Given that the Syrian army and its allies (Kurds, Hezbollah, Iran) are about to encircle the ISIS terrorists in Aleppo and cut off their supply routes to Turkey, the Turks have begun shelling Kurds in Syria (from Turkey) who have been successfully fighting ISIS. 

Amid the plunge in oil prices, Saudi Arabia expects to post a budget deficit of 367 billion riyals (€89.1bn) and Russia’s economy teeters on the brink of a deeper recession, while Iran wants to swiftly boost its oil exports, it emerged yesterday.

Saudi Arabia appears to have floated the idea of a global deal to balance oil markets and lift prices from around the lowest levels in six years although fellow producers Iran, Iraq and Russia yesterday rejected its main idea of cutting output.

The family of a 74-year-old British grandfather who was threatened with flogging for breaking Saudi Arabia’s strict anti-alcohol laws have said they are “absolutely thrilled” he is to be released.

Your editorial “Obama on Iran nuclear deal - A very sobering lesson for Israel” (April 6) creates the false impression that Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu is the only critic of the Iran nuclear “framework”.

Since Saudi Arabia's foundation, its leaders have tried to keep a friendly regime in power in Yemen to prevent it from posing a threat. However, Mohamad Bazzi says this time the stakes are higher

AS 2014 begins, there is no more important question in world diplomacy than this: Has Iran changed?

The last illusions about what was called, until recently, the Arab Spring may have vanished.

Opec oil ministers have agreed to maintain their present oil output ceiling, signalling satisfaction with prices.

Spain will begin their World Cup title defence with all-time leading goalscorer David Villa after he was recalled for the first time since suffering a broken leg eight months ago.

A coalition of more than 70 partners, including the United States, has pledged to send millions of dollars and communications equipment to Syria’s opposition groups.

An international coalition said yesterday it will provide funding and communications equipment to Syrian rebels and opposition activists, reflecting a shift towards military options that might oust Syrian president Bashar al-Assad after a year of failed diplomacy aimed at stopping his crackdown on dissent.

David Cameron is today making his first visit to Saudi Arabia since becoming British Prime Minister.

FORMER Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard will sign a contract to lead Saudi Arabia, according to an official from the team on yesterday.

Afghanistan’s president appealed to Taliban fighters to lay down their weapons and accept Afghan laws as the government and its international allies pushed a programme to entice militants away from the insurgency.

AND with one late bound, they were free. Not just United on Saturday, but Chelsea too. Twice over, it would seem: Lampard’s goal is being credited with saving Scolari’s job, of course, but there’s also the matter of their very future as a club.

America announced a huge €13bn arms deal with Saudi Arabia as President George Bush arrived for his first visit to the kingdom today.

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is looking to cement his place in Spain’s squad by shining against Saudi Arabia in Friday’s World Cup Group H clash.

WITH the evolution of the Irish youth team nearing completion, Glenn Whelan just wants the games of this 14th World U20 Championship to begin.

SAUDIS blamed al-Qaida militants last night for the suicide car bombing of a Riyadh housing complex, declaring it proof of the terror network’s willingness to shed Muslim blood in its zeal to bring down the US-linked Saudi monarchy.

The deadly car bombings of residential compounds in Riyadh could be followed by more attacks on Americans, US officials warned, amid stepped up security by Saudi officials and rumours of more attacks in the already jittery capital.

By Mark Gallagher, Tokyo

By Caroline O'Doherty, Yokohama

IRELAND’S make-or-break match against the Saudis today better not be too thrilling or Martin O’Grady may stay in Japan for good.

Ireland are leading Saudi Arabia 1-0 at half-time in their final Group E qualifier.

Ireland are leading Saudi Arabia 1-0 at half-time in their final Group E qualifier.

Germany striker Miroslav Klose has shaken off a knee injury to line up against Cameroon.

Germany coach Rudi Voller has been told his job is safe - even if they go out of the World Cup in the first round.

Germany coach Rudi Voller has been told his job is safe - even if they go out of the World Cup in the first round.

Saudi Arabia coach Nasser Al-Johar has again rounded on his critics for dwelling on the past rather than looking towards the future.

Saudi Arabia coach Nasser Al-Johar has again rounded on his critics for dwelling on the past rather than looking towards the future.

Mick McCarthy will resist the temptation to start with Niall Quinn tomorrow, even though it was the giant striker’s introduction in the game with Germany which helped keep the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup.

Mick McCarthy will resist the temptation to start with Niall Quinn tomorrow, even though it was the giant striker’s introduction in the game with Germany which helped keep the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup.

Mick McCarthy is not going to concern himself with the Germany-Cameroon game when Ireland tussle with Saudi Arabia tomorrow in Yokohama.

Jason McAteer has revealed how he threw a Roy Keane-style tantrum last week by packing his bags and saying he was quitting the Republic of Ireland squad and going home after being dropped for the game against Germany.

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy believes Saudi Arabia will be highly motivated to knock his team out of the World Cup.