Hope is the most sought-after trait in leaders, Gallup survey finds
The world's followers have spoken: They seek hope from their leaders. This is according to Gallup's Global Leadership Report, which surveyed people from 52 countries and was released at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, where political and business elites are mingling this week.
The survey found that hope is the dominant quality followers seek in leaders, followed by trust. Countries with younger populations, such as Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Egypt, placed a greater emphasis on hope, with followers seeking attributes like inspiration and vision to shape their economies and societies.
Who people look to for leadership varies. In the expat-heavy, work-driven UAE, half of the respondents identified a workplace manager as their most influential figure, the third highest globally after China and Germany. This compares to a third of respondents in Saudi and the US, where leadership influence is more evenly distributed among workplace, political, and religious figures.
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Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Why MBS Is Keeping the Pressure on Iran
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Though Tehran and Riyadh appear to be getting closer, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is quietly boxing in Iran—replacing confrontation with containment through diplomacy, economic leverage, and nuclear pressure. When Saudi Arabia and Iran restored relations in 2023, the move was widely seen as a turning point. But behind the optics of smiles and handshakes, their core rivalry continued. MBS simply changed the game: masking the iron fist with a velvet glove. It may look like a thaw, but in reality, it's a recalibrated contest for influence. MBS is boxing Iran in Syria, Lebanon, and nuclear diplomacy. President Donald Trump speaks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) before posing for a family picture with Gulf leaders during a gathering of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh on May... President Donald Trump speaks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) before posing for a family picture with Gulf leaders during a gathering of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh on May 14, 2025. More BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images Once on opposite sides of Syria's civil war, Riyadh and Damascus are now forging a strategic bond. Saudi Arabia is using investment to edge out Iran. In May 2025, MBS arranged a private meeting between President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa—positioning Riyadh, not Tehran, as Syria's international diplomatic guarantor. In Lebanon, the 2023–24 Israel–Hezbollah war devastated Iran's top proxy. Israeli strikes killed much of Hezbollah's leadership, including Hassan Nasrallah, and crippled its infrastructure. With Tehran financially constrained, Saudi Arabia stepped in. Riyadh now plays a gatekeeping role in Lebanon's reconstruction, with foreign aid increasingly tied to Gulf approval. The rise of pro-Gulf leaders such as Army Chief Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, a former ICJ judge, signals a political pivot. Iran's "Shiite Crescent," once central to Tehran's power projection across Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, is giving way to a "Saudi Full Moon"—a widening sphere of influence built on investment, diplomacy, and institutional leadership. The regional battlefield has shifted. Riyadh's former reliance on confrontation and harsh rhetoric has given way to diplomatic pressure. Saudi Arabia recently offered to mediate U.S.–Iran nuclear talks. Though seemingly de-escalatory, it was a strategic bid for influence. MBS cast himself as a global statesman, positioning Riyadh as a neutral convener with deeper intent. Excluded from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Riyadh has now inserted itself into the architecture of diplomacy to ensure its red lines on nukes, missiles, militias, and regional destabilization shape any future agreement. In May 2025, the U.S. and Iran concluded their fifth round of indirect nuclear talks. Washington called them beneficial, but Tehran's foreign minister admitted complex issues remain. Saudi Arabia welcomed the talks—on terms aligned with its interests. Whether in the room or not, MBS is setting the diplomatic tone. A striking example came during the May 2025 summit in Riyadh, where MBS hosted Trump and Syria's al-Sharaa. The meeting marked Syria's diplomatic return—on Saudi terms. Trump announced a "cessation of sanctions" against Syria and secured nearly $4 trillion in Gulf investment pledges, including up to $1 trillion from Saudi Arabia. The summit cemented Riyadh's role as the region's financial and strategic anchor, sidelining Tehran, Qatar, and the UAE. It also spotlighted Trump's personal bond with MBS: "I like him too much. That is why we give so much." This is a gesture he has never extended to the UAE's Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan or Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. The optics crystallized a regional reversal. Where Iran once posed as the vanguard of resistance, Riyadh now hosts Iran's former allies, reopens the Syria file on its terms, and presents itself as a future-oriented Arab power. Across much of the region, it is Saudi Arabia that now looks like the victor. Alongside its regional diplomacy, Saudi Arabia has embraced nuclear hedging—keeping the domestic capability option on the table to pressure both Tehran and Washington. MBS has made his position clear: "If Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible." This is strategic signaling, not bluster. During Trump's first term, U.S. officials explored nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Those talks have resumed, and Trump has removed the prior requirement that Riyadh normalize relations with Israel in exchange for nuclear cooperation. This break from Biden-era conditionality exposes Riyadh's unprecedented leverage. The message is twofold: if Iran expands its nuclear program, Riyadh will not remain idle. And if Washington wants regional influence, it must reckon with a Saudi Arabia no longer content to play the passive security client. It forces the U.S. to make a choice: either accommodate Riyadh or risk proliferation. It also underscores Saudi Arabia's refusal to be left behind diplomatically, militarily, or strategically. Is Saudi restraint truly de-escalation or a subtler form of coercion? MBS has not abandoned the rivalry with Iran—he has recalibrated it. The Kingdom has shifted from proxy wars and religious conflict to a more finessed strategy: strategic displacement, narrative control, and institutional gatekeeping. Whether by sidelining Iran in Syria, reshaping Lebanon, injecting himself into the United States via Iran nuclear diplomacy, or leveraging nuclear ambiguity, MBS is dictating the pace. The goal is redefinition. This is not rollback. It is replacement. MBS is working within a U.S.