U.S. Reliance on Saudi Oil Heads Back Up

Source: The New York Times (Read full story)

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The increase in Saudi oil exports to the United States began slowly last summer and has picked up pace this year. Until then, the United States had decreased its dependence on foreign oil and from the Gulf in particular. This reversal is driven in part by the battle over Iran’s nuclear program. The United States tightened sanctions that hampered Iran’s ability to sell crude, the lifeline of its troubled economy, and Saudi Arabia agreed to increase production to help guarantee that the price did not skyrocket. While prices have remained relatively stable, and Tehran’s treasury has been squeezed, the United States is left increasingly vulnerable to a region in turmoil.

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Iran-GCC relations based on geopolitical reality

Source: Gulf News (Read full story)

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Some believe the recent moves between Iran and the GCC is related to efforts to release the 48 Iranian hostages taken by the Free Syrian Army and the Saudi diplomat kidnapped in Yemen. The Iranian hostages are members of the revolutionary guards, Syrian opposition said. Iran, however, said they are ordinary citizens who travelled to Syria to visit holy sites. Both the Gulf Countries and Iran are keen not to see their political relations hit a “dead-end”, added Naji, in reference to the recent warmth in the relations between the two sides.

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Tanker Leaves Gash in U.S. Destroyer After Collision Near Strait of Hormuz

Source: New York Times (Read full story)

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The collision tore a hole about 10 feet by 10 feet in the right side of the destroyer, the Porter, above the water line. No one on the Porter or the other vessel, a Japanese-owned bulk oil carrier called the Otowasan, was hurt, the Navy said in a statement.

The Navy said that the collision, which happened about 1 a.m., was not “combat related,” but that its cause had not been determined. Greg Raelson, a spokesman for the Navy, said Sunday afternoon that the destroyer had reached port in Jebel Ali, Dubai.

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Government to referelectoral law to court – No Assembly dissolution, no fresh elections

Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)

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The action comes after the unprecedented constitutional court ruling in June in which it nullified the February legislative polls, scrapped the 2012 Assembly and reinstated the 2009 house after it was dissolved in December. The 2009 Assembly failed to meet on two occasions last week due to a lack of quorum as both opposition and pro-government MPs boycotted the two sessions. Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi said he will refer the issue to HH the Amir next week.

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Cabinet calls for quick UN action on Syria

Source: Arab News (Read full story)

Saudi Arabia yesterday welcomed the UN General Assembly’s adoption of an Arab-sponsored resolution on Syria, asserting the decision reflected the feelings of the international community toward the suffering of the Syrian people. The worsening situation of the Syrian people “necessitates quick and decisive action to initiate a political process that will pave the way for meeting the aspirations of the Syrian people, alleviating their grievances,” the Council of Ministers said following its weekly meeting at Al-Salam Palace.

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Opposition MPs issue stern warning to PM – More than 20,000 ink opposition petition

Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)

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MP Ahmad Al-Saadoun reiterated the opposition’s total rejection of amending the electoral law or referring it to the constitutional court and told Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah that if he can not face the “forces of corruption” he should resign. Saadoun insisted that the government should immediately dissolve the 2009 National Assembly and hold fresh elections on the basis of the existing electoral law and voting system.

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Aid convoy for Syrian refugees leaves Riyadh

Source:Arabnews (Read full story)

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Saudi Arabia has led Arab diplomatic efforts to isolate the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad over his suppression of a 17-month-old rebellion against his rule.The Kingdom has accused Assad of targeting civilians.The Saudi Press Agency reported that the campaign, which was launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah with a $ 5.3 million donation, had raised SR 468 million.
The 43 aid trucks assembled in a shopping mall car park in northern Riyadh before the sunset prayer, loaded with food, medicine and clothing under orange tarpaulins.

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MPs boycott revived parliament amid crisis – Juwaihel arrested after offensive tweet

Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)

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Although, Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and all the cabinet ministers, except the interior minister, arrived at the assembly building, only five of them came to the chamber. They immediately left the building after the session was adjourned. The session was boycotted by both opposition MPs who consider the revived assembly as illegitimate and pro-government MPs who are upset because the government plans to dissolve the assembly and call for polls.

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