Gulf in the News – November 30, 2012

Bahrain yesterday affirmed its support for the Palestinian people

Source: Gulf Daily News (Read full story)

His Majesty King Hamad reiterated the stance as Bahrain joined other nations in marking UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. In a message to the world, he urged implementation of all UN resolutions stipulating establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. He reaffirmed Bahrain’s support for all international efforts to admit Palestine soon as a fully-fledged UN member.

Seven emirates of the UAE celebrate strength as a nation

Source: The National (Read full story)

The country will be awash in red, green, white and black as it celebrates the 41st National Day this long weekend. Festivities have been planned across the country – from remote villages in the Hajjar Mountains of Ras Al Khaimah to the bustling capital – in honour of the Union of seven emirates into one strong, proud nation. On Saturday night, the skies above Abu Dhabi Corniche will echo to the sound of a special 10-minute firework display. It will be set to Ya Khalifatna – a remixed version of the 1996 UAE song Zanaha Zayed – dedicated to the works of the founding President, Sheikh Zayed, and his son, the President Sheikh Khalifa

Saudis, Iran Tentatively Engage in Trying to Resolve Syria Crisis

Source: Al Monitor (Read full story)

The league is cautiously reaching out to Iran now. On Monday, Saudi Interior Minister Prince Ahmed stressed that his country — the most powerful member of the league — could not find direct evidence of Iranian meddling in Saudi affairs, and was keen to work with followers of Islam’s various doctrines, alluding to Shias, to resolve existing regional tensions. His statement, after a year of hostile exchanges between the Iranian and Saudi press, suggested that the kingdom might be willing to work with Iran over Syria, if Iran was cooperative.

‘The Last Refuge’: Yemen, Al-Qaida And The U.S.

Source: NPR (Read full story)

According to Gregory Johnsen, a journalist who has covered Yemen and Islamic insurgency in the Middle East extensively, al-Qaida’s presence has tripled in size within Yemen over the past three years. Johnsen charts this growing influence on the country in his new book, The Last Refuge: Yemen, al-Qaeda, and America‘s War in Arabia. Al-Qaida’s approach to gain support in Yemen has been to pit the country’s interests against those of the West, particularly the United States.

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