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Issue 1171’s leading article looks into the multi-billion revamp of Saudi Arabia’s football league. GSN considers this in the context of Mohammed Bin Salman’s attempts to establish himself as a popular leader in the new emerging world order.  This article is accompanied by a graphic displaying various football clubs across the globe with information on their holdings and spectator attendance.  The following politics articles concern political disputes in Kuwait following the election, Tehran’s clamp down on Iranian Kurdish exiles and the Gulf reaction to Erdoğan’s election win.  GSN defence and security coverage explores an Iranian naval commander’s claims that a new coalition of GCC states is forming to patrol the region’s waters.  As the OPEC+ early-June meeting broke up and with Saudi Arabia’s unilateral oil output of 1m b/d, GSN expects the nation will undertake more haggling will take place amongst the cartel. Risk Management reports for this issue concern Bahrain and Iran whilst the GSN View regards the unsteady fiscal path Iraq is taking.

The leading article for issue 1170 explores the effects of regional election and federal budget disputes minimising the chances for reconciliation between the PUK and KDP in Iraqi Kurdistan. GSN looks into this in the context of the Iraqi supreme court’s intervention. This issue also looks into the ousting of Iran's National Security head Ali Shamkhani. The diplomatic brief section addresses Khalaf Abdel Rahman Hamid Al-Rumaithi’s extradition frorm Jordan to the UAE after being convicted of terrorism-related charges. Defence and security is headed by news of the Iranian IRGC’s new Khorramshahr ballistic missile, optimised to reach Israel. This section follows with the Qatari navy receiving its fourth Italian corvette from Fincantieri. Analysis of the soft power wielded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in the face of large new art and archeology projects serves as the head piece for Finance and business, the reportedly booming art scene in Al-Ula serving as a clear example of these recent efforts. The View is on Oman and Sultan Haitham’s efforts to re-establish the country as a mediating figure amongst its neighbours. A detailed map of Yemen features which includes energy infrastructure and information on disputed zones and borders. Risk management reports for this issue concern Yemen, OPEC as well as regional and international organisations.

The issue leads with an analysis of the efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia and the UAE to bring the Syrian regime back into the Arab League. It highlights how even states which object to the rehabilitation of Damascus will not be opposing Syria's readmission, thanks to diplomatic pressure from Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.   The Politics section looks into the divisions within Yemen's anti-Houthi alliance, amid fears of secession by southern groups.   This issue also has a map of Yemen, which shows the balance of forces, as well as the key ports, and oil and gas locations in the war-torn country.   The Defence and Security section sheds light on Russian bids to acquire Iranian speed boats, adding to the list of military hardware that Tehran is providing Moscow with, which is used in the war in Ukraine. The section also reports on the UAE's decision to cancel an order for 12 Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters for financial and technical reasons.   Royals Watch reports on how the Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Company (QGIRC) is seeking compensation from former chairman Sheikh Nasser Bin Ali Bin Saud Al-Than "for his responsibility for the mistakes he made" while in charge of the business.     This issue's View article showcases the problem of voter fatigue in Kuwait, where Kuwaitis will go to the polls again in June, for the third National Assembly election in as many years.   The two Risk Management Reports are on the UAE.  

The issue leads with an article examining the tensions within the Iranian elite stemming from public and internal criticism of the regime. GSN looks into cabinet changes, repression and economic challenges. Saudi drug policy is also explored in response to a new campaign addressing the smuggling of narcotics including fenethylline hydrochloride better known by the brand name Captagon. Defence and security coverage analyses Iraqi Kurdistan's Peshmerga reform, the launch of two new divisions and the ongoing control of these forces by the KDP and PUK. Royals watch investigates the promotion of Bahrain's Nasser Bin Hamad. This issue's View article goes into Saudi Arabia's use of the Sudan crisis for diplomatic aims, examining the new 'Saudi first' approach the Crown Prince is implementing. Risk Management Reports are on Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The issue leads with Yemen where against the backdrop of improving Saudi-Iran relations and a wider regional trend favouring diplomacy over conflict, a breakthrough between Houthi rebels and Riyadh remains just out of reach. GSN reflects on the fresh outbreak of violence in Sudan, which has shown the limits of Saudi and UAE influence, despite years of close involvement by the regional powers. GSN examines the political situation in Kuwait, which is braced for another parliamentary election and where a high profile member of the Al-Sabah has been jailed following a $1bn graft case. The issue also analyses the balance of power in the UAE following President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalid Al-Nahyan's (MBZ) appointment of his son Sheikh Khalid as Abu Dhabi crown prince. Energy and industry coverage leads with a focus on a new agreement between Iraq's federal government and the Kurdish authorities in Erbil that has cleared the way for Kurdish oil exports to resume via a pipeline to Turkey. Finance and business coverage leads with Bahrain, where the government is offering a ‘golden licence’ to companies that invest in large projects, in the latest sign of increasingly stiff competition among Gulf economies for international capital. Risk Management Reports are on Kuwait and Oman.

