months, NYT reports.

PALESTINE: POLICE HELP FREE WOMAN HELD FOR 9 YEARS IN ROOM BY FATHER

A Palestinian woman was imprisoned for nine years in a bathroom by her father, beaten, barely fed and only let out at night, a social worker and police said Monday, Gulf News reports.

She was given only a blanket, a radio, and a razor blade by her father, who encouraged her to kill herself, said the social worker, Hala Shreim.

Investments are Engine of KSA’s Development: King Abdullah: SAUDI GAZETTE

1/24/12

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud has stressed the need to increase investment opportunities in the Kingdom. Inaugurating the sixth Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF) in Riyadh on Saturday night, King Abdullah described investments as Saudi Arabia’s engine of development. The King’s inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Commerce and Industry, at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Kingdom Tower.

Boeing Delivers Two 777-300ERs to Saudi Arabian Airlines: PRESS RELEASE

1/24/12

Boeing reached a major milestone with Saudi Arabian Airlines when it delivered the airline’s first two 777-300ERs (extended range), marking another step forward in Boeing’s historic and enduring relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Sees $66bn Worth of Projects Signed In 2011: ARABIAN BUSINESS

1/23/12

The total value of contracts awarded in Saudi Arabia reached $66bn in 2011, a six percent increase on the previous year, according to new research.

No Cash to West until KSA Given More Clout: ARAB NEWS

1/23/12

Big emerging economies such as Saudi Arabia, India and China will not aid the West in its financial crisis unless they are given more influence in running the global economy, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi ex-envoy to US and UK, said on Monday. “The financial crisis and great recession were born in the West, developed in the West yet hit hard throughout the world,” he said while addressing the Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF).

Why Won’t Saudi Arabia Write Down Its Laws?: FOREIGN POLICY

Nathan J. Brown | 1/23/12

In 2007 and 2009 Saudi King Abdullah capped a decade of legal and judicial reforms in his country by reorganizing the judiciary and ordering that Saudi Arabia follow the step that virtually all other states in the region did long ago by codifying its laws — committing to paper a comprehensive compendium of the operative laws in the kingdom. Since that date, however, his order has been neither challenged nor implemented. Why is codification of law seen as such a dramatic step in Saudi Arabia? And why does the king seem incapable of making it happen?

Will 2012 Be A Year of Opening for Saudi Arabia?: ARABIANOMICS

Lucien Zeigler | 1/23/12

The investment, aviation, and tourism sectors are all set for major changes to the status quo in 2012 after years of anticipation by foreigners to break into these lucrative markets in Saudi Arabia. Perhaps the most significant and highly anticipated of these openings is in the opening of Saudi Arabia’s stock market.

Saudi Interior Ministry: Authorities Detain 9 Accused Of Instigating Riots In Shiite City: WASHINGTON POST

1/24/12

A Saudi official says police have detained nine men accused of instigating riots in the eastern city of Qatif, home to the country’s Shiite minority.

Saudi Cabinet Approves Expansion Of Oil, Gas Relations With China: SPA: PLATTS

1/24/12

The Saudi cabinet has mandated Oil Minister Ali Naimi to enter into negotiations with China in line with a protocol signed between the two sides to expand cooperation in the oil, gas and minerals sectors, official news agency SPA reported Monday.

Saudi to Introduce Bank Wage System for Expats: EMIRATES 24|7

1/24/12

Saudi Arabia will join the UAE in forcing its private sector employers to transfer salaries of their workers to banks to protect their rights and ensure they get their wages on time, newspapers said on Tuesday.

Hundreds Of Child Smugglers Nabbed: ARAB NEWS

1/24/12

A total of 448 people involved in smuggling children from Yemen to the Kingdom along the southern borders were caught last year, Al-Eqtisadiah reported Monday. The local daily was quoting the commander of the Saudi Border Guards Gen. Zameem Al-Sawwat.

50 Job Centers To Be Set Up For Women Soon: Labor Minister: ARAB NEWS

1/23/12

Labor Minister Adel Fakeih said on Monday his ministry plans to set up 50 job centers for Saudi women throughout the Kingdom to enable them to find employment opportunities in various sectors.

Cabinet Okays Pension For All GCC Citizens: SAUDI GAZETTE

1/24/12

The Council of Ministers has approved the Unified System for the Extension of Insurance Protection for all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens working in this country. The system provides pension coverage for GCC citizens in all member states.

IRAN: HOW TOUGH ARE THE SANCTIONS?

The sanctions, agreed upon yesterday in Brussels but not to be implemented until July, comes with possible unintended consequences ranging from oil market disarray at a time of economic crisis to further brinkmanship by the Islamic Republic. Yet some experts feel that the EU’s advertised toughness is less than meets the eye, and that the EU may have quietly kicked the can down the road, or at least left open the door for changes that could decrease pressure on Tehran, CSM writes.  NEGOTIATIONS CAN RESOLVE STANDOFF, IRAN SAYS: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said only negotiations and not sanctions can resolve the standoff over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program, Bloomberg reports. BACKGROUND: EU TRADE WITH IRAN:  Iran provides a notable, but not decisive, quantity of oil to the European Union. Of the 896 million barrels of crude imported to the 27 EU member states in the first quarter of 2011, just 4.4 per cent came from Iran, Monsters and Critics writes.

