Al Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) praises Taliban as role model after its return to power in Afghanistan
The US views AQAP as the most dangerous branch of Al-Qaeda’s global pantheon.
Houthis
Designating the Houthis (Ansar Allah) a foreign terrorist organization, and it’s impact on the United Nations
On 10 January, the former United States Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, announced the designation of the Houthis (Ansar Allah) as a foreign terrorist organization and a specially designated global terrorist entity. The designation entered into effect on 19 January.
Despite ‘compromises’, peace remains elusive in Yemen, says President, calling for international support to save his country
The President said Houthi militias refused to take part in peace talks, and instead had supported coup efforts and invaded the capital, Sana’a. State institutions were taken hostage and liberties were smothered, he said, adding that Houthi militias transformed Sana’a into a “prison”.
“Signs of hope in Yemen”
The momentum to reach a political settlement in Yemen “has been building”, the United Nations Special Envoy to the country told the Security Council on November 22nd, attributing the positive development to compromises on “a range of issues”.
Photo: ISPI
Yemen rebels reported to announce halt to attacks on Saudi Arabia
Head of the Huthis’ supreme political council says he hopes gesture will be answered by a stronger gesture from Saudis, reported Arabian Business
Photo: Reuters
Saudi Aramco attacks threaten India
Indian authorities are already said to be in touch with the Saudi authorities to ensure that India get primacy in supplies, she said, adding that the price situation will remain a concern.
Photo: Reuters
Who in the Middle East wants war? No one, really
None of America’s Middle East allies would want a war to break out in the region, even as they would like to see Iran weakened. Sanctions may slowly but surely weaken Iran from within but its military is battle hardened, and its proxies active in Lebanon and Yemen.
Rouhani says Japan wants to keep buying Iranian oil
On a visit to Japan last month, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Abe’s help in dealing with Iran, highlighting what he called the “very good relationship” between Tokyo and Tehran. As a U.S. ally that also has good diplomatic relations with Iran, Japan could be in a unique position to mediate between the Islamic Republic and the United States.
Photo: Courtesy Japan Times