The lead article analyses the efforts of various GCC states to reform their relationships with neighbours. In this shakeup, ideological relationships are morphing into ones which are more transactional and Iran could yet emerge as a viable location for investors from the Gulf monarchies. The following politics section has a piece on the latest Kuwaiti political crisis as the nation's constitutional court annuls the September 2022 general election to reinstate the previous National Assembly.  Continuing on from the previous issue's Energy and Industry article on Yemeni offshore upstream troubles, issue 1166 reports on the UN-brokered plan to remove 1m barrels of crude from the wreck of the FSO Safer near Hodeidah. The possibilities for further collaboration between Houthis and other authorities is speculated on. Risk Management Reports focus on Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan. To mark the 20th anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq, GSN draws on its extensive archive to offer a perspective piece on the build-up to the conflict and how its echoes are still felt today.  This issue's view article, free to view for registrants, addresses how the UAE's stance towards Russia is troubling to western nations.

The issue leads with an analysis of the rifts forming between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, looking into how Saudi oil economy ambitions have impacted Emirati officials. Politics and Royals watch sections follow with news of the Qatari Emir replacing the country's prime minister and opposition and revolution in Iran. Energy and industry covers claims that Somalia has an unofficial maritime map with offshore blocks in Yemeni waters. This is considered in the context of Yemen's civil war and outreach for IOCs. This article is accompanied by a map illustrating the Yemen's exploration and production blocks. RMRs focus on Bahrain and Iran. This issue's view article, which is free to view for registrants, concerns the Iranian regime's tightening grip on protests following the death in custody of 22-year- old Mahsa Amini. GSN asks whether opposition forces can hold out. 

The issue leads with an analysis of what Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Bin Jassim Al-Thani’s emergence as a bidder for Manchester United FC reveals about the balance of power and wealth in the opaque world of Qatari politics. We also publish a detailed profile of Sheikh Jassim. Politics & People leads on the likelihood of yet another unconstitutional government resignation in Kuwait and the dismal state of its anti-corruption campaign. Royals watch notes steps to reconciliation in Kuwait’s ruling Al-Sabah family, while Diplomatic brief analyses the context of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s recent visit to Oman. Defence & Security covers the emergence of Iran-based jihadist veteran Saif Al-Adel as leader of Al-Qaeda. We also report on Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri’s inspection of a new underground airbase located in the southern mountains. Energy & Industry explores difficulties in establishing a working relationship between Erbil and Baghdad and the impact on a proposed national budget and hydrocarbons law. The situation leaves Iraqi Kurds in political and financial limbo with their regional oil industry under threat.  

The issue leads with Iraq where the slow progress being made by Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani’s government in addressing the multi-billion dollar ‘Theft of the Century’ scandal further highlights the failure by consecutive Iraqi PMs to tackle the deeply-entrenched graft in Iraqi’s ruling classes. GSN also examines signs of further reconciliation between Bahrain and Qatar and looks back through the archives at the fluctuating relationship between the often feuding neighbours. Finance and business  coverage  leads with a look at the reports of alleged widespread fraud at Adani Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, with the affected investors including International Holding Company, chaired by UAE national security advisor Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. The GSN View focuses on Yemen and a fresh account that throws new light on the UAE's actions in the conflict. Risk management reports are on the UAE and its Emirates.

The issue leads with Kuwait, which is once again facing a period of uncertainty, with no clear sign of how the structural tensions between an unelected government and a popularly-elected parliament might be resolved. Politics coverage examines the UAE's model for expanding regional influence and provides updates from Yemen, where there are signs that the drone war could be entering a new phase. Finance and business coverage leads with a focus on the UAE's new federal media office, which will be chaired by President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed’s nephew and son-in-law Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al-Nahyan. Risk Management Reports are on Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The GSN View takes a closer look at the UAE's recent regional summit, which appeared to be hastily arranged and did not include representatives from Saudi Arabia or Kuwait.

