What we are witnessing is another step — perhaps crucial — in the shifting strategic balance of power in the Middle East: The cause of the Palestinians is gradually passing out of the hands of Mubarak and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

We traveled from May 3 to May 12 as part of a delegation to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia—two of our most important allies and trading partners in the Middle East. The trip was organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies...

The European-based sailing series offers the sultanate a much larger opportunity. Competing in France, UK, Germany, Italy and Spain, BOMU and Oman Sail are confident this activity will not only boost the sultanate's economy but also have a long-term positive effect on Oman's business, tourism and national brand.

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman yesterday stressed the importance of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's visit to Lebanon, which he said would benefit Arab unity as a whole.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Saudi Arabia Tuesday, trying to strengthen support ahead of a U.S. effort to start indirect peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.Saudi Arabia has played an "outstanding" role in supporting the Palestinian resolve to create "an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."

The Arab News, since its inception, has carefully maintained a style of reporting on Saudi-UK relations that might best be described as one of friendly formality. It is almost never critical.

Saudi Arabia and Iran, two major regional powers bordering Iraq, have been a focal point for talks between competing Iraqi factions since the March 7 elections. Damascus, a crucial player in regional politics, is keen not to be overshadowed by Tehran and Riyadh.