The Saudi Survival Strategy

The desert kingdom is eager to diversify its economy away from oil, but all the money in the world might not be enough to get the ball rolling next year.

Kuwait, Qatar and Oman lack the power and resources of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, but that's not stopping them from capitalizing on their respective strengths to steer clear of Riyadh's orbit.

Riyadh, wary of reliance on Western weapons suppliers and hungry for the jobs a domestic arms sector could provide, aims to someday equip its forces with equipment built at home.

The White House's trade tactics likely will not face a congressional challenge, although new House leadership may force the Trump administration to change its approaches to Saudi Arabia and immigration.

Since becoming crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman has moved to sideline any threats to his rule. But that doesn't mean he won't have to make concessions to some of his royal relatives.

As the humanitarian toll mounts, so will the political pressure on Washington to back away from the Gulf coalition's war effort.

The insular kingdom wants to bring in more foreign direct investment, but opening up its tourism sector will require it to grapple with its reputation, regional competitors and infrastructure shortfalls.

The Khashoggi slaying appears to have given Ankara an ace up its sleeve in its rivalry with Riyadh. And Turkey will choose carefully when it decides to play its hand.

Riyadh and Abu Dhabi share much of the same preoccupations with an old foe, Israel. Now, the Gulf countries must decide whether closer ties with Israel to check Iran's rise are worth the domestic and global cost.