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Saudi Arabia

The sun rises over a Mosque on the Persian Gulf in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 9, 1990.

Saudi Arabia’s conservative clerics have a new relationship with the government under Mohammed bin Salman

Lifestyle & Belief

Social change in Saudi Arabia has long been deemed impossible due to the influence of the conservative clerical establishment. But as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman supports new cultural attractions, experts are wondering whether the power of these clerics has diminished. Raihan Ismail, professor of contemporary Islamic studies at Oxford University, spoke to The World’s host Carolyn Beeler about what role the clerics play in Saudi society today.

Build it, and they will come: The dream of King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Join the journey at outofedenwalk.org.

Out of Eden Walk: Paul Salopek traverses the Arabian Peninsula via Saudi Arabia

Out of Eden Walk
Evacuees leave Saudi Amanah ship after landing at Jeddah port, Saudi Arabia, May 4, 2023. 

Negotiations continue in Saudi Arabia to end fighting in Sudan

Conflict & Justice
US President Joe Biden and Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid, sign a security pledge at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Jerusalem

US and Israel sign joint declaration on Iran’s nuclear program during Biden’s visit

Nuclear
A protester holds a placard as she takes part in a small demonstration against the holding of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in China, at Piccadilly Circus in London, Feb. 3, 2022. 

Uyghurs in Saudi Arabia risk deportation to China

Human rights
A photographer takes pictures of the Khurais oil field during a tour for journalists, 150 km east-northeast of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia says it’s not responsible for high oil prices

Energy

Saudi Arabia says it “won’t bear any responsibility” for shortages in global oil supplies, following attacks on its oil facilities by Yemeni Houthi rebels.

The exterior of Pfizer in Groton, Conn. Pfizer Inc.

Pfizer announces ‘highly effective’ pill to combat COVID

Top of The World

Pfizer announces its Paxlovid pill as highly effective at preventing severe illness from COVID-19 among at-risk people. Also, the US approves its first major arms sale under the Biden administration to Saudi Arabia. And, nine groups in Ethiopia form an alliance — including Tigray forces and the Oromo Liberation Army — against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to seek a political transition, as rebel forces near the capital.

Andreina Baduel wears a T-shirt that reads in Spanish "Justice and freedom" and holds a sign with pictures of people during a protest against political prisoners outside the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service, known as the Helicoide, in Caracas

ICC to open investigation over alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela

Top of The World

Chief prosecutor Karim Khan announces the ICC will open an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela. Also, the US has added NSO Group, the Israeli company behind the controversial Pegasus spyware, to its trade blacklist. And, the UK approves Molnupiravir, the first antiviral oral pill found to be effective in treating symptomatic COVID-19.

In this photo provided by the Saudi Royal Palace, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, greets US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry during the Green Initiative Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 25, 2021.

Oil giant Saudi Arabia says it wants to get to net-zero emissions by 2060. But critics question its roadmap.

Climate Change

Saudi Arabia’s economy was built on oil. Now, faced with growing global pressure to replace fossil fuel with cleaner energy, the kingdom has announced plans to reach net-zero emissions by 2060.

A family visits across the U.S.-Canada border at the Peace Arch Historical State Park as a cyclist rides past on the Canadian side, in Blaine, Wash.

US to reopen land borders next month to fully vaccinated people

Top of The World

The US will reopen its land borders to nonessential travel in November for people who are fully vaccinated. Also, the international community is looking for ways to help Afghans financially, while circumventing the Taliban government. And, Iran and Saudi Arabia are holding talks brokered by Iraq to repair ties and come to an agreement to end the war in Yemen.