President Trump announced plans to authorize the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit. This decision raises concerns of potential security pacts and business deals, as the Trump Organization is reportedly in talks to develop a Trump-branded property within a major Saudi real estate project. Watchdog groups have criticized the move, citing the merger of Trump’s business interests with U.S. foreign policy and concerns over human rights, alongside worries that the sale could give China access to sensitive technology. The F-35 program is also projected to cost US taxpayers trillions of dollars, with the sales being internally questioned over concerns about Trump’s business dealings with the kingdom.
Read More
The Saudi government has announced the end of its Kafala system, a decades-old labor framework that bound migrant workers to their employers. This significant reform, slated for implementation in June 2025, will grant an estimated 13 million foreign workers greater freedom. The ability to change jobs and exit the country without sponsor consent marks a crucial step toward improved worker rights and increased mobility within the Kingdom.
Read More
Negotiations for a landmark deal to reduce global shipping emissions collapsed due to pressure from the United States and Saudi Arabia. The deal, which would have made shipping the first industry to adopt international emission reduction targets, was abandoned after the US threatened tariffs and Saudi Arabia tabled a motion to adjourn talks for a year. The move, viewed by many as a setback for climate action, faced strong opposition from nations supporting the original agreement and the shipping industry, which sought clear global standards. Key countries that initially supported the deal, including China, shifted their positions due to the influence of the US and other dissenting nations.
Read More
Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, have warned the US and Gaza plan architects that the effort to end the war is at risk due to mediators’ perceived leniency towards Hamas. These warnings stem from Hamas’ post-ceasefire actions, such as refusing to disarm and engaging in violence. Saudi Arabia has signaled it will reduce its involvement and skip reconstruction efforts without decisive US action and a change in the mediators’ approach. The Emiratis have taken a similar stance. The Saudis are expected to meet with Trump, and the outcome of this meeting may be significant.
Read More
Moderate Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, are reportedly uneasy with concessions made to Qatar and Washington’s expanding defense agreements with Doha. These states support Gaza’s reconstruction, aligning with Israel’s position on Hamas disarmament and Palestinian Authority reforms, while simultaneously demanding a two-state solution. Despite normalization with Israel remaining an option, it is contingent on the full implementation of agreements, particularly those related to the Palestinian Authority and a genuine two-state solution, according to Saudi sources. Concerns also exist about the potential for Hamas to undermine the peace process, coupled with fears of renewed conflict during the interim period before the establishment of a multinational force and international oversight of Gaza.
Read More
Electronic Arts, the creator of popular video games like “Madden NFL” and “The Sims,” is set to be acquired for $52.5 billion in a deal led by private equity firms, potentially becoming the largest buyout of its kind. Silver Lake Partners, Saudi Arabia’s PIF, and Affinity Partners will pay $210 per share, with PIF rolling over its existing stake. This move aligns with PIF’s growing activity in the gaming market, as they’ve previously invested in other major gaming companies. Should the deal be finalized as anticipated, EA will become a private company, with its headquarters remaining in Redwood City, California, and current CEO Andrew Wilson remaining in his leadership role.
Read More
Saudis said to warn Israel move to annex West Bank would be a red line: Let’s unpack this, shall we? It seems the Saudis are signaling some serious displeasure at the prospect of Israel formally annexing parts of the West Bank. That’s a pretty bold move considering the delicate dance of Middle Eastern diplomacy, and especially when you consider the long-term goals of normalizing relations. What’s got them riled up, and what could this actually mean?
It’s worth noting that this “red line” warning comes after a backdrop of decades-long developments. While the Saudis may be speaking out now, the annexation issue has been brewing for a long time.… Continue reading
A federal judge in New York has denied Saudi Arabia’s attempt to dismiss civil claims alleging their support of the 9/11 hijackers. While the decision focused on jurisdiction, the judge found the claims legally sound enough to move forward to trial, highlighting potential connections between Saudi employees and support for al-Qaida members. The lawsuits, filed by relatives of 9/11 victims, accuse Saudi Arabia of assisting the hijackers and funding charities that aided al-Qaida. Saudi Arabia’s lawyers have argued their country was a partner with the U.S. against al-Qaida, but the plaintiffs’ attorneys are pleased with the decision, ensuring the pursuit of justice can continue.
Read More
Saudi Arabia is reportedly making the complete removal of Hamas from Gaza a prerequisite for normalizing relations with Israel, according to a source close to the royal court. This stance indicates that ending the current war before Hamas is fully defeated could hinder normalization efforts and potentially impact the expansion of the Abraham Accords. The Saudi government reportedly envisions the Palestinian Authority resuming control of Gaza after Hamas’s removal. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week, has expressed a desire for a ceasefire and the return of hostages, signaling a potential shift in the dynamics of the conflict.
Read More
Saudi journalist Turki al-Jasser was executed in Riyadh after seven years of detention, for alleged crimes against national security, including communicating with individuals outside the kingdom. His execution follows the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi and is believed to be linked to anonymous Twitter accounts criticizing the Saudi royal family. Al-Jasser’s case highlights the Saudi government’s crackdown on dissent, facilitated by the infiltration of Twitter and subsequent access to user data. Despite international condemnation and legal mechanisms for intervention, the execution underscores Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s continued intolerance of criticism.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood