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Sunday, May 31, 2026
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Friday, May 29, 2026
[Salon] Oman makes economic gains - ArabDigest.org Guest post
Oman makes economic gains
Summary: Oman found itself the target of Donald Trump’s threats but the Gulf state which worked hard to prevent the war is, unlike its GCC neighbours, seeing economic benefits.
Oman made the news yesterday though not in a way that could cause anything but deep offence to the Omanis and their prime minister Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. Donald Trump at a cabinet meeting and in response to a journalist’s question about whether he would accept a short-term deal that would see Oman and Iran jointly manage the Strait of Hormuz replied:
"No, the Strait is going to be open to everybody …It’s international waters, and Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we'll have to blow them up. They understand that, they'll be fine.”
On CNN the neoconservative critic Robert Kagan, admittedly no fan of Donald Trump, was blunt when asked what he thought. “Shocking” was how he put it while making the point that this and recent US ‘defensive’ strikes were “an effort to disguise the fact that we have basically lost this war…the Iranians are not afraid of the war starting up again.” Kagan went on to say that just as Trump was shedding America’s traditional allies at speed Israel too was showing “reckless disregard for its Gulf allies.”
Like other Trump pronunciamentos though it has real world consequences the statement itself has no grounding in the real world. America is not going to blow up Oman and Sultan Haitham and his government will continue to pragmatically pursue what is in Oman’s best interests. That includes conversations with Tehran about how best to resolve the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
Despite the US-Israeli war disrupting a near-final peace deal brokered by Muscat, Oman’s strategic geography and neutrality have successfully shielded it from regional strikes, turning a projected budget deficit into a healthy surplus.
What America and Israel did blow out of the water was the peace deal that the Omanis were close to delivering when the 28 February war was launched. Oman’s foreign minister Badr Albusaidi said in late March that the US and Iran were “on the verge of a real deal.” Albusaidi writing in The Economist added that “the US had lost control of its foreign policy” and had been lured into the war by Israel:
The American administration’s greatest miscalculation, of course, was allowing itself to be drawn into this war in the first place….This is not America’s war, and there is no likely scenario in which both Israel and America will get what they want from it.
Oman, of all the Gulf states, worked most prodigiously and publicly to stop the conflict from happening. In one of those curious anomalies of war it has experienced an economic boost. In part that is down to geography. Though not a big global energy supplier it doesn’t need the Strait of Hormuz to get its oil to world markets.
It has helped too that thanks to long established economic, military and diplomatic ties with Iran Oman was the Gulf state least targeted while its neighbours the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain were hit and some heavily by drone and missile strikes, particularly the UAE which sustained more attacks than even Israel.
Iran by striking back when hit by the US (as recently as yesterday targeting Kuwait) has deeply damaged the GCC’s hitherto seemingly unassailable security and stability nexus. But here too Oman has benefitted as the one GCC state least likely to be under threat should the war kick off again. That’s being taken on board by foreign investors in the energy sector. Seizing the moment, in April the Ministry of Energy and Minerals put five new oil and gas concessions up for bids.
Where Oman has seen the biggest win is in the price of oil which has gone from US$70 a barrel to over US$100. Though delayed somewhat by monthly futures contracts the additional revenue is now flowing into Oman’s coffers.
As Sabah Naoush notes in an excellent analysis piece for Gulf House:
In May Omani crude prices surged to $124.4 per barrel, exceeding average Brent prices. Under the same formula, May revenues reached approximately $3.301 billion, representing an increase of 89 percent compared with April. In June 2026, Omani crude prices are expected to average $104.7 per barrel, generating revenues of approximately $2.688 billion. In July 2026, prices are projected to reach $106 per barrel, producing revenues estimated at $2.812 billion.
What that means is that a projected deficit has now flipped into a healthy surplus: “from a deficit of 530 million rials to a surplus of approximately 936 million rials.”
Naoush cautions that the war has occasioned heavier than anticipated expenditure on Oman’s military. Still surplus in hand Oman can now pursue its goals of increased FDI and further development of its energy infrastructure. Given its geography - and once the war has ended - the opportunities for Oman to become an energy hub and to deliver the ultimate goal of a diversified economy are now more achievable than they were when Trump and Netanyahu launched their war.
