Columnist

Author

Faisal J. Abbas

Faisal J. Abbas is the editor in chief of Arab News

X: @FaisalJAbbas

Latest published

How to read the Saudi position

A few weeks ago, I took part in the Delphi Economic Forum and I was asked to predict the outcome of the tense geopolitical situation that has emerged in the Gulf and wider Middle East since the eruption of Operation Epic Fury in February.

May 16, 2026

A tale of three presidents

It is often said that the first casualty of war is truth. On Wednesday, in a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump suggested the war with Iran may soon be over, while also threatening to send Tehran “back to the stone age.”

April 02, 2026

Iran’s own goal: How Tehran lost the Gulf

A famous proverb states: “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”

March 01, 2026

Riyadh is not Mediterranean, but is closer to Greece than many assume

The Athens Policy Dialogues held recently in the Greek capital featured engaging and candid discussions with policymakers, think-tankers, and leading journalists from Greece, other European countries and the wider Middle East, including Egypt, Israel, and Turkiye.

December 06, 2025