SYRIA: GULF ARAB STATES QUIT MISSION

Saudi Arabia’s Gulf allies joined Riyadh on Tuesday in pulling out of an Arab League monitoring team to Syria, risking the collapse of a mission whose presence has not halted more than 10 months of violence, Reuters reports. BASHAR’S RUSSIAN PALS: Bashar Assad is feeling lonely, though not yet lonely enough. First the Turks, Americans and Europeans de-friended him. Now formerly fraternal leaders at the Arab League want him deposed. The Syrian strongman’s forces have killed more than 5,400 people in 10 months and turned a peaceful protest movement into a virtual civil war. But he still has a few friends in low places, opines the Wall Street Journal.

UNITED STATES: OBAMA TO DELIVER STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH TONIGHT

President Barack Obama will pitch new initiatives on jobs, taxes and housing in an election-year State of the Union address on Tuesday, making a sweeping case for a second term, Reuters reports.

EGYPT: FIRST PARLIAMENT IN POST-MUBARAK ERA HELD

Egypt’s military rulers said they handed legislative powers to the country’s lower house of parliament on Monday — the first day the parliament convened since former President Hosni Mubarak’s ouster last year, CNN reports.

TURKEY: GENOCIDE LAW SUBJECT OF ROW WITH FRANCE

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan attacked the French parliament on Tuesday for passing a “discriminatory and racist” bill which makes it illegal to deny that the mass killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks nearly a century ago was genocide, Reuters reports.

LIBYA: GADDAFI LOYALISTS SEIZE TOWN

Moammar Gadhafi loyalists have seized control of a Libyan town and raised the ousted regime’s green flag, an official and commander said Tuesday, AP reports.

IRAQ: CAR BOMBS KILL 14

A wave of car bombings today hit the Iraq capital, killing 14 people and wounding more than 70 as violence surges in the country amid an escalating political crisis a month after the US military withdrawal, AP reports.

YEMEN: 750,000 CHILDREN MALNOURISHED

A year of Yemen’s turmoil has exacerbated the number of malnourished children under the age of five to around 750,000, UNICEF said Tuesday, appealing to the government and the international community to help develop the country’s infrastructure to tackle the problem, AP reports.

AFGHANISTAN: 16 INSURGENTS KILLED

Sixteen insurgents have been killed in a series of operations conducted by Afghan and NATO-led coalition forces over the past 24 hours, the Afghan Interior Ministry said on Sunday, Xinhua reports.

Change and Reform: A Conversation with Khaled Al-Seif: SUSRIS

1/22/12

Last month on the sidelines of the very successful US-Saudi Business Opportunity Forum in Atlanta Engineer Khaled Al-Seif talked with SUSRIS about the current state of the trade, investment and partnership openings for Americans working with Saudis. The exclusive interview also covered his insightful perspective on the scope and pace of changes being experienced in the Kingdom, especially social reform in the area of women’s empowerment.

Interfaith Dialogue Presents Opportunities: ARAB NEWS

Samar Fatany | 1/22/12

Let us establish business partnerships and support joint projects between faith-based organizations. Exploring what the Abrahamic faiths have in common was the theme of an interfaith dialogue held in Atlanta’s All Saints Episcopal Church on the sidelines of the recent US-Saudi Business Opportunities Forum. The Saudi Committee of International Trade (CIT) and the Saudi-US Trade Group organized the event. The discussion was moderated by Nick Stuart, president of Odyssey Networks, America’s largest interfaith media organization. The American panelists were prominent religious leaders in Atlanta; the southeast regional director of Anti-Defamation League, president of the Concerned Black Clergy, president of the Alliance for Christian Media, and dean of the Chapel and Religious Life at Emory University. Saudi participants included senior members of the CIT.

110,000 Saudis Applied For US Visas in 2011: ASHARQ ALAWSAT

1/22/12

The US embassy in Riyadh revealed that 110,000 Saudi nationals applied for a visa to visit the US in 2011, an increase of 25,000 from the previous year. The embassy also revealed that 93 percent of these visa applications were approved, and 75 percent of visa application approvals were issued within one week.

Saudi Arabia Withdraws Monitors from Syria: ATLANTIC SENTINEL

Nick Ottens | 1/22/12

Saudi Arabia on Sunday said it would withdraw its members from an Arab League monitoring mission in Syria as the regime there continued to deploy violence against protesters. In Cairo, Prince Saud bin Faisal, the kingdom’s foreign minister, also called on the international community “to bear its responsibility” and increase pressure on Damascus.

Saudi Arabia Foreign Shares Listing Rules May Boost Gulf Markets: BLOOMBERG

1/23/12

Saudi Arabia’s decision to allow foreign companies to list securities in the Arab world’s biggest bourse may help the region’s equity markets lure investors and boost trading volumes.

