The world’s top oil exporter says it wants to use nuclear power to diversify its energy mix, but in order for US companies to compete for Saudi Arabia’s project, Riyadh would normally need to sign an accord on the peaceful use of nuclear technology with Washington. “The kingdom and the leadership in the kingdom will find a way to sign a 1,2,3 agreement with the United States, I think,” says US Energy Secretary Rick Perry.
“In view of the difficult financial, economic and living situation in the country, in view of security and political tensions that are prevailing in the region ... a [leadership] vacuum will lead to chaos, to collapse,” says Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Lebanon has been swept by more than a week of nationwide protests against a political elite accused of corruption, mismanagement of the state finances and leading the country toward an economic collapse unseen since the 1975-1990 civil war.
US official says Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was targeted in Syria's Idlib province, possibly killed in an explosion. US President Donald Trump teases a major announcement, tweeting Saturday night that "Something very big has just happened!" Trump is expected to make a "major statement" at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Israel time.
The deal has brought Israel much-needed quiet and a valuable partner along its longest border, while buttressing Jordan’s position as a crucial ally of the West. The two countries maintain close, covert security relations. Israel provides large quantities of water to Jordan, one of the driest countries on earth, and has agreed to sell natural gas to Jordan. But the warm relations envisioned at that signing ceremony remain elusive, and in Jordan there is little public support for the agreement.
While Turkey’s invasion of northeast Syria is bad news for Tehran, the exit of US forces more than makes up for this development, according to a former Israeli defense official.