Issue 1161 leads with a package of articles  analysing the eight months since ‘MBZ’ formally took over as head of state from his late half-brother Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed in the UAE. They delve into foreign engagement, economic diplomacy and the rising profile of MBZ's eldest son, Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.  The Diplomatic brief section then looks into accusations that the Saudi government has been attempting to control information about the kingdom on the online encyclopaedia, Wikipedia.  News of Saudi contractor El Serf's daughter's marriage into the Jordanian royal family heads the Royals Watch section with a piece following on Amiri Yachts, which acts as a holding company for a fleet of Qatari royal yachts, filing a claim in the High Court of Justice in London against Lebanon’s Privinvest. Defence and security coverage looks into analysis of the activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)’s Quds Force's use of a template command and control structure to facilitate its work with allies across the region. Risk Management Reports are on Kuwait and Oman. The GSN View, which is free to access, explores regional geopolitics as Iran appears to be trying to improve relations with neighbouring GCC states. 

Issue 1160 leads with a package of articles  analysing ties between Qatar and various European nations which have come to light during the recent Qatari Fifa World Cup. Specifically GSN looks into German criticism of Qatar's human rights records and allegations of EU corruption.  The Defence and security section that follows looks into a White House briefing that Moscow intends on supplying jets to Iran in 2023. The news that the General Authority for Military Industries (Gami) purchase of warships from Spanish shipbuilder Navantia is also explored.  News of president Xi Jinping’s visit to Riyadh for a series of meetings in early December takes the lead of the Diplomatic brief  section. The articles examine Chinese pledges of business deals and non-interference as well as the Iranian reaction to this.   Energy and industry coverage follows Iraq with the confidence of its new government being applied to develop the oil and gas sector. Plans for a nuclear plant and Russian power link in Tehran are also looked into. Risk Management Reports are on Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan. The GSN View, which is free to access, regards Houthi forces strengthening in Yemen as a response to Presidential Leadership Council rifts. 

Issue 1159 leads with an analysis of Mohammed Bin Salman’s efforts to promote a dynamic image of Saudi Arabia by bolstering tourism infrastructure and promoting local and foreign entertainment. GSN looks into the dichotomy of these actions with the regime’s persistence on silencing critics. The following diplomatic brief section begins includes an article on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani's most pressing concern, relations with neighbouring Iran.   Ammar Bin Humaid's recent $19m liquid petroleum gas (LPG) facility inauguration as well as his Afghan connections takes the fore of Royals Watch.  Defence and security coverage looks at the recent tanker attack in the Gulf of Oman as well as the UK's Omani military exercises.  Finance and business coverage examines an Ajman-based consortium's plan to buy Doncaster Sheffield Airport and looks at Dubai's courting of cryptocurrency firms.  Risk Management Reports are on Bahrain and Iran. The GSN View focuses on Qatar and how the country has exploited the diplomatic potential of the Fifa World Cup. 

Issue 1158 leads with a story on the estimated $200bn plus investment  in infrastructure and related mega-projects spurred by the hosting of the 2022 World Cup in Doha. Politics coverage goes into detail on Qatar's various stadia as well as news of Houthi attacks on Yemeni energy infrastructure mooting talks of returning to LNG. The victory of forces aligned with the Southern Transitional Council in Abyan is also explored.  GSN looks into Bahrain's Majlis Al-Nuwab election on 12 November and the disputation of the official narrate by opposition groups. Defence and security coverage leads with an article on the deals made during the Bahrain International Air Show. GSN then looks at Tehran's missile advances alongside its expanding Moscow ties. This analysis then turns to Iranian strikes on Kurdish exiles.  Finance and business examines the the Ras Al-Khaimah Investment Authority hacking case against RAK authorities.  Risk Management Reports are on Yemen and regional and international organisations. The GSN View focuses on the UAE's preparations for its 51st National Day by implementing social reforms. 

Issue 1157 leads with Iraq, where a new government under Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani is in place after more than a year of political haggling, grandstanding and violence. Politics coverage incudes a focus on Kuwait, where Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah has already been pushed into rapid cabinet reshuffle and the parliamentary arithmetic suggests further clashes between the executive and the legislature, and between liberals and conservatives, is more likely than not. GSN also profiles Saudi Arabia’s new defence minister Khalid Bin Salman Bin Abdelaziz, who is seen as a rising star in the Saudi ruling clique. Defence and security coverage includes look at reports of Iranian drones in Ukraine and the implications for GCC security. GSN also looks at a new Nasa satellite image of Bahrain, which, when compared to one from 1987, shows huge expansion as a result of land reclamation schemes. Finance and business coverage leads with an examination of investments in new media platforms made by the UAE president’s younger brother Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed. GSN also provides a profile of Mansour Bin Zayed. Risk Management Reports are on the UAE (Federation and individual emirates). The GSN View focuses on the protests in Iran, with questions being raised about the regime’s longevity.