Topic: King Abdullah

Why $60 billion in US arms to Saudi Arabia isn't causing an outcry

Israel doesn't oppose a US arms deal that would send advanced aircraft to Saudi Arabia, which is increasingly seen as essential to containing Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks: why this time might go better

Conditions may be ripe for progress in the Israeli-Palestinian talks, some Middle East experts say. For one thing, Obama is starting the process much earlier in his tenure than some presidents.

The Monitor's View: How to bolster the coming Mideast peace talks

Direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians next week could be easily derailed. Concrete steps of support are needed -- by Arab states, the United States, the international community, and most of all, Netanyahu and Abbas.

Opinion: High-stakes hinge moment for Hezbollah and Lebanon

Facing pressure over the Hariri assassination, Hassan Nasrallah and his Hezbollah organization are growing anxious.

In Saudi Arabia, a landmark welcome of a Christian scholar

Leonard Swidler, a Christian scholar at Temple University in Philadelphia, visited Saudi Arabia's ultra­conservative Al Imam Muhammed bin Saud Islamic University earlier this summer, underscoring a shift toward greater openness in some official religious institutions.

Rare Arab summit to forestall possible Hezbollah unrest in Lebanon

An Arab summit of the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Syria met in Beirut today for the first time in eight years amid rising concern that the Hariri assassination tribunal could indict key Hezbollah members – sparking Hezbollah unrest.

Saudi Arabia wants US to pressure Israel on peace in the Middle East

Despite a string of visits this month from leaders in the Middle East, most recently King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, peace in the region remains an unsolvable puzzle for the Obama administration.

US college degrees: Still the best among world's top universities?

A US college degree has been the gold standard. But global economics and a crisis of confidence may be pushing the US down in rankings among top universities.

Cleric's support for men and women mingling in public sparks furor in Saudi Arabia

Sheikh Ahmed al-Ghamdi, a Saudi cleric in the holy city of Mecca, recently declared that nothing in Islam bars men and women mingling in public places like schools and offices. For the first time in decades, religious scholars are debating the previously untouchable hallmark of gender segregation.

Jordan's King Abdullah warns Obama peace progress is needed

Jordan's King Abdullah has warned President Barack Obama that Middle East peace progress needs to be made soon. The king said fighting could break out if the peace process continues to "go around in circles."

Saudi award to Turkish prime minister signals deepening strategic ties

A Saudi award to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his 'service to Islam' underscores Saudi backing for Turkey's bid to take a more activist role as a Middle East power broker.

Saudi Arabia and India address terrorism in a rare meeting

During the first visit to Saudi Arabia by an Indian premier in nearly three decades, Manmohan Singh discussed terrorism, peace with Pakistan, and trade.

Opinion: Yemen doesn't have to be the next failed terrorist state

Not if President Obama partners with Saudi King Abdullah for an urgent rebuilding effort.

Why Karzai needs Saudi Arabia for Taliban talks

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is visiting Saudi Arabia to seek help convincing the Taliban to join peace talks. Riyadh would lend credibility to the effort, but is wary of getting involved.

Saudi Arabians use Facebook to vent fury over Jeddah flood deaths

After flooding in Jeddah killed more than 100 people, Saudi Arabians have flocked to Facebook to press the government for better drainage. A Katrina moment for Saudi leaders?

Fearful of Iran's influence, Saudi king reaches out to Syria

Saudi Arabia, a close US ally, has switched from a policy of isolation toward engagement. Some hope the warming could bolster US Middle East peace efforts.

Saudi Arabia's new university to let women unveil and study with men

The King Abdullah Science and Technology University opened Wednesday is meant to break ground on Saudi Arabia’s scientific learning and gender norms.

Obama's speech in Cairo: full text

The president, speaking at Cairo University, called for a 'new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world.'

In Mideast, Obama faces tough crowd: Here's what they want to hear

The president stopped in Saudi Arabia, where 79 percent of residents view him favorably, on Wednesday. But in Cairo tomorrow, he'll address a skeptical audience of 1.4 billion Muslims.

Ahead of Obama's Cairo speech, Arab leaders see window of opportunity for peace

King Abdullah II of Jordan, embraced by the West and his Arab allies, is emerging as a facilitator for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Pressed on Palestinian state, Netanyahu changes the subject – to Iran

Ahead of his Monday meeting with Obama, who supports a two-state solution, the Israeli prime minister wants to make Iran's nuclear ambitions the focus of regional diplomacy.

Tiny Saudi democracy movement sends king blueprint for reform

Signed by 77 activists, a petition sent by express mail Wednesday night calls for an elected parliament and public access to the trials of 991 suspects in Al Qaeda-inspired violence.

Today's coverage: Cheney, credit cards, border fence, foreclosures

Pope embarks on Mideast fence-mending trip

His pilgrimage this week is also a chance to reassure Jews and Muslims about Vatican views.

The Monitor's View: The Obama doctrine: Charm enemies, arm-twist friends

For a friendly foreign leader, a visit to the White House can be a visit to the woodshed.