As with other of America’s once friends and allies Trump’s bullying and insults have served to spur Oman on in the drive to ignite the latent strength of middle powers that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney referenced in his Davos speech. It is an appropriate response to what Robert Kagan calls the behaviour of “an aggressive, imperialist rogue superpower …grabbing land, grabbing oil, grabbing money.”
Thursday, May 28, 2026
[Salon] Comment on "Trump tosses a Hail Mary pass with the Abraham Accords" -
Comment on "Trump tosses a Hail Mary pass with the Abraham Accords"
We thank James Spencer for this comment on today’s newsletter:
If you'll permit me a little cynicism ...?!
"Why just at this moment Trump has pushed six other nations to join is curious to say the least". Perhaps - but Trump is a bully who identifies and exploits vulnerability: most of those states are hurting financially as a result of Netanyahu's and Trump's war.
"Morocco have seen economic windfalls. [...] And Sudan, [...] has nothing to show other than massive civilian casualties" Morocco had its claim to the Western Sahara recognised by the US; since then more states have moved in that direction (including the UK) - a major win Sudan was removed from the US terrorism list, which should have brought it major financial benefits.
'In a further surreal flight Trump announced that all six “would be honored, as soon as our Document is signed, to have the Islamic Republic of Iran as part of the Abraham Accords.”' It is possibly surreal - and would probably involve more surrender than Trump is willing / able to offer - but the 2003 Fax shows that the IRI is (/ was) relatively hard-nosed about these things. (Any such bargain would be far more expensive to the US now, since it has demonstrated the limitations of its kinetic capability, absent a ground invasion.)
"The political landscape facing Trump is altogether different. [...] Republicans are facing a mid-term wipeout." Possibly so, although MAGA has just defeated two anti-Trump GOP candidates in primaries, so Trump may believe that he can see off the America Firsters. There's also a point from Ed Luce in the FT a fortnight ago: "At a stroke, the judges have just added about a dozen seats to the Republican column. Republicans now have an estimated four percentage point advantage in House elections. My guess is that the anti-Republican wave in November will be larger than the party’s gerrymandered windfall. But the battle for control of the House will be much closer as a result." Throwing pro-Israel red meat to wavering Evangelical Christians might shore up that large element of his electoral base.
The Editor notes that while it is true Morocco got his blessing for its claim on Western Sahara Trump appeared to be referring to economic windfalls. As for Sudan the point about sanctions removal is well made but that Sudan is in the midst of a brutal civil war which has destroyed much of the country's economy is something the president seems oblivious to. Concerning Trump's primary wins, many critics both within and outside the GOP believe that with the president's rising unpopularity being tied to his wagon may not be a blessing after all.
[Salon] Trump tosses a Hail Mary pass with the Abraham Accords - ArabDigest.org Guest Post
Trump tosses a Hail Mary pass with the Abraham Accords
Summary: as uncertainty escalates over just what Donald Trump is hoping to achieve with an Iran peace deal his efforts to bring more Muslim nations into the Abraham Accords fold has already backfired badly.
Donald Trump the deal-maker in chief played a surprise card last week-end calling on Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Türkiye, Egypt and Qatar to join the Abraham Accords, his signature achievement and arguably the sole foreign policy success from his first term in office. Unquestionably the 2020 deal that saw the UAE and Bahrain, shortly followed by Sudan and Morocco and then in 2025 Kazakhstan recognising the state of Israel has moved the Middle East needle in a direction no other US president had achieved.
Why just at this moment Trump has pushed six other nations to join is curious to say the least particularly given that Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994 had already recognised Israel. As ever with the president foreign policy is decided in the heat of the moment. Writing on his Truth Social account in language that suggests the president is increasingly detached from reality, he called for “mandatory (acceptance) that all of these Countries, at a minimum, simultaneously, sign onto the Abraham Accords.” Doing so will create “a Financial, Economic, and Social BOOM, even during this time of Conflict and War.”
