Colonel Dr. Ali Al-Qahtani, commander of the Saudi force participating in the “Arabian Gulf Security 4” exercise hosted by Qatar, affirmed that the exercise aims to counter potential threats and enhance regional security. Al-Qahtani explained that the Kingdom is participating with a specialized security force from the Ministry of Interior and the Presidency of State Security, reflecting the strategic importance Riyadh places on strengthening joint security efforts among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Background and context of the exercise

The “Arabian Gulf Security 4” exercise comes as a new link in a series of joint security exercises whose first version was launched in the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2016, followed by the second version in the United Arab Emirates in 2019, and then the third version in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2022. These periodic exercises are an embodiment of the security agreements between the GCC countries, and aim to unify concepts, coordinate efforts and raise the level of joint field work between the security agencies in the member states, thus ensuring a rapid and unified response to any security emergency.

Importance and strategic objectives

The exercise's objectives extend beyond routine training, focusing on developing security cooperation mechanisms, enhancing combat readiness, and exchanging expertise to address complex and emerging security threats. These threats include counterterrorism, transnational organized crime, cybersecurity, and securing vital infrastructure and maritime facilities. Through realistic scenarios, the exercise hones the participating forces' skills in command and control, operational management, and intelligence coordination, thereby strengthening their ability to operate as a cohesive and integrated force.

Regional and international impact

The timing of this exercise sends a clear message about the unity and solidarity of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in the face of regional challenges. The high-level attendance at the opening ceremony, including Qatari Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Abdullah Al-Kaabi, Assistant Secretary-General for Security Affairs at the GCC Secretariat Brigadier General Hamad Ajlan Al-Amimi, and Chairman of the Saudi Joint Force Committee Major General Awad Al-Anzi, reflects the shared political will to support regional stability. This security cooperation not only protects the security of the GCC states but also extends to securing vital waterways and stabilizing global energy markets, making it of international importance.

The launch of the “Arabian Gulf Security 4” exercise is a significant strategic step to strengthen the collective security system of the Gulf states and affirms their readiness to deal with various potential scenarios and threats. The exercise represents a vital platform for exchanging expertise and developing capabilities, serving the security and stability of the region and its people.

The UN Security Council announced its decision to end the mandate of the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) by the end of March, a move reflecting the significant challenges facing peace efforts in Yemen. The decision was adopted by a vote of 13 in favor out of 15 members, with Russia and China abstaining, indicating a division in international views on managing the Yemeni crisis.

Background to the establishment of the mission and the Stockholm Agreement

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Yemen (UNMHA) was established in early 2019 as a key component of the Stockholm Agreement reached in December 2018 between the Yemeni government and the Houthi movement. The agreement's primary objective was to establish a ceasefire in the city of Hodeidah and its vital ports (Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Isa), which serve as a crucial lifeline for humanitarian aid to millions of Yemenis. UNMHA was mandated to monitor the implementation of the agreement, including overseeing the ceasefire and the redeployment of forces from the ports and the city, and facilitating humanitarian operations.

Reasons for ending the mandate and its impact

The decision to end the mission, included in Resolution 2813 drafted by Britain, comes amid the stalled implementation of the Hodeidah Agreement. The US Deputy Ambassador to the Security Council, Tammy Bruce, directly stated that “the Houthis’ intransigence has rendered the mission ineffective,” arguing that its continuation was no longer worthwhile in the absence of progress. This decision coincides with escalating regional tensions, particularly Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which have shifted the priorities of the international community and further complicated the already faltering peace efforts.

Transitional phase and future challenges

The resolution provides for a technical extension of the mission's mandate for an additional two months, until the end of March, to allow sufficient time for the orderly conclusion of its operations. During this period, the remaining tasks will be transferred to the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, with the complete liquidation of the mission to begin on April 1. The resolution also requests the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, to present a clear and detailed plan for this transition process in consultation with the Yemeni parties.

The termination of UNMHA's mandate raises concerns about the future of the fragile ceasefire in Hodeidah and the potential for renewed military confrontations in this strategic region. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of international mechanisms in managing complex conflicts and places a greater burden on the diplomatic efforts led by the UN envoy to find a comprehensive and sustainable political solution to the crisis in Yemen.

The World Bank announced its approval of a new financing package for Lebanon totaling $350 million, a move aimed at mitigating the unprecedented economic crisis gripping the country. The funding is divided into two main tranches: $200 million earmarked for strengthening social safety nets and supporting the poorest families, and $150 million to accelerate the country's digital transformation project.

Context of the stifling economic crisis

This funding comes at a time when Lebanon is experiencing one of the most severe economic and financial crises in modern history, which began to unfold in late 2019. The World Bank itself has ranked this crisis among the three most severe global crises since the mid-19th century. The financial collapse has led to a devaluation of the Lebanese pound by more than 98%, wiping out citizens' savings and pushing more than 80% of the population below the poverty line. The situation was tragically exacerbated by the Beirut port explosion in August 2020, which devastated large parts of the capital and placed an enormous burden on the already strained infrastructure and healthcare sector.

Details of the support package and its objectives

The first tranche of funding, amounting to $200 million, aims to provide direct cash transfers to poor and vulnerable Lebanese families. This support is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of families struggling to secure their basic needs for food, medicine, and education. The project focuses particularly on empowering women and youth by increasing their economic opportunities and improving their access to essential social services.

The second tranche, valued at $150 million, targets the digital transformation project. This project is of strategic importance given the inefficiencies of public administration and the low quality of government services. Accelerating digitalization is expected to improve the transparency of government transactions, reduce corruption, and facilitate access to public services for citizens and businesses, potentially creating a more favorable environment for economic opportunities and the growth of the technology sector in the country.

Importance and expected impact

At the local level, this funding represents vital, albeit temporary, support that helps prevent the complete collapse of the state and avert a wider humanitarian catastrophe. However, experts agree that it is not a fundamental solution to the crisis. A genuine and sustainable recovery for Lebanon hinges on implementing deep structural reforms, including restructuring the banking sector, implementing a financial recovery plan agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund, and combating the rampant corruption within state institutions.

Regionally and internationally, this move reflects the international community's continued concern about the repercussions of Lebanon's collapse on regional stability, particularly regarding sensitive security issues and the refugee crisis. This support is seen as part of a broader strategy aimed at providing direct humanitarian assistance to the Lebanese people while maintaining pressure on the political class to implement necessary reforms as a prerequisite for future financial support.