China’s Dec Saudi Crude Imports 4th Highest On Record: REUTERS

1/21/12

China’s crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia rose to 1.12 million barrels per day in December, the fourth-highest on record on a daily basis, Chinese customs data showed, as the world’s top oil exporter pumped just under the 10 million bpd mark.

OPEC Consensus on $100/Barrel Oil Broadened By Saudi Comments: BUSINESS WORLD ONLINE

1/23/12

Saudi Arabia’s endorsement of an oil price of $100 a barrel increases OPEC unity over a triple-digit price aspiration, making agreement on policy easier and adding support for the market. $100 CRUDE THE NEW NORMAL: Saudi Arabia sent a crystal clear message last week to the oil market: $100 a barrel is the new normal.

For some, it is a green light to bid up forward-dated crude oil futures, FT writes.

Terror Crimes Declining In The Kingdom: Al-Isa: ARAB NEWS

1/20/12

Saudi Justice Minister Muhammad Al-Isa said terror crimes are on the wane in the Kingdom and he said the decline is largely due to the rehab programs, increased security and a fair judiciary system.

Saudi Cleric Says Nothing Wrong With Genders Mixing, Listening To Music: AL ARABIYA

1/23/12

Saudi cleric and former president of the commission for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice branch in Makkah, Sheikh Ahmed bin Qassim al-Ghamdi, has challenged those who oppose his opinions on permitting the mixing of genders, listening to music and for saying that Islam doesn’t restrict Muslims to pray in group.

Saudi Typhoon Storms Ahead: ARABIAN AEROSPACE

1/23/12

Saudi Arabia has faced challenges introducing the Eurofighter Typhoon into service, not least in establishing local production – which has yet to start.

AC Milan Park Opens In Najran: ARAB NEWS

1/20/12

Najran Province Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah welcomed Italian Consul General Simone Petroni on the occasion of his four-day visit to Najran (Jan. 17-20) for the inauguration of the first AC Milan Park in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia/Islam: Child Beggars Make Big Bucks By Begging: IINA

1/21/12

Children, who have been smuggled into the Kingdom from neighboring countries, are making a lot of money through begging and do not want to leave Saudi Arabia, local daily Al-Eqtisadiah said Friday in an investigative report about the phenomenon.

IRAN: EUROPE AGREES TO EMBARGO

European Union nations have agreed to place an oil embargo against Iranian oil exports, VOA reports.

SYRIA: ARABS IN AGREEMENT ON PLAN AS BODY URGES UN SUPPORT
Arab foreign ministers agreed on Sunday a new political roadmap for Syria that sees President Bashar Assad delegating power to a deputy and setting up a unity government as a prelude to early parliamentary and presidential elections, Arab News reports.

CONFRONTING IRAN IN A YEAR OF ELECTIONS: Think of the multipolar chess President Obama is now playing. Every country involved in the dispute over Iran’s possibly acquiring nuclear weapons is calculating how the American presidential election plays to its agenda. The politics of soaring oil prices loom over any threat of military conflict, even a brief skirmish in the Strait of Hormuz. And with global economic turmoil a reality and leadership changes possible or certain this year in the United States, Russia, China and France, the game gets even more complex, David E. Sanger (NYT) writes. IRAN WARNS ARAB NEIGHBORS: Iran’s foreign minister has warned Arab neighbours not to put themselves in a “dangerous position” by aligning themselves too closely with the US in the escalating dispute over Tehran’s nuclear activity, the Guardian reports.

OPINION: WHO WANTS WAR WITH IRAN?

What we do know is that “Bibi” Netanyahu is desperate to have the United States launch air and missile strikes to stop Teheran from becoming the world’s ninth nuclear power. And he is echoed not only by U.S. neocons, but GOP candidates save Ron Paul. Nor should we be surprised, writes Pat Buchanan, a leading conservative voice in the U.S. … Before some agent provocateur pushes us into war with Iran, Congress should debate the wisdom of authorizing President Obama, or anyone else, to take America into her fifth war in a generation in the Middle and Near East, writes Pat Buchanon (Townhall.com).

UNITED STATES: UPROAR AS JEWISH NEWSPAPER EDITOR CALLS FOR OBAMA ASSASSINATION

The owner and publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times, Andrew Adler, has suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu consider ordering a Mossad hit team to assassinate U.S. President Barack Obama so that his successor will defend Israel against Iran, Haaretz writes.

YEMEN: SALEH GRANTED IMMUNITY
Yemen’s parliament approved a controversial law Saturday that ensures President Ali Abdullah Saleh complete immunity from prosecution, CNN reports.

EGYPT: SALAFISTS TAKE A QUARTER OF EGYPT’S LOWER HOUSE

Followers of a puritanical form of Islam will fill about a quarter of the seats in the lower house of the new Egyptian parliament on Monday, underscoring the political power being wielded by Islamists in the wake of the Arab spring, Leila Fadel (Washington Post) reports.

PALESTINE: HAMAS CALLS FOR END TO PEACE FEELERS AFTER ARRESTS

The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas urged President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday to suspend exploratory peace talks with Israel following Israel’s arrest of two Hamas legislators, and to stop his cooperation on West Bank security with the Israelis, Reuters/Arab News reports.

Iran Confronts Saudis on Oil Offer: WALL STREET JOURNAL

Benoît Faucon, Rakesh Sharma and Se Young Lee | 1/18/12

Iran warned Saudi Arabia against delivering additional oil to world markets to compensate for a drop in Iranian oil exports if they are hit by sanctions, as the U.S. continued to have mixed success in convincing Iran’s major oil customers to reduce their purchases of Iranian oil.

C.Bank Chief: Saudi To Keep Oil Price Stable: REUTERS

1/20/12

Saudi Arabia’s central bank chief said on Friday that his country would offer excess oil production capacity if needed to balance oil prices, and that he expected prices to stay stable.

Sino Saudi Gas To Boost Exploration: GULF NEWS

1/19/12

Sino Saudi Gas plans to drill again in Saudi Arabia’s Empty Quarter in September but gas prices are still too low for companies exploring there, the chief executive of Saudi Aramco said. The joint venture between China’s Sinopec and state-run Aramco has been prospecting for natural gas for years, but what little they have found has not been exploited largely because industrial gas prices are fixed far below international market prices. SAUDI PIVOTS TOWARD ASIA: Saudi Arabia’s future lies in Asia. That was the subtext of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s recent visit to Riyadh. That future might arrive a lot quicker than people think, if BP is to be believed, Peter Lee (Asia Times) writes. WEN CONCLUDES TRIP:  Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has concluded his six-day visit to the Middle East, which brought him to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. During his visit, the Chinese premier met with leaders from the three countries as well as from regional organizations. He also attended and addressed the fifth World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, Xinhua reports.

KSA Nonoil Exports Rise To SR13bn: ARAB NEWS

1/20/12

Saudi nonoil exports rose in Nov. 2011 to SR13 billion against SR11.49 billion in the same period the previous year, an increase of 13 percent, the Saudi Press Agency reported quoting an official statistical report on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia: King Tells New Vice Chief To Be Lenient With People: ARAB NEWS

1/20/12

The newly appointed general president of the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh said Thursday that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah had ordered him and his fellow colleagues to be lenient when dealing with people and to show good will and respect to them.

Power Hungry: SAUDI GAZETTE

Amal Al-Sibai

The excess consumption of electricity by residents and citizens of the Kingdom is a cause for concern.

In Saudi Arabia, 7 Of Their 10 Most Beloved Brands Are Non-Islamic: BUSINESS INSIDER

Jim Edwards | 1/19/12

Only three of the 10 best-liked brands in the country are Arab or Islamic brands. The rest are Western or Asian — a reflection of the nation’s imported consumer goods culture (and its own failure to create a domestic manufacturing base).

No Ladies Room In Saudi Ministry: UPI

1/19/12

A U.S. Congressional group on a fact-finding trip to Saudi Arabia discovered one hard fact — the ministry of defense has no women’s bathrooms.

The group included four women. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., told Bikyamasr.com that he and other men in the delegation offered to guard the men’s bathroom while women used the facilities, but Saudi officials would not allow that.

British Airways Launches Challenging SME Initiative In Kingdom: ARAB NEWS

Roger Harrison | 1/19/12

British Airways has launched a challenging new business initiative in the Saudi small and medium enterprise (SME) arena.

30-Day Jeddah Shopping Festival Launched: SAUDI GAZETTE

1/20/12

Hayya Jeddah Shopping Festival being launched at the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah Wednesday. (Right) A Saudi man performs during the inauguration ceremony.

Why The Saudis Want $100-A-Barrel Oil: WASHINGTON POST

Brad Plumer | 1/17/12

In 2008, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah called $75-a-barrel oil a “fair price.” But the price of fairness seems to be rising fast: According to the Financial Times, the Saudis now prefer to keep oil prices at about $100 per barrel. What’s changed?

In a word, spending.

IRAN: TURKEY WORKS TO CUT DEPENDENCE ON IRANIAN OIL

Turkish refiner Tupras plans to cut its dependence on imports of Iranian oil and will meet Saudi Arabian authorities this month, industry sources familiar with the company’s strategy said on Thursday, as Western powers crack down on Iran’s oil sales, Reuters reports. UNITED STATES ‘FULLY PREPARED’ TO KEEP HORMUZ OPEN: The U.S. military is now “fully prepared” to deal with any Iranian effort to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital Persian Gulf avenue for international oil shipments, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Wednesday.

At a Pentagon news conference, Panetta was asked whether, in light of Iran’s threat to close the strait in retaliation for stronger international economic sanctions, Washington is adjusting U.S. forces in the region, AP/Washington Post reports.

UAE: ONE OF EMIRATES’ OLDEST HOTELS TO CLOSE

One of the emirate’s oldest hotels, the Metropolitan, is to be demolished to make way for a glitzy hospitality complex and a Las Vegas-style theatre valued at Dh4.87 billion, Gulf News reports.

