Obama’s anticipated march to Saudi Arabia

Source: Al Arabiya English (Read full story)

There is little doubt that Washington and Riyadh are not seeing eye to eye on key issues in the Middle East, namely Syria and Iran. The next six months are critical given the ongoing violence in Syria with no end in sight combined with the continued negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran moving towards a possible Comprehensive Nuclear Treaty sometime during Summer 2014. A U.S.-Saudi summit reportedly announced for next month hopes to mend ties at this critical and timely juncture and to reassure both the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that their policy objectives will, hopefully, mesh nicely. It is interesting to note that the announcement comes days after the failure of the Geneva II discussions.

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Obama’s anticipated march to Saudi Arabia

Source: Al Arabiya English (Read full story)

There is little doubt that Washington and Riyadh are not seeing eye to eye on key issues in the Middle East, namely Syria and Iran. The next six months are critical given the ongoing violence in Syria with no end in sight combined with the continued negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran moving towards a possible Comprehensive Nuclear Treaty sometime during Summer 2014. A U.S.-Saudi summit reportedly announced for next month hopes to mend ties at this critical and timely juncture and to reassure both the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that their policy objectives will, hopefully, mesh nicely. It is interesting to note that the announcement comes days after the failure of the Geneva II discussions.

…

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Al Qaradawi’s allegations against UAE false, provocative: GCC chief

Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)

GCC Secretary-General Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on Monday strongly condemned accusations levelled by Yousif Al Qaradawi in his Friday sermon on January 24 against the UAE.  Al Zayani slammed the accusations as unacceptable provocation and false allegations that only raise sedition and serve enemies of the Islamic Nation.  Al Zayani, in a statement to Wam, expressed his sorrow for such provocative charges from Al Qaradawi against the UAE, which is always known for its principled, honourable stances and supportive initiatives towards the Islamic causes as well as its assistance for Muslims regardless of their place.

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Shoura clears 40-hour week for private sector

Source: Arab News (Read full story)

The Shoura Council has endorsed a proposal to reduce the weekly working hours for employees in the private sector from 45 to 40 with a two-day weekend.  The Shoura members, who met on Monday, adopted a number of amendments to the Labor Law and agreed to reduce total weekly working hours from 45 to 40. They also agreed to make the working contract unlimited if it is renewed three times and if the total employment period had touched four years.

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