Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at The Cipher Brief on June 1, 2016
Ripple effects have been felt across the Kingdom as the Saudi royal family transitions to a new generation of leaders. According to former U.S. Ambassador to Oman, Gary Grappo, the new economic plan introduced by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, while ambitious, “will help the country diversify greater and more quickly than it has […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on March 2, 2016
The latest move by Saudi Arabia will do little to curb Hezbollah’s actions in Syria. Saudi Arabia’s decision to ban its citizens from traveling to Lebanon only raises more questions about the kingdom’s foreign policy in the Middle East. The travel ban comes on the heels of previous decisions to cut off aid to Beirut and withdraw […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at The Leslie Marshall Show on February 18, 2016
In this radio interview, Ambassador Grappo discusses the current state of the intense fighting in and to the north of the key Syrian city of Aleppo and the consequences of an Assad regime victory over the moderate opposition forces.
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at The Leslie Marshall Show on February 10, 2016
Interviewed on the nationally syndicated radio program, The Leslie Marshall Show, Ambassador Grappo comments on the brewing security and refugee crises in Syria as the Al Assad regime’s forces, backed by Russian air strikes and Iranian-led Iraqi, Pakistani and Afghan militias, move on the major city of Aleppo. To listen, click here.
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on February 14, 2016
Offers by Saudi Arabia and the UAE to deploy forces in the fight against the Islamic State raise more questions than answers about the direction of the conflict. Saudi Arabia recently announced that the kingdom was prepared to dispatch ground forces to Syria to fight the Islamic State (IS). Days after the Saudi announcement, the United […]