Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — The Arab League has been urged to act against Iran, accused of undermining regional security. Arab League interior ministers heard briefings of Iranian efforts to destabilize such members as Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Several of the ministers appealed to the GCC to act against Teheran, particularly amid the […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — The Gulf Cooperation Council has concluded one of its largest military exercises in years. The GCC’s Peninsula Shield ended a 17-day exercise in Kuwait that combined air, naval and ground forces. Officials said the exercise showed a high degree of performance by a range of units. “The joint activities […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — The Kuwait Air Force plans to recruit women personnel, including pilots. Military sources said women in other services would be welcome to assignments in the Air Force, including that of pilot. “The decision was made to shift attention to Kuwaiti women who have already proven their competency in the […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Despite nearly $20 billion in orders, the Gulf Cooperation Council remains without sufficient assets to foil an Iranian missile war, a report said. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy asserted that the six GCC states have not acquired sufficient batteries and systems to defend against Iran. In a report, […]
Special to WorldTribune.com Geostrategy-Direct.com ABU DHABI — In late 2012, the U.S. Navy reduced its presence in the Gulf. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said the Navy would operate one rather than two aircraft carrier groups in the region over the next few months. Panetta, the first U.S. defense secretary to visit Kuwait in nearly […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Syria is reported to have been a leading client of Russia’s defense sector in 2011. The Congressional Research Service said Russia achieved its biggest weapons agreement last year with Syria. CRS cited a Russian deal to sell 36 Yak-130 trainer aircraft for $550 million. In mid-2012, Moscow said it suspended […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — Kuwait has been concerned over the prospect of sectarian clashes fueled by the proliferation of weapons throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council sheikdom. Parliamentarians have been warning the royal family that the rival Sunni and Shi’ite communities have been acquiring weapons that could be used in sectarian fighting. They cited […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — Kuwait has been deporting thousands of illegal aliens as part of a security crackdown. Security sources said the Gulf Cooperation Council sheikdom has deported nearly 13,000 foreign nationals since May 1. The sources said the expulsions reflect a crackdown by Kuwait against illegal aliens from primarily South Asian nations […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — Defense Minister Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz has been named the next crown prince of Saudi Arabia. Salman, 76, was named heir to the crown on June 18 two days after the death of his predecessor and brother, Nayef. The appointment of Salman, who retained his post as defense […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — The Gulf Cooperation Council has been concerned over renewed instability in Egypt. GCC officials said the six Gulf Arab members were closely monitoring Egypt in wake of the new seizure of power by the military regime. The officials said the dissolution of parliament and return to martial law could […]