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  • Who Replaces Iran’s President Raisi? It’s the Wrong Question

    The rise of Raisi, an ally of Khamenei, was part of a broader strategy to consolidate power among hardliners and ensure the regime's stability. His election in 2021, amid record-low turnout and allegations of rigging, signaled that the ruling apparatus no longer saw elective offices as necessary pressure valves for a discontented populace. This strategy held even during the intense protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, which saw brutal crackdowns ordered by Raisi. Often called the "Butcher of Tehran," Raisi was known for his harsh crackdowns on dissent and his role in the mass executions of political prisoners in 1988. His death throws a wrench into the hardliners' plans and raises questions about the future leadership of Iran.

  • Is Kuwait’s National Assembly history?

    Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah’s decision to dissolve Kuwait’s National Assembly this month is a significant development. In an announcement on state television, the Emir declared that for “a period of no more than four years,” the parliament and parts of the constitution would be suspended and under review. “I will not allow democracy to be exploited to destroy the country,” said Sheikh Meshaal, who claimed he was required to make “difficult decisions to save the country.”

  • How are Ronaldo and other Saudi Pro League stars shaping up for Euros?

    England kick off Euro 2024 against Serbia on 16 June and if Jordan Henderson is called up then the former Al-Ettifaq midfielder should be able to give Gareth Southgate an idea of the form Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are in. They are two of a growing number of European internationals who will be acting as unofficial ambassadors for the Saudi Pro League (SPL) this summer – especially if they underperform.

  • Will Saudi Arabia’s sports investment trigger an athleisure boom?

    By 2030, the government aims to increase the ratio of individuals exercising at least once a week to 40 percent. With an expanding base of sports practitioners, the country’s sportswear and athleisure apparel market is set to boom. In 2022, the category generated $1.3 billion (SAR 4.9 billion) in sales, and by 2027, it is expected to reach $1.5 billion. Could Saudi Arabia be the next frontier for sportswear?

  • Why are So Many Iranians Seemingly Indifferent to the War in Gaza?

    Forty-five years after the revolution that saw the Shah dethroned, there has been a significant shift in Iranian public opinion. While the Islamic Republic is considered the primary state enemy of Israel, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict does not appear to be a priority for the Iranian public, including various opposition groups, students, and intellectuals. This is reflected in the slogan “No to Lebanon, no to Palestine, my life only for Iran,” which appeared in 2009 during the Green Movement that followed fraud-tainted Iranian elections.

  • How Do You Solve a Problem Like the Houthis?

    The last seven months have made two things clear. First, the Houthi threat to commercial shipping and freedom of navigation is not going to disappear. This will remain true whether there is a cease-fire in Gaza or not – the genie is out of the bottle, and it will be very hard to contain it. Second, the United States does not have a good toolbox to counter the Houthi threat. As Haines told Congress, U.S. actions have “been insufficient to really stop the Houthis from going down this road.” All of this raises the key question: How can the United States deal with a long-term and enduring challenge like Houthi attacks on commercial shipping?

  • What is Saudi Arabia Vision 2030? Its Pillars, Programs and Projects

    Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 is a monumental undertaking with its fair share of challenges. Implementing such a comprehensive transformation requires significant investment, social reforms, and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. However, the potential rewards are immense. A successful Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 paves the way for a more prosperous, diversified, and globally connected Saudi Arabia.

  • What’s a Golden Visa and Where Can You Still Get One?

    Often known as a “residence by investment program,” a golden visa allows individuals to obtain temporary or permanent residency in a given country, so they can live and work there. The investments may include buying a house, creating a company or making a donation.

  • Commentary: What’s So Bad About Fixing Oil Prices?

    Oil’s history is full of attempts at stabilizing prices. Petroleum is an essential commodity that has high capital needs and long lead times: That lends itself to boom-and-bust cycles that are painful for consumers, governments and companies. There is no immediate cure for price spikes or plunges because it is impossible to turn on significant new oil supply or to turn off demand for it on short notice. Storage helps, but oil must be kept underground or in specialized tanks.

  • When is Eid al-Adha? And when will Hajj 2024 begin? All you need to know

    The Muslim world is gearing to celebrate Eid al-Adha this year on or around Sunday June 16, according to various astronomical calculations. The date, however, can change depending on the beginning of the Dhu al-Hijjah month. It is expected that Saudi Arabia will call on Muslims in the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon on June 6.