Topic: Saudi Arabia

Syria moves from pariah to power broker

Region sees it as a bulwark against Iran; US sees it as key to any peace deal.

New auto standards: the start of Obama's green revolution

The new regulations on fuel economy and tailpipe emissions announced Tuesday are 'part of a far larger effort,' he said.

Mideast leaders defend free market at economic forum

Despite capitalism's recently damaged reputation, participants at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East this weekend agreed that minimal regulation was key to growth.

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.

Who will pay for mounting federal and trade deficits?

Our children and grandchildren, yes. But the running trade deficit gets a little trickier.

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.

Briefing: The motives and aims of Hamas

Western nations call it a terrorist organization. To Palestinians, it's a legitimate elected government, a resistance movement, or an oppressive usurper. So just what is Hamas?

Opinion: Obama puts Israel at risk

As he and Netanyahu prepare to meet, US-Israeli relations are sinking toward an all-time low.

Russia plays up its international role – especially in Mideast peace

It chaired a special meeting Monday of the Security Council that endorsed the idea of holding a Middle East peace conference in Moscow this year.

US rejoins UN’s human rights forum

Bush had shunned it as an ineffective dictators' club. Obama's team pledges to work from within to 'improve' it.

The Monitor's View: An unseen burqa revolution

Gains among women in Muslim nations, while still uneven, are important to recognize.

For peace and strength in Pakistan

A Christian Science perspective.

Lions, tigers, and bloggers! Oh, my!

The Committee to Protect Journalists issued a report on the "10 Worst Countries to be a Blogger" last week, just days before World Press Freedom Day, today.

With Shiites rising across the region, Saudi Arabia's grow impatient

Older leaders among the minority aim to peacefully address discrimination but warn that younger Shiites are pushing for militancy.

Opinion: A rescue plan for Pakistan

Without bold, urgent action, the country – and its nuclear weapons – could fall to the Taliban.

Opinion: Barack Obama and the new place of American power

A new spirit of humility is clearly evident, but will the Obama administration agree to expand the 'Big Five' on the UN Security Council?

Obama welcomes his first Arab leader to White House

After meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, he emphasized his commitment to Palestinian statehood – a top concern among Arabs.

As Clinton calls on Iran to release US journalist, commentators decry 'farce'

The most unique explanation for the conviction of Roxana Saberi on espionage charges may be an allegory about US, Russian, and Iranian intelligence services hunting for a rabbit.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about freedom of religious speech, why the US should end the Cuba embargo, Somali piracy, using the Web for news, and why the US can learn from Canadian schools.

Somali piracy hits every consumer

Spain commits more troops to Afghanistan in overture to Obama

While the increase in soldiers is modest, the government is showing support for Obama's shift of strategy in Afghanistan – and, more broadly, for the administration itself.

On European trip, rock-star Obama faces skeptical allies

While he is popular, American policies are not. He will be hard-pressed to win concessions on his plans for the economy or Afghanistan.

Opinion: The new threat to freedom of expression

The UN passage of a resolution barring defamation of religion, especially Islam, should be a wake-up call.

Will Arab leaders discuss Israeli airstrike in Sudan?

Arab League likely support Sudan's Bashir against war crimes charge, but discourage ties with Iran.

Arab Summit: New Syrian-Jordan unity