His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a written message from his brother, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The message focused on the strong and deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two countries and their brotherly peoples, and ways to support and enhance them in various fields.

The message was received on behalf of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince by His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, during his meeting today at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with His Excellency Sheikh Ali bin Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, a comprehensive review of bilateral relations was conducted, and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields were discussed, in addition to addressing the most prominent regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Deep-rooted historical ties and a shared destiny

This message comes in a context that reflects the depth of the historical and fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain, ties that extend beyond the official and diplomatic spheres to encompass bonds of blood, kinship, and a shared destiny. These relations represent a unique model of integration and cooperation within the Gulf region, as they are united by the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council and connected by the King Fahd Causeway, a vital artery for economic and social exchange between the two peoples. The two kingdoms have consistently stood shoulder to shoulder in the face of challenges, demonstrating unity of purpose and position in various regional and international forums.

The importance of strategy and ongoing coordination

These discussions are of paramount strategic importance given the current circumstances in the region and the world. Ongoing Saudi-Bahraini coordination is a cornerstone for maintaining the security and stability of the Arabian Gulf and countering external interference aimed at destabilizing the region. This communication aligns with the ambitious development visions of both countries, embodied in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, which open up broad horizons for cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, technology, and renewable energy, ultimately benefiting the prosperity of both nations. This continuous communication at the highest levels underscores the commitment of both countries' leadership to expanding relations to broader horizons, serving their shared interests and reinforcing their pivotal role in supporting joint Gulf action and consolidating the foundations of security and peace.

American press reports indicate that President Joe Biden's administration is seriously considering the option of withdrawing its military forces entirely from Syrian territory. If this step is taken, it would represent a major strategic shift in Washington's policy towards the Syrian conflict, which has lasted for more than a decade, and would open the door to broad repercussions that could reshape the balance of power in the region.

Background of the American military presence in Syria

The official US military intervention in Syria began in 2014 as part of the international coalition to combat the ISIS terrorist organization. The primary objective of the operation, dubbed "Operation Inherent Resolve," was to halt the expansion of the group, which at the time controlled vast swathes of Syria and Iraq. The US strategy relied on avoiding the deployment of large numbers of ground troops, focusing instead on airstrikes and training and supporting local partners on the ground, primarily the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Currently, the US military presence numbers around 900 troops, most of whom are stationed in northeastern Syria, in addition to the strategic al-Tanf base in the south near the borders with Iraq and Jordan, where their mission has been to prevent the resurgence of ISIS, secure oil fields, and protect their allies.

Reasons for the reassessment and its potential repercussions

These deliberations come at a time when American priorities have shifted globally, with a growing focus on countering China and Russia. Domestically, U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq face frequent attacks from Iranian-backed militias, increasing the cost and risks of maintaining a military presence. According to U.S. officials, the current discussions reflect a reassessment of the mission's viability given the significantly diminished threat posed by ISIS and the changing dynamics on the ground.

A complete US withdrawal would leave a significant security vacuum. Domestically, the fate of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) would become uncertain, leaving them vulnerable to potential attacks from Turkey, which considers the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), the SDF’s main component, a terrorist organization, as well as from the Syrian regime, which seeks to regain control of all its territory. The withdrawal also raises serious concerns about the fate of thousands of ISIS fighters held in SDF-run prisons, potentially paving the way for the group’s resurgence.

Impact on the regional and international landscape

Regionally, the withdrawal would be considered a strategic victory for Iran and Russia, allies of President Bashar al-Assad. Russia would consolidate its position as a key player in Syria, while Iran would be able to strengthen its influence and secure a land corridor linking it to Lebanon via Iraq and Syria. Israel, on the other hand, would view this development with grave concern, fearing an increased Iranian military presence near its borders. Regional and international actors are closely monitoring these developments, as the withdrawal decision, if implemented, would not only alter the course of the Syrian conflict but also send strong signals about the future of the American role in the entire Middle East.

The joint military exercise “Gulf Peace 1” between the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the Kuwaiti Naval Force commenced today at King Abdulaziz Naval Base in Jubail. This exercise represents a strategic step to enhance military integration and security cooperation between the two brotherly nations, and underscores the depth of bilateral relations aimed at maintaining the security and stability of the region.

Strategic background and historical cooperation

This exercise comes within the framework of the deep-rooted historical relations and ongoing defense cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait, which represents a fundamental pillar of the joint Gulf security system under the umbrella of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The roots of this cooperation extend back decades and have deepened considerably following the shared security challenges facing the region, underscoring the unity of purpose and destiny between the two brotherly nations in confronting any potential threats and protecting their common interests.

Exercise objectives and details

The Ministry of Defense explained that Exercise “Gulf Peace 1” included a wide range of field and tactical scenarios designed to simulate realistic scenarios. These exercises aimed to refine the skills of participating units and raise their combat readiness to the highest level. The exercise also focused on standardizing tactical concepts and implementing advanced command and control procedures through joint naval operations centers, ensuring the highest levels of coordination and integration in the execution of joint naval operations.

The maneuvers included specialized training in search and rescue operations, modern naval warfare management, and countering asymmetric threats such as attacks by fast attack craft and remotely piloted vessels. The exercise also placed particular emphasis on training in the defense of vital installations, such as offshore oil platforms, which are the backbone of the national and regional economy. The scenarios concluded with live-fire exercises for participating ships and boats, designed to test weapons accuracy and crew efficiency.

Regional and international importance

This exercise is of paramount strategic importance, not only bilaterally, but also regionally and internationally. It sends a clear message of deterrence regarding the readiness of Gulf forces to defend the security and stability of the region and to secure vital waterways in the Arabian Gulf, which are a major artery for global energy supplies. The exercise also enhances the two countries' ability to operate jointly within international alliances aimed at combating terrorism, piracy, and other illicit activities at sea, thus contributing to the stability of maritime navigation and global trade.