Gulf and Red Sea Regions

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, stressed in a speech yesterday evening (5 April) the importance that his country adheres to the democratic approach, and commits to meaningful dialogue. 

In another direct challenge to the internationally recognised government of Yemen, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) announced in a statement by its leader, Aidaroos Al-Zubaidi, that the "restoration" of the southern state is nearing.

In a recent wide-ranging interview Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, appeared to be reinterpreting – if not exactly redefining – the relationship between state and religion in the Kingdom. This is highly dangerous and uncharted territory for a Saudi leader, but something that is absolutely necessary if the Kingdom is to reinvent itself as a modern progressive state, whilst respecting the religious foundations which are part of its legacy and legitimacy.

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Thursday (29 April) welcomed Saudi Arabia's new positive tone towards Iran. During an interview on Tuesday (27 April), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's expressed his desire for dialogue and good relations between the two countries. 

US President Joe Biden will send a delegation to countries in the Middle East this week to discuss regional issues, according to Bloomberg News. The delegation will visit Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Jordan. 

The United States came with yet another action with regards to the Yemeni war. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken called the international community to bring Houthi under questioning over their campaign in Marib. The announcement came via a statement on Twitter after Blinken met with the US Envoy to Yemen Timothy Lenderking.

Several dozens have been killed with dozens more injured in a fire at a hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, where COVID-19 patients are being treated, according to the Iraqi Interior Ministry.

Yara Saleh, a former engineer, has made a monumental career shift by introducing Dancehall into Egypt, providing choreography classes. The 29-year old professional dancer believes that the genre of music has the ability to unite people. 

Iran has explicitly admitted its role in supporting the Yemeni Houthi movement as they engage in battles on multiple fronts with the Yemeni government and its Arab coalition supporters. General Rostam Qasemi, one of the commander's in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, said on Wednesday (21 April) that weapons that the Houthis possess were provided by Tehran.