ISRAEL: FORCES ARREST TWO PALESTINIAN POLITICIANS

Hamas condemned Friday the arrests of two Palestinian lawmakers and called for a halt to recent peace talks, CNN reports. PALESTINIANS CONDEMN ARREST: The Palestinian Authority has condemned Israel’s arrest of Hamas politician Aziz Dweik, speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council. Hamas said the arrest was intended to undermine its recent attempts at reconciliation with the Fatah movement, BBC reports. DEMPSEY IN ISRAEL FOR TALKS: US military chief General Martin Dempsey on Friday urged Israel to keep the channels of communication open amid concerns the Jewish state could launch a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, AFP reports.

GUANTANAMO: AL QAEDA MAGAZINE DELIVERED TO INMATES

A copy of an al Qaeda-linked magazine was delivered to the Guantanamo detention camp for suspected terrorists, a military prosecutor revealed on Wednesday during a courtroom discussion of mail security, Jane Sutton (Reuters) reports.

SYRIA: THOUSANDS PROTEST AS OBSERVERS SAY MISSION TO BE EXTENDED

Buoyed by the opposition’s control of a town near the Syrian capital, thousands of people held anti-government protests Friday, chanting for the downfall of the regime. At least eight people were killed by security forces across the country, activists said.

In Egypt, two Arab League officials said the organization is likely to extend its observer mission in Syria, despite complaints from the Syrian opposition that it has failed to curb the bloodshed in the country, the AP reports.

PAKISTAN: GILANI CONTEMPT CASE RIVETS NATION

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani appeared Thursday before a Supreme Court panel to defend himself in contempt-of-court proceedings, staving off an immediate ruling in a high-stakes case that could lead to his ouster and jeopardize his party’s hold on government, the LAT reports.
The high court initiated contempt proceedings against Gilani this week, contending that he had deliberately ignored its frequent demands to pursue long-standing corruption allegations against his boss, President Asif Ali Zardari.

AFGHANISTAN: FRANCE HALTS TRAINING, THREATENS TO WITHDRAW

France suspended its training operations in Afghanistan and threatened to withdraw its entire force from the country early, after an Afghan wearing an army uniform shot and killed four French troops Friday and wounded others, CBS News reports.

EGYPT: FRUSTRATION AS TOURISTS STAY AWAY

The upshot, revealed Abdel Nour on Saturday, has been a £2.5bn decrease fall in tourism revenue alongside 32% fewer visitors, with the capital – which has played host to most of the street fighting in recent months – taking the brunt. “We are living through an unprecedented crisis in the history of this sector,” said the minister, a long-time liberal political grandee. “We have faced tourism crises before following one-off events [such as the 1997 Luxor massacre in which terrorists shot dead 62 holidaymakers at an ancient Egyptian temple], but this is different because [the revolution] is a continuous state of affairs,” the Guardian reports.

Saudi Arabia’s November Oil Output, Exports Rise to 30-Year High: BLOOMBERG

Wael Mahdi | 1/18/12

Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s largest crude producer, increased output and exports in November to the highest levels in more than 30 years, according to the Joint Organization Data Initiative.

The country pumped 10.047 million barrels a day of crude, up from 9.36 million in October, statistics posted today on JODI’s website show. The kingdom’s exports increased by 721,000 barrels a day, more than 10 percent, to 7.8 million barrels a day, according to the figures, which include condensates and exclude natural-gas liquids.

IS SAUDI REALLY ‘TARGETING’ $100 CRUDE?: Some analysts are questioning media reports that Saudi Arabia is really ‘targeting’ a $100 price for oil, noting that Saudi’s current breakeven price for its budget in 2012 is about $70 a barrel, Arabianomics.com writes.

CHINA LOOKS TO SAUDI TO QUENCH THIRST FOR FUEL: China is thirsty for oil to fuel its economic boom – and it’s increasingly looking to Saudi Arabia to help quench that thirst… Aramco CEO Khalid Al Falih told CNN’s John Defterios: “China … is the engine of the global economy; they are growing, their population is urbanizing and there is a thirst for energy.” He added: “We need China as much as China needs us.”

Business Forum: Delivery of Medical Services – Dr. Rabeeah: SUSRIS

1/17/12

Among the sectors represented at panels were: energy and renewables, information technology, petrochemical and plastics, infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, transportation and logistics, and water and electricity. One area where tremendous commercial opportunities for cooperation between Saudi and American business people was apparent is the health and medical services sector. Leading the Saudi delegation in that area was Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who opened the plenary session titled, “Health and Medical Services: Delivering Top Quality Care.”

Calls Grow To Halt Brain Drain from Govt Hospitals: ARAB NEWS

1/19/12

The number of doctors from government-run hospitals crossing over to the private sector is on the rise despite the Ministry of Health’s relentless efforts to encourage specialist Saudi doctors and consultants to continue serving the public health sector with attractive salary packages and incentives, health sector officials and experts say.

Rep. Peter Welch: Gulf Allies Expressed ‘Great Reservation and Caution’ About Attacking Iran: THINK PROGRESS

Eli Clifton | 1/18/12

Returning from a congressional trip to France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, Deputy House Whip Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) is bringing back two clear messages from the U.S.’s Gulf allies.

China to Help Saudis with Novel Nuke Power: GREEN PROPHET

1/19/12

In the wake of a 6-day trip by China’s Premier Win Jiabao to Saudi Arabia, China and Saudi Arabia have forged an alliance on developing nuclear power. Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement with China for assistance in the development of nuclear power.

