#QATAR: Neighboring Nations Cut Ties With Qatar Over Iranian & Alleged Terror Ties

[world politics news]

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Yemen have cut ties, claiming the energy-rich monarchy is undermining stability in the region by supporting in the Iran-aligned militant groups. Authorities gave Qataris living in and visiting their countries two weeks to leave.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#IRAN: Gov't Will Prevent Citizens From Making Mecca Pilgrimage, Citing Security Concerns

[world politics news]

Iran will ban its citizens from going to Saudi Arabia this year to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage, The Iranian Minister of Cultural and Islamic Guidance, Ali Jannati, blamed travel to Saudi Arabia for failing to "resolve the issue of security" in the months-long discussions which took place between the two countries, which are fighting a proxy war in Yemen and have had numerous diplomatic clashes in the past year.

#SAUDIARABIA: Gov't Tilting Towards India After Pakistan Snub Of Saudi War In Yemen

[world politics news]

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud gave Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a very warm welcome last weekend in a public tilt of Saudi policy toward New Delhi and away from its traditional ally Pakistan. Economic interests are part of the tilt, but so too is Saudi pique at Pakistan's refusal to back its military adventure in Yemen.

#THENETHERLANDS: Parliament Calls On Gov't To Halt Saudi Arms Deal

[world politics news]

The Dutch parliament called on the government to implement a European Union embargo on sending arms to Saudi Arabia as as result of their ongoing military action in Yemen. Around 6,000 have been killed since Saudi-led troops entered the conflict in Yemen last March, almost half of them civilians, says the UN.

#YEMEN: Exiled PM Bahah Returns to War-Weary Capitol of Aden To Rebuild Gov't"

[world politics news]

Yemen's Prime Minister Khaled Bahah flew into the devastated port of Aden from Saudi exile Saturday, two weeks after loyalist forces ousted Shiite rebels from the city, an airport source said. He was followed by several more officials, whose task will be to restore normality and public services to a city battered by four months of ferocious combat.

#YEMEN: Spectre Secession for South Yemen Rises Again After Gov't Crumbles

[world politics news]

Sentiments in south Yemen for possible secession are unifying in the face of Houthi Shia extremists forcing the government's recent collapse in the northern capitol of Sanaa. Experts say secession is now more credible, and with its leaders stressing they have no intention to accomplish it with violence.

BREAKING: #YEMEN: Pres., PM & Cabinet Resign After Standoff With Rebel Shi'ite Forces

[world politics news]

Yemen's President resigned Thursday night shortly after his Prime Minister and the Cabinet stepped down, one day after the government and Houthi rebels struck a tentative peace deal meant to end days of turmoil. The resignations of Pres. Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi and others are the latest fallout from the Houthis' move in recent days to gain power in the capital.

#YEMEN: Gov't Sworn in; 30 of 36 Gov't Ministers "Out of Country" Unable to Attend; Houthi Rebels Reject

[world politics news]

#YEMEN: Iran-Backed Shia Rebels Take Capitol Sanaa; Civil War Still Looms

[world politics news]

Government officials capitulated to Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels, who will now form a government. The threat looms of an Iraq-like civil war resuming, however, with Saudi-backed Sunnis returning to seek to liberate the country.

YEMEN: Transportation Minister Survives Assassination Attempt