As evidence, the president claimed that those countries already in the Abraham Accords had benefitted greatly. Now, it can be argued that the UAE - with its already close ties with Israel before signing on - and Morocco have seen economic windfalls. Bahrain not so much. And Sudan, where the UAE is backing the Rapid Support Forces (who stand accused of genocide in Darfur) in a vicious civil war, has nothing to show other than massive civilian casualties and the worst refugee crisis in the world. As for Kazakhstan it is probably a little early to announce its winnings in the AA sweepstakes.
In a further surreal flight Trump announced that all six “would be honored, as soon as our Document is signed, to have the Islamic Republic of Iran as part of the Abraham Accords.” After all, once the peace treaty with Iran is done they would be party to a deal not of the century but one that would “bring true Power, Strength, and Peace to the Middle East for the first time in 5,000 years.” And bringing in Iran would mean…well let the president say what it would mean: “Wow, now that would be something special!”
Grassroots opposition: public sentiment in Tehran starkly contrasts with Washington’s “Deal of the Century” aspirations, demonstrating why regional analysts view the inclusion of Iran in the Accords as entirely detached from reality.
Lindsey Graham Trump’s cheerleader in chief in the Senate called the president’s salvo “simply brilliant.” And the senator informed those whom Trump had summoned to join that he “expects our Arab allies to embrace this….Focusing on this task as failure is not an option.”
Setting aside for the moment the arrogance - and the blatant racism - inherent in the idea that Arabs should without question accept the diktats emerging from Washington what is Donald Trump playing at?
Maged Mandour in yesterday’s podcast provides a thoughtful answer to that question:
I cannot imagine a scenario where, for example, the Saudis would sign on, considering how the US and the Israelis dragged them into a war that they did not want and that is really hurting them. But it highlights something that we've been seeing over the past few years and it's not just limited to Trump. It is how the United States is behaving like a revisionist power. It is effectively working to transform the region outside of the architecture that it itself had built in a way that is clearly placing Israeli goals, security and strategy ahead of the goals of (Arab) allies.
Mandour describes what he calls a revisionist axis that sees the UAE throwing in its lot - albeit cautiously and privately - with the Americans and the Israelis. Given the growing tension between Mohammed bin Salman and Mohammed bin Zayed the positioning of the Emiratis may in the coming weeks and months fall more into the public domain. As ever though MbZ will see which way the winds are blowing. He well understands that Tehran still holds the upper hand in the Strait of Hormuz and the kinetic message that Iran sent by striking the UAE harder than it hit Israel when the war was hot has not been lost on him. The Emiratis understand they remain highly vulnerable should the ceasefire be ruptured.
Meanwhile the Qataris, the Turks, the Pakistanis and the Saudis have all roundly rejected the Trump demand. And in doing so the call for a two-state solution as embodied in the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 has been made that much louder.
Undeterred Benjamin Netanyahu continues his wars. On Tuesday at least 31 people were killed in strikes in southern Lebanon with the Israelis claiming to have hit Hezbollah installations, despite reports of many civilians being killed or injured. And the ethnic cleansing of towns and villages continues with forced evacuations causing thousands to flee in panic. Iran, which has made the cessation of IDF attacks in Lebanon a condition of any peace deal, accused Washington of a “gross violation” of the ceasefire after US attacks near the Strait of Hormuz which the Pentagon claimed had struck missile sites and mine laying boats in what it called defensive strikes.
For Netanyahu - with a broad swathe of Israelis continuing to back military might over diplomatic negotiations - continuing the wars on several fronts will keep paying dividends in the run-up to an anticipated election in the autumn.
The political landscape facing Trump is altogether different. Though he has displayed contempt for Congress and the Senate, routinely bypassing them with late night Truth Social orders and launching the Iran war with not so much as a nod in their direction, Republicans are facing a mid-term wipeout. More and more are speaking out as petrol prices at the pump remain high heading into the summer driving season. The MAGA movement is fracturing; Trump is facing pressure from the hawks who want to ‘finish the job’ and the America Firsters who see the president’s leap into the Iran conflict as a betrayal of his promise to keep the US out of forever foreign wars.
