Today's 4...Unions, defence, property & raids

After a long weekend away in the Netherlands I am now back in London so it's back to "Today's 4..."



The GCC Emblem

 AFP reported on the recent meeting between King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and King Hamad of Bahrain to discuss "union" plans between their two countries. I have no further details at the moment regarding this "union" but AFP suggest it is likely to involve greater intelligence and military cooperation between the two countries. If Saudi Arabia is capitalising on its influence over the Bahraini regime, it is likely Riyadh will look to the other members of the GCC to set up ties. Are we about to see the GCC emblem shining brighter than the national flags of the GCC states? I doubt it. I think this is more a case of Saudi Arabia flexing its self-aggrandised muscles. Let's keep an eye out here.  


MSNBC reported on the continuing war of words between Riyadh and Damascus. In a rare televised appearance, the Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal accused Asad's regime of "imposing itself by force" on the Syrian people (well observed Saud) and stated that the Syrian people had a right to use force to defend themselves against Asad's guns, describing self defence as a basic human right. As I have said time and time again, comments such as these are fine, but as long as Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf States fail to support their concerned mutterings with affirmative action such comments are essentially useless. What's more, it is interesting to hear the Saudi Foreign Minister talk about basic human rights. Do you think he has heard of the expression people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones? 


Cranes cranking up again in Dubai

Select Property reported on the upturn in the Dubai property market.  In a bold headline, the property website screamed "Dubai property market surges in 2012". Apparently investors are turning back to real estate investments, particularly focusing on Dubai where they believe markets have bottomed out leaving huge potential returns on investment. Perhaps we are about to witness a spectacular second-wind for Dubai. Let's see.
And finally

The Guardian reported on the recent raids by al-Qaeda militants in southern Yemen which has left 100 Yemeni soldiers dead. The raids took place on military bases in the country's Adyan province and are reportedly a response to President Hadi's pledge to tackle head on al-Qaeda's Yemeni branch. In response, Hadi has reiterated his commitment to fighting al-Qaeda in Yemen, labelling it as one of his top priorities. I wish Hadi luck, as I believe asserting his control over rival tribes and dissidnt groups including al-Qaeda is a vital early step if he is to succeed in getting the country out the mess handed to him by Saleh.