Despite repeated high-level visits, US officials have so far failed to convince the Saudis to normalize relations with Israel. The recent visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also confirms speculation that Gulf Cooperation Council countries are striving for more autonomy

In this episode, we bring you stories of a deal between Lebanon and Israel on offshore gas fields, the US re-examining relations with Saudi Arabia, the UN expressing concern over the crisis in Libya, and the latest from reforms in Colombia

President Joe Biden’s visit to West Asia, especially Israel, is also calculated to appeal to certain audiences inside the US ahead of crucial mid-term elections in October

Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, both party to the international offensive in Yemen, together makes up around 28 percent of the US global arms sale.

Despite the increase in international pressure, the Saudis seem set on their current course in an attempt to secure their energy interests. In this context, US proposals for peace and decisions to stop refuelling Saudi jets are unlikely to have any substantial impact on the conflict.

While Saudi Arabia is facing widespread condemnation in the media for Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, the country has gotten away with worst crimes in the past.