Saudi Business Trade Missions to Visit US: ARAB NEWS

1/19/12

Refrigeration, heating, construction, and defense sectors will be the focus of attention of three Saudi business trade missions consisting of leading Saudi companies in those fields.

They are being sponsored by the US Commercial Service in Riyadh.

Rosenbauer Lands Largest Order in Company History: FOREST LAKE TIMES

1/18/12

Rosenbauer of Wyoming recently received the largest order for fire fighting vehicles in the company and industry’s history. The order comes from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior, and is worth approximately $320 million. 1The order includes 1,125 vehicles, comprised of pumpers, tankers, rescue trucks, aerials, fire fighting boats and other civil defense vehicles.

Saudi Electricity’s Lack of Spark Disappoints: THE NATIONAL

Hadeel al Sayegh | 1/19/12

Saudi Electricity disappointed analysts yesterday when the state-controlled producer said fourth-quarter losses had widened amid higher energy costs.

Saudi Official Denies ID Cards Tracks People’s Movements: ASHARQ ALAWSAT

1/18/12

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Civil Affairs, Major General Abdulrahman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Fada strongly denied that the new National ID card contained a microchip to track the movements of Saudi citizens. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he asserted that this microchip records and stores information in the same manner as credit cards. He revealed that Saudi citizens will be able to use the new National ID cards – and the electronic information they contain –in future transactions, in the government and private sectors. He also stressed that the date contained on these cards would only be utilized with the consent of the cardholder.

Anti-Graft Officials Bust Gang Stealing Medicines From Govt Warehouses: ARAB NEWS

1/18/12

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has busted a gang which was involved in stealing vaccines, serums and equipment worth millions of riyals from the warehouses of the health affairs directorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday quoting a senior official.

‘I want to harm Israel,’ Saudi hacker tells ‘Post’: JERUSALEM POST

1/19/12

An Arab hacker who has been at the forefront of the recent wave of Internet attacks on Israel told The Jerusalem Post on Monday he would continue to strike key Israeli websites until the government “apologizes for their genocide in Palestine and Gaza.”

Contemporary Artists Rock the Boat Gently in Saudi Arabia: NEW YORK TIMES

Vinita Bharadwaj | 1/18/12

“Saudi artists want to talk,” Ahmed Mater says. “I think the world should listen.”

SYRIA: WORLD INACTION FUELS ARMED REVOLT

Growing indications that a deeply divided international community is either unable or unwilling to intervene to halt the violence in Syria are fueling an armed rebellion that risks plunging the country, and perhaps the region, into a wider war, Liz Sly (Washington Post) reports. NEW BID TO STIFLE AID FROM IRAN: U.S. officials have uncovered an effort by Iran to help Syria mask its oil exports and evade an American and European embargo, in a potent new sign of Tehran’s campaign to bolster Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as his regime cracks down on public opposition, Jay Solomon and Alan Cullison (WSJ) report. ARAB LEAGUE CONSIDERS EXTENSION OF MISSION: Arab League foreign ministers will consider extending the League’s observer mission in Syria in a meeting next week, officials said Thursday, AP reports.

EGYPT: MUBARAK LAWYER SAYS ARMY RESPONSIBLE FOR DEATHS

Hosni Mubarak’s lawyer has said the Egyptian army was in charge of security when protesters were killed during the uprising that led to his overthrow. Farid al-Deeb said the former president had imposed a curfew on the afternoon of 28 January and transferred responsibility to the head of the army, BBC reports.

IRAN: 5 WAYS TO AVOID WAR

Do the drumbeaters calling for ‘war with Iran’ never learn from history? It is tempting to dismiss their hot air as an attempt to score political points, but its sheer volume is worrying. Two former US hostages in Iran say Obama must ignore the war talk, and keep in mind these five key points, L. Bruce Laingen and John Limbert (CSM) write. COULD ISRAEL LIVE WITH A NUCLEAR IRAN?: Three months before the recent upsurge in tension with Tehran over its nuclear program, an Israeli think tank simulated fallout from what many here consider the unthinkable: an Iranian nuclear explosive test. The results of the simulation, published this week, are not the Middle East doomsday that some here have warned of, Joshua Mitnick (CSM) writes. THREE WAYS TO STIFLE IRAN’S PROGRAM WITHOUT WAR: Partly by design and partly by happenstance, a three-pronged US strategy for checking Iran’s nuclear program and the regime in Tehran is emerging: an unprecedented combination of sanctions, covert action, and a Syria-inspired protest movement within Iran, Leonard Spector (CSM) writes.

ISRAEL: CLASH OF CIVILIZATIONS

In Israel, which gave the world a very special woman leader in Golda Meir, and where young women are drafted like their male counterparts, and women played a significant role in the success of early Zionist settlements, the rise of the ultra-Orthodox is posing a huge challenge at the very core of society. Moshe Halbertal, a professor of Jewish philosophy at Hebrew University, says that whereas a century ago secular nationalism and socialism challenged the religious establishment, “today the issue is feminism.’” Rabbis are losing sleep over this, he added, just as the Islamic world – particularly post-Arab spring – ponders the place of women, Alison Smale (IHT) writes.

MIDDLE EAST: FAST FOOD CHAINS ON THE GROW

Arabianbusiness.com provides a slideshow documenting the growth of fast food chains in the Middle East.

YEMEN: AL QAEDA MILITANTS TIGHTEN GRIP ON YEMEN TOWN

Islamist militants raised their flag over the citadel at Radda and pledged allegiance to al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri after seizing the Yemeni town southeast of the capital Sanaa, residents said on Monday, Alsharq/Reuters reports.

AFGHANISTAN: SUICIDE ATTACK KILLS 7

At least seven civilians have died in a suicide attack at an airport used by international forces in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, BBC reports.

ANALYSIS: IRAN IS FINDING FEWER BUYERS FOR ITS OIL

The squeeze is already beginning on Iran’s oil exports — and guess which nation quietly reduced its purchases from Tehran this month. Why, that would be China, Iran’s supposed protector, David Ignatius (Washington Post) writes. Iran’s reduced sales to its biggest oil customer resulted from a dispute over payment terms… But it’s an early sign of what may be significant reductions in Iranian exports to Europe and Asia, as buyers there hedge against the likelihood of tighter sanctions.

SUSRIS Project Now on iPhone: SUSRIS

1/17/12

As many of our readers know, SUSRIS is a sister site to SUSTG and part of a family of sites that provide unparalleled resources for those interested in Saudi Arabia, the region and U.S.-Saudi relations.  SUSRIS has launched an iPhone App available in iTunes. The App will deliver SUSRIS articles, interviews, special reports and much more from a variety of sources to the palm of your hand wherever you travel. Look for a SUSTG iPhone App in the near future.

Saudi Ex-Spy Chief Says ‘All’ Options Open On Iran: AFP

1/18/12

Saudi Arabia will use “all available options” to defend itself against Iranian “threats” that might trigger “unwanted military confrontation,” its former intelligence chief told a Gulf security conference.

OIL CLIMBS PAST $100: Oil leaped above $100 a barrel Tuesday due to renewed tensions over Iran and after Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest exporter of the commodity, indicated it thinks prices should be kept around that level…Oil prices rose after Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi told CNN that Saudi Arabia wanted to stabilize prices at $100 a barrel this year and was ready to pump more oil if needed.  IRAN WARNS SAUDIS NOT TO USE SPARE OIL CAPACITY: Iran warned Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to rethink an offer to make up for oil lost to world markets as a result of threatened curbs on its exports, as diplomats said an EU embargo may be in force by July, AFP reports. SAUDI CAPABLE OF MEETING CUSTOMER NEEDS- AL-NAIMI:  Asharq Alawsat reports, In a statement to Asharq Al-Awsat, Saudi Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Ali Al-Naimi dismissed doubts regarding the kingdom’s ability to produce at full capacity. Al-Naimi spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat at the launching of the Red Sea Refinery project YASREF.

Pakistan: Saudi Arabia Intervenes To Heal Rift between Army and Government: GLOBAL POST

1/18/12

Saudi Arabia is playing a behind-the-scenes role to defuse tensions between Pakistan’s powerful military and its embattled civilian government, which some fear could be near collapse.

Kingdom, China Vow To Rid Mideast Of Nuke Arms: SAUDI GAZETTE

1/17/12

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China Sunday stressed the importance of preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction of all kinds. The two sides also expressed their support for making the Middle East, a zone free of weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons, in accordance with international resolutions in this regard.

Saudi Basic Fourth-Quarter Profit Drops 10% On Pricing, Misses Estimates: BLOOMBERG

Glen Carey | 1/17/12

Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC), the world’s biggest petrochemicals maker, said fourth-quarter profit dropped 10 percent, missing analysts’ estimates.  Net income fell to 5.24 billion riyals ($1.4 billion) from 5.81 billion riyals a year earlier, the Riyadh-based company known as Sabic said in a statement today.

Saudis Deny Stock Exchange Website Infiltrated By Israeli Hackers: HAARETZ

1/18/12

Saudi Arabian authorities on Wednesday denied claims that Israeli hackers had crippled the website of the oil-rich country’s capital market, saying the system was operating normally.

ISRAEL SAYS CYBER WAR DID NOT HARM VITAL SYSTEMS: None of Israel’s vital online systems were compromised in the recent series of cyber-attacks on Israeli websites, Israel’s Shin Bet sources told Ynet news website on Monday as the Saudi hacker vowed “stronger” attacks.  The statements came after hackers disrupted online access to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, El Al Airlines and three banks on Monday in what the government described as a cyber-offensive against Israel, Al Arabiya reports.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey And UAE Drive Trade Growth: ARAB NEWS

1/18/12

Emerging market growth remained lackluster in the fourth quarter as an improved rate of expansion in service activity only marginally outweighed a further decline in output from manufacturers, the HSBC Emerging Markets Index (EMI) shows.  Markets in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UAE recorded growth in the fourth quarter. A press release received here also says that the EMI edged slightly higher to 52.2, from 52.0 in Q3, reflecting a subdued rate of economic expansion as world trade declined during 2011, following its peak earlier in the year.

