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Aziz El Yaakoubi
For Aziz El Yaakoubi's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Armed men stand on the beach as the Galaxy Leader commercial ship, seized by Yemen's Houthis last month, is anchored off the coast of al-Salif, Yemen, on Tuesday.
WORLD / Politics
Dec 7, 2023
Saudi Arabia urges U.S. restraint as Houthis attack ships in Red Sea
Riyadh is concerned about a derailing of its own peace process with the group that rules much of Yemen even as war rages in the Gaza Strip.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jan 6, 2023
New Arab allies face quandary as Israel shifts hard to the right
As some in Israel's government seek to annex the occupied West Bank, Arab states have to balance their new partnership with historic support for Palestinian aspirations.
Japan Times
WORLD
Dec 9, 2022
Saudi Arabia signs Huawei deal, deepening China ties on Xi visit
King Salman signed a 'comprehensive strategic partnership agreement' with Xi, who received a lavish welcome in a country forging new global partnerships beyond the West.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Dec 8, 2022
Xi begins 'epoch-making' visit to Saudi Arabia as Riyadh chafes at U.S. censure
The White House said the Chinese leader's visit was an example of attempts to exert influence, and that this would not change U.S. policy toward the Middle East.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Dec 5, 2022
With visit by China's Xi, Saudi prince seeks Mideast leadership and independence
The meeting comes at a delicate moment in U.S.-Saudi ties and signals Riyadh's resolve to navigate a polarized global order regardless of the wishes of its Western allies, analysts say.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 17, 2022
Biden fails to secure major security and oil commitments at Arab summit
Saudi Arabia, Washington's most important Arab ally, poured cold water on U.S. hopes the summit could help lay the groundwork for a regional security alliance.
Japan Times
WORLD / FOCUS
Jul 9, 2022
U.S. and Israel push Arab allies for joint defense pact amid Iran tensions
The two allies are seeking to lay the groundwork for an alliance with Arab states that would connect air-defense systems to combat Iranian drone and missile attacks in the Middle East.

Longform

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.
For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on