New 'Negotiating Table' Emerges in Middle East Amid Global Tensions

Recent investigations have shed light on Saudi Arabia's "Dar al-Reaya," or care homes for women, which are officially promoted as rehabilitation shelters. According to The Guardian, former inmates and activists have described these facilities as sites of severe mistreatment, including weekly floggings, forced religious indoctrination, and complete isolation from the outside world. Maryam Aldossari, a Saudi activist, commented that women often remain in these homes until they conform to strict behavioral rules. Sarah Al-Yahia, who is campaigning for the abolition of these institutions, shared distressing accounts of women undergoing extreme measures such as strip searches and virginity tests. These practices exemplify what activists label as a calculated strategy by the Saudi regime to control and punish women. Despite these allegations, a Saudi government spokesperson insisted that the care homes are specialized facilities where women can leave freely without needing permission from male guardians, rejecting claims of abuse. As gender-based violence remains a contentious issue, activists are calling for genuine support systems for vulnerable women instead of punitive measures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet US officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in a crucial effort to end the ongoing war with Russia. This meeting follows Zelensky's challenging visit to the White House last month, which concluded without significant agreement. Zelensky aims to engage in "constructive dialogue," emphasizing the need for Ukraine's interests to be adequately represented during negotiations. The talks in Jeddah, which will also include discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, are viewed as vital for establishing a framework for a peace agreement and a potential ceasefire. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff noted that this dialogue aims to bring both peace closer and ensure continued support for Ukraine. This comes amid reports of the US suspending military aid to Kyiv in a bid to push for negotiations with Moscow. Zelensky’s negotiating team includes key ministers from his administration, as ongoing tensions and the impact of sanctions on Russia remain at the forefront of discussions.

Witnesses have accused Saudi border forces of using indiscriminate force against Ethiopian migrants attempting to cross from Yemen, with reports indicating that hundreds have been killed between 2019 and 2024. A report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) details horrific accounts, including migrants facing machine gun fire and witnessing bodies along perilous routes. One Eritrean man recounted losing a leg to gunfire and seeing three others die during his crossing attempt in 2022. HRW's August 2023 report outlines a "widespread and systematic" pattern of violence by Saudi forces, suggesting the potential for crimes against humanity. Testimonies revealed instances of sexual assault by border guards, as well as shocking accounts where guards allegedly forced migrants to choose bodily targets before being shot. The increased number of Ethiopian migrants, who surged by 32% to nearly 97,000 in 2023, reflects the dire conditions stemming from civil unrest, poverty, and climate crises in their home country. Despite these troubling reports, the Saudi government has yet to provide an official response regarding the accusations.