All Policy Analysis by Simon Henderson

As the anniversary of the 2011 troubles approaches, Bahrain's political battles are seemingly being fought out in the palaces as much as the streets.

The announcement of the agreement, just weeks before scheduled peace negotiations in Switzerland, will be seen as an expression of extra diplomatic support for Damascus by Moscow and of gratitude by the Assad regime to an ally.

The December 10-11 Gulf Cooperation Council meeting should indicate how member states will respond to U.S.-led nuclear diplomacy with Iran, among other issues.

The Saudis are frustrated by their inability to block what they regard as Iran's return to diplomatic respectability and Washington's conciliatory approach to Tehran.

A full explanation of Tehran's past and current nuclear activities should be a vital part of any interim agreement.

The first round of Iran nuclear talks in Geneva broke down earlier this month after the P5+1 failed to reach consensus on a short-term deal that would have eased up sanctions and allowed Iran to continue enriching uranium at reduced levels. Talks apparently ended over France's demand that Iran stop

"The idea that Iran can negotiate with the United States and be recognized as a responsible member of the international community just fills the House of Saud with complete dread." As the P5+1 countries approach a deal on Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, veteran Gulf analyst Simon Henderson assesses the significance

Saudi nervousness over Iran's nuclear advances may prompt the kingdom to act on its own longstanding nuclear preparations.

In the wake of recent tensions, the House of Saud could make things very unpleasant for Washington in these seven ways.

Talks with Iran are gaining momentum, but its centrifuges are still enriching uranium, and its Arak facility may soon be capable of producing plutonium.

The kingdom's rejection of a Security Council seat has fueled predictions of a major and perhaps rapid shift in bilateral relations.

Agreement to develop a gas field off Gaza's Mediterranean coast could boost the peace process with Israel.

An official Iranian protest to the world's nuclear watchdog could be an attempt to undermine its role in verifying the regime's compliance with potential diplomatic agreements.

Stopping Iran's increasingly rapid progress toward becoming a de facto nuclear weapons state requires significant diplomatic progress, and quickly.

Bahrain's proposal of a serving military officer and royal family member as its new envoy will likely complicate relations with the United States.

An in-depth report on the various opportunities and obstacles that have arisen following major offshore gas finds in the Eastern Mediterranean.