[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on the Arabian Peninsula and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Arabian Peninsula Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week`s roundup to ap@jadaliyya.com by Monday night of every week.]
Regional and International Relations
Moussaoui claims Saudi royals ‘funded 9/11 attacks’ Zacarias Moussaoui claims that members of the Saudi ruling family helped fund the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Pre-9/11 Ties Haunt Saudis as New Accusations Surface Ben Hubbard and Scott Shane analyze the implication of Zacarias Moussaoui’s claim.
Zacarias Moussaoui says al-Qaida was backed by Saudi Arabia. But can he be believed? Jason Burke writes on the credibility of Zacarias Massaoui.
US drone strike in Yemen kills four suspected al-Qaida operatives A news report on the latest US drone strikes in Yemen.
US officials confirm suspension of UAE combat missions US officials say that the United Arab Emirates has suspended air strikes in Syria over fears for pilots’ safety.
Islamic State crisis: UAE sends F-16 squadron to Jordan The United Arab Emirates says that it is sending F-16 fighters to Jordan to support its airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and Greater Syria.
Michelle Obama picks loose clothing, no scarf in Arabia A news report on Michelle Obama, who did not cover her hair during a visit to Saudi Arabia.
Everyone calm down: Michelle Obama`s Saudi outfit was plenty respectful Raya Jalabi argues that Michelle Obama’s outfit did not flout protocol.
UAE a step closer to buying US Predator drones Taimur Khan reports on senior US lawmakers’ approval of the sale of surveillance predators to the United Arab Emirates.
Yemen unrest will not derail plans to close Guantánamo Bay prison Barack Obama’s former special envoy for the closure of the infamous detention center asserts that the forty-seven Yemenis currently approved for transfer will not be transferred to Yemen.
Aoun in Saudi Arabia: A New Page? Wafiq Qanso reports on the Free Patriotic Movement leader’s visit to Riyadh.
Qatar Airways buys 10% of British Airways owner IAG Gwyn Topham reports on Qatar’s acquisition of part of British Airways.
Reports and Opinions
Saudi Arabia postpones flogging of Raef Badawi for third week Saudi authorities postpone the flogging of Badawi for a third time.
Saudi Arabia frees associate of imprisoned blogger Raif Badawi A woman co-founder of the Saudi Liberal Network internet group is released after three months in prison.
Repression in Bahrain
Bahrain’s main opposition leader on trial for plotting coup A news report on Ali Salman’s trial.
Bahrain revokes the nationality of 72 people Bahraini authorities denaturalize seventy-two citizens on grounds of damaging national security.
Crisis in Yemen
Yemen crisis: Houthi rebels announce takeover The Houthi rebels announce that a five-member council will act in lieu of a president for an interim period.
Yemen Houthis ‘open’ to political partnerships The Houthi rebels say that they are working with other political factions after taking over power.
Houthis Take Control of Yemen Without Seizing Power Joy Slim analyzes the implication of Houthis’ control of the government.
Yemen’s Houthi takeover branded ‘coup’ by Gulf states Gulf states describe the Houthis’ takeover as a coup.
Bomb hits Yemen capital as thousands protest Houthi takeover An improvised bomb explodes outside the republican palace in Sanaa.
Yemen crisis: UN warns rebels after they seize power The United Nations Security Council emphasizes that the Houthi rebels need to return to talks.
Yemen crisis: UN-brokered talks to resume Monday The United Nations’ envoy in Yemen says that Yemeni political factions agreed to resume talks.
US Yemen embassy closes to public over security fears A news report on the closure of the US embassy in Sanaa.
Yemen crisis: Houthi rebels release presidential aide Houthi rebels release Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak.
South Yemen: De Facto Secession on the Ground Salah al-Saqladi argues that the deteriorating situation in Yemen has increased the determination of south Yemenis to secede.
Death of King Abdullah: Obituaries, Oil, and Succession
Obama visits Saudi Arabia’s new King Salman A news report on the US president’s visit to Saudi Arabia.
Obama forced to defend Saudi Arabia cosiness after India tolerance speech Dan Roberts and Jason Burke argue that Obama had to defend his reluctance to challenge Saudi Arabia’s autocratic rulers as he arrived in Saudi Arabia.
Obama brings large delegation to cement ties with Saudi Arabia`s new king Dan Roberts reports on the large US delegation that went to Saudi Arabia to offer condolences.
Essay contest billed as tribute to `life and leadership` of Saudi king Abdullah General Martin Dempsey announced the creation of a research and essay competition, which will be a tribute to the “life and leadership” of the late Saudi king.
Saudi Arabia and the west: how a cosy relationship turned toxic Simon Tisdall reports on US-Saudi relations in post-Abdullah Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman unveils cabinet reshuffle A news report on King Salman’s cabinet reshuffle one week following the death of King Abdullah.
The Slaying of the Saudi Spider David Hearst writes on Prince Bandar bin Sultan’s loss of power under King Salman.
Saudi Kremlinology: what does King Salman`s reshuffle mean for the future? Martin Chulov examines the implication of the cabinet reshuffle in Saudi Arabia.
An Emirati Rebellion Against Saudi Royal Orders? Duaa Sweidan argues that a small Emirati contingent at the funeral of King Abdullah shows Mohammed bin Zayed’s displeasure with the Sudairi coup.
After Abdullah: Can Saudi Arabia Reform Before It Is Too Late Juan Cole analyzes the prospect of reform in Saudi Arabia.
Media
Saudi Alarab TV channel halts hours after launch Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s new television channel stops broadcasting a few hours after its launch.
25 journalists attacked in Yemen by Houthi rebels Roy Greenslade writes on a report documenting attacks on twenty-five journalists in Yemen over the period of two days.
Freed journalist Peter Greste `relieved` but `angst` over jailed colleagues A news report on the release of one Al Jazeera journalist.
Jailed al-Jazeera journalist Mohamed Fahmy could be freed within hours A news report on the possible release of a second Al Jazeera journalist.
Al Jazeera journalists given Egypt retrial date The trial of two Al Jazeera journalists will begin in mid February.
Human Rights
Qatar Can Still Take Lead on Migrant Worker Changes Human Rights Watch urges Qatari authorities to implement labor reforms to protect migrant workers.
Yemen: Drop Charges Against Baha’i Adherent Human Rights Watch calls upon the Yemeni government to drop charges against Hamed Mohammed bin Haydara.
Kuwait: Crackdown on Free Speech Human Rights Watch deplores the Kuwaiti government’s crackdown on free speech and the denaturalization of opponents.
Saudi Arabia: Pardons must not include conditions to silence activists Amnesty International says the pardoning of prisoners should not carry conditions.
Medical expert: Repeated floggings of Saudi Arabian blogger may cause long-term damage Amnesty International warns against the long term damage of the further flogging of Badawi.
Saudi Arabia: Women driving activists Maysaa Al-Amodi and Lujain Al-Hathlol remain in detention The Gulf Center for Human Rights reports on the ongoing detention of the two driving activists.
Kuwait: Arrest warrant issued against human rights defender Nawaf Al-Hendal The Gulf Center for Human Rights deplores the arrest warrant issued against Al-Hendal.
United Arab Emirates: GCHR website blocked in UAE The Gulf Center for Human Rights asserts that its website has been blocked in the United Arab Emirates.
Bahrain: Citizenship revoked of 72 people, including journalists and human rights defender The Gulf Center for Human Rights condemns Bahraini authorities’ denaturalization of seventy-two citizens.
Kuwait: Authorities continue to target human rights defenders The Gulf Center for Human Rights expresses concern over the charges against Mohammed Al-Ajmi and Abdulhakim Al-Fadhli.
Bahrain: Human rights defender Husain Radhi expecting a verdict for “illegal assembly” The Gulf Center for Human Rights reports on the upcoming sentencing of Husain Radhi.
Bahrain: 14-years old Mohammed al-Sawad risks losing his eye after being targeted for peaceful protest The Bahrain Center for Human Rights expresses concern over the Bahraini regime’s use of disproportionate force against peaceful protesters.
Bahrain: Arrest of Nine Internet Users Over Social Media Posts The Bahrain Center for Human Rights deplores the arrest of nine people on charges of misusing social media.
Arabic
المبادرة الخليجية vs «الشراكة»: اليمن بين الوصاية والسيادة
Joy Slim writes on political developments in Yemen during the last four years.
الحوثي: نحو انتقال سلمي للسلطة بمرجعية «السلم والشراكة»
The leader of the Houthis asserts that he supports a peaceful transition of power.
اليمن في مواجهة أميركا والسعودية: من ينتصر؟
Hamid Rizq writes on failed US-Saudi efforts to divide Yemen into six regions.
رعاة المبادرة الخليجية يحمّلون الحوثيين مسؤولية الفراغ... تلميحاً
Sponsors of the Gulf Initiative blame Houthis for the political vacuum in Yemen.
الحوثيون يلوّحون بحلّ عبر «اللجان الثورية»
The Houthis suggest that the solution to the current crisis in Yemen may lie in the formation of “revolution committees.”
«أنصار الله» يمسكون بالحكم ولا يتولون السلطة
Joy Slim argues that the Houthis have taken control of Yemen without assuming power.
«أنصار الله» تحكم قبضتها ... والمفاوضات اليوم
The Houthis tightens their grip on power amid ongoing negotiations to find a solution to the crisis.
جنوب اليمن: الانفصال بقوة الأمر الواقع!
Salah al-Saqladi argues that the deteriorating situation in Yemen has increased the determination of south Yemenis to secede.
البنتاغون: نتواصل مع الحوثيين
US officials are in contact with the Houthis regarding the political situation in Yemen.