Trump likes to brag that the American people love him but another slice or reality he will sidestep are his approval ratings and they are abysmal. The call to join the Abraham Accords may be an attempt to puff up his credentials but it has more than a whiff of the desperate about it. Hoping to embellish a first term foreign policy success by bringing more Muslim nations into the Accords means little to the average American and even less to those who voted for Trump in 2024.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Fr. Bob's Reflection for Pentecost Sunday - Guest Post
Years ago, Leonard LeSourd, a former editor of Guideposts Magazine, was at dinner with a group of people discussing a film about Jesus. At one point, a young woman, clearly uninterested, interrupted the conversation and asked, “Who would want to be like Jesus, anyway?”
An uneasy silence fell over the table before the group quickly moved on to another topic. Later, Leonard reflected on the moment. Why had her remark caused such discomfort? Perhaps some were offended. Others may have shared her disinterest. But Leonard wondered if the deeper issue was simpler: maybe she did not really know Jesus.
That question stayed with him and led to a more personal one: “How well do I know Jesus?” As he reflected, Leonard realized that over the course of his life, he had encountered five different “versions” of Christ.
He first met Jesus as a child in Sunday school. Back then, Christ was little more than a distant, stern figure in a picture on the wall – far less interesting than baseball or childhood games. Leonard later described this early impression as “The Imaginary Christ,” a figure shaped by a young mind and limited understanding.
In college, he encountered “The Historical Christ” in a history class. Jesus became, in his mind, simply another important figure of the past; admired, but not personally meaningful, much like Abraham Lincoln or other great leaders.
It wasn’t until later, while working at Guideposts, that Leonard discovered “The Teacher Christ.” Through interviews and stories of faith, he began to see how deeply Jesus’ teachings influenced people’s lives. His curiosity grew, and he found himself drawn more seriously to the Gospels.
A turning point came during a retreat centered on commitment to Christ. After hearing another participant speak about surrendering his life to Jesus, Leonard felt moved to do the same. Alone in a chapel, he knelt and prayed, “Lord, I don’t fully understand how I came to this moment, but I give my life to You.” In that moment, he encountered “The Savior Christ,” and his relationship with Jesus became personal and central.
Finally, Leonard came to know “The Indwelling Christ.” During a time of temptation and spiritual struggle, he remembered his commitment and became newly aware of Christ’s presence within him – alive and active through the Holy Spirit. It was then that everything in Scripture began to fall into place. He saw more clearly the journey of the Apostles: their commitment, their failures and ultimately their transformation at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled them with new life and courage.
This is the reality we celebrate today – the coming of the Holy Spirit and the living presence of Christ within His people.
Leonard once compared his journey to the growth of a plant. The seed was planted in childhood with the “Imaginary Christ.” The stem began to grow with the “Historical Christ.” The bud formed in the “Teacher Christ.” The plant reached maturity in the “Savior Christ.” And finally, it bore fruit in the “Indwelling Christ.”
That same journey is offered to each of us. The presence of the indwelling Christ is not just a theological idea. It is a living reality. It is what we celebrate today, both in the life of the Church and in our own hearts.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Robert Warren, S.A.
