Monthly Archives: September 2012

Gulf in the News – September 28, 2012

Posted on by

US, GCC agree to boost trade, investment ties

Source: Saudi Gazette (Read full story)

The United States Thursday said it has signed a framework agreement with Saudi Arabia and other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to explore ways to boost trade and investment with the region. Total two-way trade between the United States and the GCC totaled almost $100 billion last year, with the US running about a $24 billion trade deficit. “This important trade and investment agreement will help to grow and strengthen our economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council, which is a key strategic US partner in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,” US Trade Representative Ron Kirk said in a statement.

…

Continue reading »

Infrastructure and Business Opportunities in North Africa

Posted on by

On September 6, 2012, the National Council, the U.S.-GCC Corporate Cooperation Committee, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, and Sidar Global Advisors hosted a public affairs briefing on “Infrastructure and Business Opportunities in North Africa” at the City Club in Washington, DC. Speakers included Dr. John Duke Anthony, Ms. Deborah McCarthy, Mr. Carl Kress, Ms. Randa Fahmy Hudome, Ms. Laura Lombard, Mr. Steven Mayo, and Mr. Curtis Silvers.

Links to a podcast of the program and remarks by Ms. Deborah McCarthy are available below. The podcast, along with recordings of other National Council programs, is also available through iTunes: http://bit.ly/itunes-ncusar.

“Infrastructure and Business Opportunities in North Africa” podcast (.mp3)

Gulf in the News – September 26, 2012

Posted on by

Qatar calls for Arab intervention in Syria

Source: Gulf Times (Read full story)

HH the Emir urges all countries that believe in the cause of the Syrian people to provide “all sorts of support” to Syrians until they gain legitimate rights. Arab nations should intervene in Syria given the UN Security Council’s failure to stop the civil war in the country, HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani said yesterday.

…

Continue reading »

Saudi Arabian-U.S. Relations on the Kingdom’s National Day: A Personal Perspective

Posted on by

Yesterday marked Saudi Arabia’s National Day. To be sure, much has happened since the last one in 2011. In that light, it may be worth revisiting some of the lesser known — or unknown and/or un-remembered — sinews between the Saudi Arabian and American governments as well as our respective peoples. The following essay by National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Founding President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony re-emphasizes not only much of what all too many are unaware of and tend to take for granted. It notes that many of those who acknowledge the strategic advantages and economic gains that have long accrued to both peoples would give a lot to exchange places if only they could obtain the same range of rewards. At the end of the essay are links to other essays that Dr. Anthony has written on Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian-U.S. relationship.

“Saudi Arabian-U.S. Relations on the Kingdom’s National Day:
A Personal Perspective”

by Dr. John Duke Anthony

September 25, 2012

At its core, the relationship is solid. Three of its key components — cooperation in the areas of energy, economic development, and defense — are strong and healthy. In each of these areas, reciprocity of respect for each other’s needs, concerns, and interests remains a hallmark. In each, too, the quest for mutuality of benefit stands out. This is not only normal and natural. It is as it should be. In each, also, the range and diversity of the excess longstanding interdependence between our two countries is the envy of the leaders of practically every other nation in the world.

Continue reading »

HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal on Charlie Rose

Posted on by

His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Sa’ud, former Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom and the United States as well as Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh, recently appeared on The Charlie Rose Show. A short clip from his interview is below and the full interview is available on The Charlie Rose Show website.

HRH Prince Turki will be a Featured Keynote Speaker on October 25, 2012 at the National Council’s 21st Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference in Washington, DC. Register now to hear HRH Prince Turki as well as many other internationally renowned specialists analyze, discuss, and debate issues of over-arching importance to the American and Arab people’s needs, concerns, interests, and key foreign policy objectives.

 

 

Gulf in the News – September 24, 2012

Posted on by

Is aid good for Yemen?

Source: The Guardian (Read full story)

…

The Yemeni government, and the international community, seem to view aid as essential to Yemen’s future development. Yet there is an ongoing debate among Yemenis about just how beneficial aid is proving to be. The debate is pitched in familiar terms – is aid good for the country in the long-term? How can aid organisations overcome the problems posed by corrupt institutions and inefficient bureaucracies?

…

Continue reading »

Gulf in the News – September 21, 2012

Posted on by

UAE calls to establish nuclear arms-free Middle East

Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)

…

It was the first time that an IRRS Mission was held at such an early stage in a country embarking on a nuclear programme. This highlights the advancement of the UAE as a model for nuclear new-comers, the representative said.

Al Kaabi said the UAE has also joined the protocol to amend the Vienna convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage as well as the Joint Protocol Relating to the Application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention, further demonstrating the country’s responsible approach.

The UAE is keen on sharing its experience with other member states embarking on a nuclear power programme by providing feedback on its best practices, guiding principles, lessons learned and challenges.

…

Continue reading »

Roads of Arabia Exhibition at the Smithsonian Sackler Gallery

Posted on by

The Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exhibition is coming to the Smithsonian Arthur M. Sackler Gallery from November 17, 2012 through February 24, 2013.

An eye-opening look at the largely unknown ancient past of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this exhibition draws on recently discovered archaeological material never before seen in the United States. Roads of Arabia features objects excavated from several sites throughout the Arabian Peninsula, tracing the impact of ancient trade and routes and pilgrimage roads stretching from Yemen in the south to Iraq, Syria and Mediterranean cultures in the north. Elegant alabaster bowls and fragile glassware, heavy gold earrings and Hellenistic bronze statues testify to a lively mercantile and cultural interchange among distant civilizations.

Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is organized by the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution in association with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ExxonMobil and Saudi Aramco are gratefully acknowledged as principal co-sponsors of the tour of Roads of Arabia in the United States. Sponsorship is also provided by The Olayan Group and Fluor Corporation.

Read about “Roads of Arabia” in Saudi Aramco World

Visit the Sackler Gallery in Washington, DC