Saudi Arabia's energy and economic ties with Asia now run so deep that it won't want to choose between China and the US, seeking parallel relationships instead, says fellow Kristian Ulrichsen. "They aren’t going to make that choice. They’ve made that very clear."
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is positioning Saudi Arabia as an "indispensable" actor on the international stage, says fellow Kristian Ulrichsen. The kingdom aims to be "central to policy responses to key issues in international politics.”
A dispute over the Durra gas field is affecting relations between Saudi Arabia & Iran. “How this is resolved will be an early indicator of the depth & durability of the rapprochement between Iran & its Gulf neighbors," said Kristian Ulrichsen, fellow for the Middle East.
Last year’s World Cup increased foreign direct investment to Qatar despite previous challenges. “The World Cup has left Qatar with an infrastructure which is world class as well as with reserves of goodwill & soft power,” said fellow Kristian Ulrichsen.
The UAE’s recent move could be a sign of Abu Dhabi’s disappointment with Washington, fellow Kristian Ulrichsen said. It reflects "the perceived lack of willingness of the U.S. to actively protect its partners and re-establish credible deterrence in the Gulf."