How US sanctions against Iran might help Russia

Moscow, Russia—Could U.S. sanctions be benefiting the Russian economy instead of hurting it? President Trump’s recent decision to impose yet another wave of sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program has Russian energy oligarchs and government officials rubbing their hands with pleasure. This new wave of sanctions is scheduled for early November. Iran and Russia […]

Syria to receive new S-300 air defense system from Russia

Russia will soon supply the Syrian government with an upgraded air defense system, the S-300. The two-week transfer timeline for the S-300 to Syria is making many nervous, as it would significantly degrade Israel’s ability to conduct airstrikes in the same way it has for years. This could lead to drastic changes in the way […]

German government makes U-turn and sells weapons to Saudis

Berlin, Germany—Despite promises to ban weapons sales to countries fighting in the Yemeni Civil War, the German government has approved a deal to Saudi Arabia. The sale concerned is for four artillery positioning systems. The vehicle-borne systems are designed to locate incoming fire and calculate precise counter-strikes. The German government also authorised a package of […]

Why are oil prices up? Several factors

Crude oil prices rose sharply Wednesday, driven up by a decline in the U.S. oil supply, and the expected effects of a new wave of sanctions on Iran. Iran is an influential member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and one of the worlds largest oil producers. Brent crude, a benchmark oil, crossed […]

What’s going on between Canada and Saudi Arabia?

Harsh words have been traded between Canada and Saudi Arabia, starting with online urges and quickly turning into definitive action — Saudi Arabia demanding the exodus of the Canadian ambassador from their country, pulling all scholarships from their students in Canada, and even suspending flights to the North American country. What spurred this off? Why […]

On this day in history: Iraq invades Kuwait

Kuwait, 1990 — Four divisions of the Iraqi Republican Guard and Iraqi Army SF units flood into Kuwait. Airports are seized, fighters are screaming overhead, and Kuwait forces are quickly overwhelmed. Kuwait aircraft are shot from the sky, and almost their entire Navy is sunk. Some Kuwaiti forces have more success than others in delaying […]

Pentagon: US Not Involved in Yemen Hudaida military offensive

The Pentagon has denied that it is involved in the military offensive carried out by the Saudi-Emirati alliance against the Iranian-aligned Houthi militia in the Yemeni port city of Hudaida. Speaking on Thursday, spokesman Major Adrian Galloway said Washington “does not command, accompany, or participate in counter-Houthi operations or any hostilities other than those authorized against al-Qaeda […]

Qatar Accuses Saudis of “Reckless Behavior” After Military Threat

Qatar wasn’t pleased after being threatened indirectly by Saudi Arabia after a letter reportedly sent from King Salman to France was published in a French newspaper. In the letter, the Saudis threatened military action if Qatar installs a Russian air defense system. Qatar’s foreign minister told Al Jazeera he did not think the Saudi threat […]

Saudi Troops Join UAE on Socotra Island in Yemen

Saudi forces have landed on the island of Socotra for training exercises with the Yemeni troops according to Saudi military forces. Locals on the island protested last week the arrival of troops from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as their troops arrived without the invitation of the Yemeni government and since no Houthi rebels are […]

US may send ISIS fighter to foreign country to face trial

An American Islamic State militant that was captured by the Syrian Democratic Forces last year and is currently being held in Iraq by the United States military. He has a dual U.S./Saudi Arabian citizenship but will most likely not face a trial stateside. Court documents that had previously been redacted were unsealed this week disclosing […]