مؤتمر صنعاء يثمر غداً... ومعارك في الجنوب
The leader of the Houthis, political parties, the military, and social and cultural forces were supposed to meet in Sanaa last week to discuss the current situation in Yemen.
اليمن: مؤتمر الحوثيين يحدد مهلة لـ"سد" الفراغ السياسي
The National Conference, sponsored by the Houthis, grants participants three days to “fill” the political vacuum in the country.
«أنصار الله» توسّع مروحة اتصالاتها الإقليمية
Muhannad Obeid writes on the options available to the Houthis following the resignation of the Yemeni president.
تدخل أميركي أوسع في اليمن قريباً؟
A news report on a possible US intervention in Yemen in the near future.
عصيان في البحرين تزامناً مع محاكمة علي سلمان اليوم
More protests erupt in Bahrain on the eve of Ali Salman’s trial.
تأجيل محاكمة سلمان في ظل «عصيان الشارع»
Bahraini authorities postponed the trial of Ali Salman due to ongoing protests in the country.
فصل جديد من المواجهة بين نظام «آل خليفة» والمعارضة: إسقاط الجنسية البحرينية عن 72 معارضاً
The Bahraini authorities denaturalize seventy-two opponents of the regime.
عن «مملكة الصمت» التي جعلها عبدالله «دولة العالم»..
Talal Salman writes on Saudi Arabia under the reign of the late King Abdullah.
الإنجازات الحقيقيّة لعبدالله بن عبد العزيز
Asad AbuKhalil writes on King Abdullah’s true achievements.
بيعة أميركية لعرش سعودي
Munir al-Khatib discusses the US pledge of allegiance to the Saudi crown.
أوباما في الرياض... كأن عبدالله وينستون تشرشل!
Nadine Shalaq writes on Barack Obama’s visit to Riyadh to offer his condolences following the death of King Abdullah.
أولويات الملك سلمان: عودة الثقة بواشنطن وتنويع الاقتصاد
A news report on King Salman’s priorities, which include diversification of the economy and the regaining of Washington’s confidence.
أوباما في الرياض: الإرهاب قبل حقــوق الإنسان
The meeting between Obama and King Salman disregards issues of human rights violations in the kingdom.
العلاقات مع أميركا في عهد سلمان: شريكٌ بحاجة إلى شريك
A news report on US-Saudi relations under King Salman’s reign.
سلمان يوزّع السلطة: السياسة والأمن لمحمد بن نايف... والاقتصاد لابنه
A news report on the cabinet reshuffling under King Salman.
تغييرات جذرية في السعودية.. وإعفاء بندر بن سلطان من منصبه
King Salman’s cabinet reshuffle indicates radical changes in Saudi Arabia.
وداعاً بندر بن سلطان
The once powerful Prince Bandar bin Sultan is marginalized after King Salman’s cabinet reshuffle.
لماذا يتمسك الملك السعودي بالنعيمي كوزير للنفط؟
A news report on Saudi King’s decision to keep the minister of oil in his new cabinet.
«الإخوان» يتودّدون لسلمان: أمل بسياسة سعودية أقل عداءً
The Muslim Brotherhood ingratiate themselves with the new Saudi king, hoping that for a less hostile policy.
«مملكة الرعب» تسقط في حبائل «تويتر»
Mohammed Nazal reports on secret documents from the Saudi ministries of interior and defense that were published on Twitter.
التطرّف وتحالف الدين والسياسة في المملكة العربية السعودية
Mohammed Chaqir examines extremism and the alliance of religion and politics in Saudi Arabia.
عودة استهداف الأجانب في السعودية
Two US citizens come under fire in al-Hasa in Saudi Arabia.
الإعجاز السعودي: السياسة النفطية نموذجاً
Bilal Nassir analyzes Saudi Arabia’s oil policy.
زوجة رائف بدوي: صحته تتدهور وقد يموت
Raif Badawi’s wife says that his health is deteriorating.
إرجاء جلد رائف بدوي للأسبوع الثالث
Saudi authorities decide to postpone the flogging of Raif Badawi for the third time.
بغداد: الطائرة الإماراتية ربما استهدفت من «داعش»
Baghdad suspects that the Islamic State in Iraq and Greater Syria was the source of fire that targeted an Emirati flight.
البنك الدولي: 215 مليار دولار خسائر الخليج بسبب أزمة النفط
The World Bank asserts that the financial loss of the Gulf states due to the oil crisis amounts to more than two-hundred billion dollars.
قناة «العرب» توقف بثها بعد ساعات من انطلاقتها واستضافة معارض بحريني
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s new television channel stops broadcasting a few hours after its launch.
مقتل أميركي يكشف تعاوناً عسكرياً بين السعودية وإسرائيل!
The death of a US citizen in Saudi Arabia reveals military cooperation between Israel and the kingdom.
العراق: الإمارات تدعو إلى تسليح العشائر
Emirati authorities call for the armament of tribes in Iraq to face the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria.