The bonds between Japan and the Middle East are based on trust and respect, since both seek peace and stability in the region. In these newly dangerous times, that bond is even more important.

Once-hopeful negotiations are falling prey to a bitter fight over uranium enrichment

Washington and Moscow broke the ice in Riyadh in more ways than one, but Russia maintains the advantage in the world's northernmost region

Given Trump's agnostic approach to foreign policy and desire to seal deals, the Israeli premier may have to show more flexibility on key regional issues

Trump's decision to reverse decades of US policy on Syria within just a few hours in Riyadh reflects the weight of influence that Middle Eastern leaders can have on Trump's decision-making process

These days, Cairo looks more to Beijing and Moscow than to Washington, a policy change with its roots in the toppling of Hosni Mubarak more than a decade ago.

As Secretary of State and National Security Advisor—a portfolio previously only held by Kissinger—Rubio has become one of the most influential figures in the Trump administration

Although he once deemed Syria unimportant, Trump now seems to realise how key it is to Arab states, whose cooperation he greatly values

The drive for shared prosperity is dependent on security, which is why the Trump administration has made this the main focus of ties