Tesco Signs Saudi Franchise for F&F Clothes: TRADE ARABIA

1/17/12

Tesco, the world’s No.3 retailer, announced a franchise deal with Fawaz Abdulaziz Al Hokair & Co, the largest owner of shopping malls in Saudi Arabia, as part of a drive to transform its F&F clothing range into an international fashion brand.

Hai’a No Longer Needs Volunteers: Al-Sheikh: SAUDI GAZETTE

Hazim Al-Mutairi |1/17/12

The new chief of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (the Hai’a) has said that non-Hai’a volunteers will no longer be allowed to serve in the force.

Cabinet Okays Restructuring Of Military Service Council: SAUDI GAZETTE

1/17/12

The Cabinet on Monday approved the restructuring of the Military Service Council (MSC) under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, the King.  The MSC deputy chairman will be the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

Prince Alwaleed Warned Over Wife’s Media Appearances: EMIRATES 24|7

1/18/12

The elder brother of Prince AlWaleed bin Talal slammed the famous Saudi billionaire over the repeated appearance of his wife in the media and warned him of a “severe” response if he does not stop her.  In a surprise statement carried by the so-called Logainat website, Prince Khalid bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz said he had advised his younger brother to stop such practices which “violate our family, religion and Saudi values.”

ISRAEL: “VERY FAR” FROM DECISION TO ATTACK IRAN

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Wednesday any decision about an Israeli attack on Iran was “very far off.” Barak was speaking on Israel’s Army Radio before a planned visit Thursday by U.S. armed forces chief General Martin Dempsey that has triggered speculation Washington will press Israel to delay any action against Tehran’s nuclear program, Reuters reports. KEEPING STRAIT OPEN TO BECOME MORE DIFFICULT OVER TIME: The U.S. and its allies would be able to reverse any Iranian attempt to block oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz within weeks, according to the authors of a report on Persian Gulf strategy. Reopening the shipping lanes may prove harder in future years, they found, Bloomberg reports.  OIL EMBARGO GAINS STEAM IN ASIA, EUROPE: U.S. allies in Asia and Europe voiced support for Washington’s drive to cut Iran’s oil exports, although fear of self-inflicted pain is curbing enthusiasm for an embargo that Tehran says will not halt its nuclear program, Asharq Alawsat/Reuters reports. HEARING BEGINS FOR FAR-RIGHT FOREIGN MINISTER: Israel’s state prosecutors began a hearing on Tuesday to decide whether to indict Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on charges of fraud, breach of trust and money laundering, a move that could shake up Israeli politics and lead to early elections, Ethan Bronner (NYT) reports.

EGYPT: TRANSITION GETS MESSY

Reform leader Mohammed ElBaradei’s surprise pullout from the presidential race has laid bare the messiness of Egypt’s transition to democracy with less than six months left for the ruling generals to hand over power. In less than two weeks on Jan. 25, Egyptians will mark a year since the start of the popular uprising that forced Hosni Mubarak out of office. But there is no longer much talk about the revolution’s lofty goals of bringing democracy, freedom and social justice, AP reports.

SYRIA: VIOLENCE SURGES, 34 KILLED, MONITORS UNABLE TO QUELL VIOLENCE

Violence surged in Syria on Tuesday as activists reported that at least 34 people had been killed in several towns and cities across the country, including six soldiers who had defected and three members of the security forces, Nada Bakri (NYT) reports. OPINION: SENDING ARAB TROOPS TO SYRIA

Are we now facing the crystallization of an international position towards the situation in Syria?

I think so, especially as there are several indications of this, including the moves by some stakeholders in our region, especially with the Arab visits to Washington, or the international visits to Middle Eastern capitals, particularly those actively involved [in the Syrian crisis]. Above all this, there are the developments in Syria and al-Assad’s recent speech, which suggested the man was detached from reality, Tariq Alhomayed (Asharq Alawsat) writes.

TURKEY: ANGRY RESPONSE AFTER INSENSITIVE, OFFENSIVE REMARKS BY GOP CANDIDATE

Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned Texas Gov. Rick Perry Tuesday for saying that Turkey was a “country that is being ruled by what many would perceive to be Islamic terrorists.” Perry made the statement during a spirited debated between Republican presidential candidates in South Carolina Monday night, CNN remarks.

PAKISTAN: OFFER FOR US ENVOY VISIT DECLINED

Pakistan’s government, embroiled in tensions between civilian and military leaders, has declined a visit from a U.S. envoy, a senior Pakistani government official told CNN.

JORDAN: WHITE HOUSE DESCRIBES PROGRESS IN TALKS

The Obama administration heralded progress in Israeli-Palestinian talks held under Jordanian auspices, JTA reports.

QATAR: A POWERFUL PUNCH?

From its startling winning bid to host the 2022 soccer World Cup and mediating roles in Middle East and African conflicts to its role leading Arab efforts to isolate Syria, tiny Qatar is aspiring to an ambitious role: global powerbroker, Reuters writes.