Qatar

Could Japan's quiet diplomacy de-escalate tension between the US and Iran

On the face of it, Shinzo Abe’s visit was a failure, however, by going and speaking to the Iranians the US has established a backdoor channel.

Turkey rejects 'fait accompli' in Jerusalem - President Erdogan

The leaders of Turkey, Russia, Qatar, China, and Iran arrived for Asian cooperation summit in Tajikistan, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged the world to respect UN resolutions and the historical and legal status of Jerusalem.

Trump’s new Iran strategy: fire Bolton and engage international mediators?

Donald Trump and John Bolton are on different tracks when it comes to foreign policy, and that is particularly problematic when the US is beating the drums of war.

Japan becomes latest state to play mediator between US and Iran

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visits Iran in first visit by a Japanese leader to the country since the 1979 revolution.

Qatar seeks thaw in US-Iran row

Qatari FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani urges both sides to find a compromise and begin negotiations, warns against imposing US-led "deal of the century" on the Palestinians.

Japan prime minister to visit Tehran, with energy security the main concern

As Japan looks to ensure security in the region, it could play a vital role in negotiating between Iran and the US.

Journalist sent back to Egyptian jail just as he was set to be released

The family of jailed Al Jazeera journalist must now wait until after Ramadan see their father.

Kushner to seek support for 'peace plan' in Mideast trip

President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner hopes to drum up support for the economic aspects of his "deal of the century," a controversial backchannel plan to reach peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

Qatar says invited to emergency Arab summits in Mecca by Saudi King

Qatar’s foreign ministry said that Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani received an invitation from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to attend two emergency summits in Mecca, a week after Qatar said it had not been invited to the summits.

FIFA keeps 32 teams for 2022 World Cup, scrapping expansion

A meeting of the FIFA Council in March authorised FIFA President Gianni Infantino to work with Qatar on seeing if it was feasible to use at least one more country in the region to accommodate an additional 16 matches and present a proposal in June.

Reported ruling to execute Saudi scholars marks new realms of oppression

Three renowned scholars will reportedly face execution after Ramadan. Even beyond the Khashoggi murder, such a ruling means the crown prince will stop at nothing to retain absolute power.

The battle for Syria has just begun

The reconstruction of Syria will be another battle with rival powers trying to stamp their authority over the country through their chequebooks.