Despite massive spending on arms, Saudis seen as militarily weak
LONDON — Saudi Arabia continues to be saddled with a weak military, a report said. Global Fire Power ranked Saudi Arabia 27th out of 69 countries surveyed for military (more…)
Bahrain, Japan agree to upgrade military, security and strategic ties
ABU DHABI — Bahrain and Japan have agreed to improve defense cooperation. Officials said the two Asian states agreed to implement previous accords to bolster defense and military ties. (more…)
Multi-year contract points to expanded U.S. presence in Qatar
WASHINGTON — The United States has been enhancing its main military base in Qatar. The U.S. Air Force has overseen a project to improve services at Al Udeid Air (more…)
Bahrain prosecutors trace Shi’ite cell’s funding, training to Iran
ABU DHABI — Bahrain has determined that Iran financed a Shi’ite insurgency cell. Prosecutors said a five-man Shi’ite cell that conducted bombings throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom was (more…)
Journalist with Muslim Brotherhood ties held incommunicado in UAE
LONDON — The United Arab Emirates secretly arrested an Egyptian journalist accused of being linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. An Arab human rights group said Egyptian journalist Anas Fouda (more…)
Booz Allen Hamilton wins contract to modernize Saudi Navy
WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia has ordered additional naval training from the United States. The U.S. Defense Department has awarded a $21.7 million contract for support services for the Royal (more…)
UAE official: Muslim Brotherhood is targeting Gulf after Egypt defeat
ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates has again warned against infiltration by the Egyptian-based Muslim Brotherhood. The UAE said the Brotherhood was moving out of Egypt throughout the (more…)
Islamists gain, Shi’ites lose seats after increased turnout in Kuwait
ABU DHABI — The huge Shi’ite minority in Kuwait was the loser in parliamentary elections. Shi’ites, who represent more than 45 percent of the sheikdom, lost half of their (more…)
Shi’ites using more sophisticated, remote-control bombs in Bahrain
ABU DHABI — Iranian-backed Shi’ite insurgents have succeeded in enhancing attacks in Bahrain. Officials said the Interior Ministry and intelligence community have determined that Shi’ite insurgents were employing methods (more…)