Oct 15 U.S. court rulings signal openness to lawsuits accusing foreign officials of abuses By Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press A U.S. court has given two top associates of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman until early November to turn over any evidence in a lawsuit. Continue reading
Jun 23 More than 1,300 pilgrims died during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia this year, officials say By Samy Magdy, Associated Press Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83 percent of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform the Hajj rituals in and around the holy city of Mecca. Continue reading
Jun 19 Hundreds died in intense heat during Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, officials say By Samy Magdy, Jon Gambrell, Associated Press Hundreds of people have died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced intense high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom. Continue reading
Jun 16 As Muslim pilgrims perform final rites of Hajj, 14 Jordanians die of sunstroke in Saudi Arabia By Samy Magdy, Associated Press Masses of pilgrims on Sunday embarked on a symbolic stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia under the soaring summer heat. The ritual marks the final days of the Hajj, or Islamic pilgrimage, and the start of the Eid al-Adha celebrations for… Continue reading
Jun 10 The Hajj pilgrimage and why it’s significant for Muslims By Mariam Fam, Associated Press Once a year, Muslim pilgrims flowing into Saudi Arabia unite in a series of religious rituals and acts of worship as they perform the Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam. Continue reading
Mar 10 Aramco announces $121 billion profit in 2023, Saudi oil giant’s 2nd highest on record By Jon Gambrell, Associated Press Saudi oil giant Aramco on Sunday reported it made $121 billion in profit last year, down from its 2022 record due to lower energy prices. Continue reading
Feb 05 Watch 9:24 Experts discuss obstacles to Palestinian statehood and Saudi-Israeli normalization By Nick Schifrin, Dan Sagalyn Saudi leaders say diplomatic normalization with Israel isn’t possible without steps toward a Palestinian state. The U.S. hopes a pause in fighting could lead to progress on reforming the Palestinian Authority, normalization and two states. Nick Schifrin discussed more with… Continue watching
Feb 05 Obstacles loom as Blinken returns to Middle East to negotiate plans for Gaza By Matthew Lee, Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy, Associated Press Blinken hopes to press ahead with a potential cease-fire deal and postwar planning while tamping down regional tensions. But on on all three fronts he faces major challenges. Continue reading
Jan 22 Saudi Arabia won’t normalize Israel relations without Palestinian state plan, top diplomat says By Melanie Lidman, Wafaa Shurafa, Associated Press The dispute over Gaza’s future pits Israel against its top ally, the United States, as well as much of the international community. Continue reading
Jan 18 In Davos, Israel’s president calls ties with Saudi Arabia key to ending war in Gaza By Jamey Keaten, Melanie Lidman, Associated Press Isaac Herzog said Thursday at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, that the relationship is still fragile but is "an opportunity to move forward."… Continue reading