Spiritual Director
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Truth Details | Truth Social
Truth Details | Truth Social
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Donald J. Trump
@realDonaldTrump
Negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran are proceeding nicely! It will only be a Great Deal for all or, no Deal at all — Back to the Battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before — And nobody wants that! During my discussions on Saturday with President Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of The United Arab Emirates, Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and Minister Ali al-Thawadi, of Qatar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, of Pakistan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of Türkiye, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, of Egypt, King Abdullah II, of Jordan, and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, of Bahrain, I stated that, after all the work done by the United States to try and pull this very complex puzzle together, it should be mandatory that all of these Countries, at a minimum, simultaneously, sign onto the Abraham Accords. Those Countries discussed are Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates (already a Member!), Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain (already a Member!). It may be possible that one or two have a reason for not doing so, and that will be accepted, but most should be ready, willing, and able to make this Settlement with Iran a far more Historic Event than it would, otherwise, be. The Abraham Accords have proven to be, for the Countries involved (The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and Kazakhstan), a Financial, Economic, and Social BOOM, even during this time of Conflict and War, with the current Members never even suggesting leaving, or taking so much as even a pause. The reason for this is that the Abraham Accords have been great for them, and will be even better for everybody, and bring true Power, Strength, and Peace to the Middle East for the first time in 5,000 years. It will be a Document respected like no other that has ever been signed, anywhere in the World. Its level of Importance and Prestige will be unparalleled! It should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit. If they don’t, they should not be part of this Deal in that it shows bad intention. In speaking to numerous of the Great Leaders mentioned above, they would be honored, as soon as our Document is signed, to have the Islamic Republic of Iran as part of the Abraham Accords. Wow, now that would be something special! This will be the most important Deal that any of these Great, but always in Conflict Countries, will ever sign. Nothing in the past, or in the future, will surpass it. Therefore, I am mandatorily requesting that all Countries immediately sign the Abraham Accords, and that, if Iran signs its Agreement with me, as President of the United States of America, it would be an Honor to have them also be part of this unparalleled World Coalition. The Middle East would be United, Powerful, and Economically Strong, like perhaps no other area, anywhere in the World! By copy of this TRUTH, I am asking my Representatives to begin, and successfully complete, the process of signing these Countries into the already Historic Abraham Accords. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
DONALD J. TRUMP
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Monday, May 25, 2026
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Fr. Bob's Reflection for the Seventh Sunday of Easter - micheletkearney@gmail.com - Gmail
College football fans may remember Grant Teaff, the longtime coach at Baylor University, who once wrote a book titled “I Believe.” In the book, he describes a powerful moment from earlier in his career at McMurry College.
One Saturday night, Teaff and his team boarded a charter plane heading back to Texas. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft developed serious mechanical trouble. The pilot announced that an emergency landing would be necessary. To make matters worse, the plane was carrying a heavy fuel load, increasing the risk of an explosion.
As the plane descended rapidly, one of the players turned to Teaff and said, “Coach, we’re frightened. Would you lead us in prayer?” From his seat, Teaff prayed out loud, so that all could hear.
Moments later, the plane hit the ground, skidding across it as sparks flew past the windows. Miraculously, it did not explode. No one was injured.
The following evening, Teaff attended church with his family. In the middle of the service, he quietly slipped out. He walked about a mile to the McMurry Fieldhouse, and he knelt down and prayed:
“God, I know You have a plan, a purpose and a will for my life – and for the lives of these young men. I do not know what it is. But I will try to impress upon them, this year and always, that there is more to life than football – that You truly have a purpose for our lives.”
This story beautifully reflects the theme of prayer found in today’s readings, highlighting three distinct settings in which prayer unfolds. First, there is personal prayer, as seen when Coach Teaff prays alone in the fieldhouse. Second, there is prayer in a small group, like the players and coach praying together in a moment of fear. And finally, there is communal prayer, represented by gathering in church with others.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus Himself prays in each of these ways. He often withdraws to pray alone, like when He spent the night in prayer before choosing His Apostles. He prays in smaller groups, such as when He brings Peter, James and John up the mountain before the Transfiguration. And He joins in communal prayer, regularly attending the synagogue on the Sabbath.
So, what does this mean for us?
It reminds us that prayer is meant to be a regular and natural part of life, taking place in different settings and moments. It also shows us that while communal prayer often follows familiar forms, like the “Our Father” at Mass, personal prayer invites a deeper, more intimate conversation with God.
In those quiet moments, we can speak to the Lord openly and honestly, as we would to a close friend. We can bring Him our concerns, our gratitude, our questions. We might reflect on a passage of Scripture, walking through it slowly with Him. But just as importantly, we must also learn to be still – to listen, and to allow space for God to speak to our hearts.
St. Teresa of Ávila once said that in prayer, she did not try to imagine what God looked like, but simply remained aware of His nearness.
So, my friends, let us remember: in prayer, what matters most is not the eloquence of our words, but the sincerity of our love. It is the love that rises from the heart that makes our prayer real and draws us ever closer to God.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Robert Warren, S.A.
Spiritual Director
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