Saudi Arabia

Since abruptly resigning in Saudi Arabia, the prime minister has not returned to Lebanon, drawing suspicion he is being held against his will. Now, Hariri's apparently heading to France before Beirut.

Saad Hariri said in a TV interview that he would be back in his country soon. The departure shocked his country with many speculating interference from Saudi Arabia.

The bulletin didn't give a reason, merely citing "situations." But it's been five days since Lebanon's premier announced — from Saudi Arabia — that he was resigning, and he hasn't been home since.

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is revolutionizing the way the kingdom does business at home. He's also shaking up the entire region as he confronts Iran on multiple fronts.

Saudi Arabia shot down a Houthi missile allegedly supplied by Iran. The "direct military aggression" — in Saudi words — prompted the blockade, which now has aid agencies fearing new crises in Yemen.

The weekend's arrests don't mean Saudi Arabia is opening up to democracy. The rulers are unelected monarchs with a record of jailing critics and minorities. But the sweep of arrests marks a change.

Saudi Arabia has reversed its long-standing and widely criticized ban against allowing women behind the wheel. The kingdom's Foreign Ministry wrote, "Saudi Arabia allows women to drive."

The strike was reportedly one of a number in and around Sanaa. Blame has been put on the Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally recognized government of exiled leader Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

Qatar has been isolated by neighboring countries in a heated diplomatic standoff. But Saudi Arabia has announced it plans to open its border to allow pilgrims from the tiny Gulf country.