-led order while preparing for a post-American Middle East. Dr. Talal Mohammad is an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and an independent consultant in government affairs, geopolitics, and strategic intelligence. He is the author of Iranian-Saudi Rivalry Since 1979: In the Words of Kings and Clerics, and his work has appeared in leading international outlets. You can find him on X @DrOxbridge. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sky Sports Confirms Steven Gerrard's Plans Amid Liverpool Return Rumours
Steven Gerrard's Managerial Future: A Pause, Not a Full Stop Steven Gerrard's decision to step away from football management for the time being has been confirmed, with Sky Sports reporting he will not return to Rangers despite advanced talks. This update comes after weeks of speculation regarding a potential Ibrox reunion, following Philippe Clement's departure. However, it appears Gerrard is not in the running, with Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin now considered leading candidates for the job. Advertisement 'Steven Gerrard will not become the next Rangers manager,' Sky Sports confirmed, despite the Liverpool icon having 'held talks over a return to the club, three and a half years after leaving Glasgow.' His absence from the managerial scene isn't without precedent. Gerrard left Saudi side Al Ettifaq in January after a mixed spell, with the club languishing in 12th place, just five points above the relegation zone. The departure was, as Sky Sports reports, via mutual agreement. It's clear that Gerrard's focus has shifted. 'I want to be free, I want to play a round of golf, go down the boozer and have a couple of beers, do normal things that you can't do when you're coaching,' he recently told reporters, revealing a refreshingly human side often hidden behind the tactical rigours of modern football management. Rebuilding Reputation After Saudi Arabia Gerrard's experience in the Saudi Pro League was far from the triumphant campaign many expected. After a promising start, his side faltered, and questions around his tactical adaptability began to circulate. His record in Dammam may have cooled interest from higher-tier clubs, at least temporarily. Advertisement Still, his past successes, notably Rangers' historic 55th league title win in 2021, ensure his stock hasn't completely fallen. The conversation around him includes links to Championship clubs like Derby County and lower-league sides such as Carlisle United, with a short-lived rumour of a potential Premier League opportunity at Southampton. That these rumours have emerged at all suggests there's still admiration for Gerrard's potential. Yet it also highlights a key dilemma: where does Gerrard fit in the current managerial landscape? Photo: IMAGO Liverpool Role Speculation Gathers Pace With John Heitinga reportedly heading to Ajax, Liverpool fans have speculated about Gerrard returning in a backroom role under new boss Arne Slot, who has just delivered a stunning Premier League title in his debut season. On paper, it's a reunion filled with romance and narrative weight. Advertisement However, there's no indication Gerrard is interested in such a role. His comments suggest a more extended break is on the cards, prioritising family time and a mental reset from the 24/7 nature of coaching. 'I'm happy with waking up and being free, doing the family stuff, just being free away from stress,' he said, a sentiment that will resonate with anyone who's seen the relentless pressure top-level management entails. What's Next For Gerrard? In truth, the future remains open. Gerrard is still only 45, with decades ahead of him should he wish to return. His reputation in the game, especially in Glasgow and Liverpool, remains largely intact. What matters now is timing and opportunity. Advertisement His recent comments suggest that whenever he does return, it won't be for a short-term fix or a vanity project. Instead, expect a more considered, perhaps humbler path, likely one that allows for development, autonomy, and the space to evolve as a coach. With Sky Sports reporting he's not a front-runner for the Rangers role, and with other clubs exploring options, Gerrard may well bide his time until the right project presents itself. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis From a Liverpool fan's perspective, Gerrard's current detour away from management is bittersweet. On one hand, his legend status at Anfield and his historic achievements at Rangers make him an ideal figure to bring back into the fold. The prospect of Gerrard shadowing Arne Slot, learning from a tactician who just won the Premier League in his first campaign, is intriguing. There's also the emotional allure of seeing him back on the touchline at Anfield, even in a supporting capacity. Advertisement But on the other hand, his honesty about burnout is commendable. Gerrard's admission that he needs time, that he wants to reconnect with everyday life, shows maturity. This isn't someone chasing jobs for the sake of it. It's someone preserving longevity in a profession notorious for its toll. Perhaps this is precisely why he remains such a revered figure. He's not forcing a narrative. He's letting it unfold. If and when Gerrard returns to management, Liverpool supporters will be watching, hopeful. And who knows — maybe someday the romantic script will write itself, and he'll return in a more significant capacity. But for now, the legend rests, and rightly so.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Saudi warns Iran to reach nuclear deal with Trump or risk Israeli strike
Iran is open to a deal but distrusts Trump. Saudi Arabia is trying to prevent a regional war that could hurt its economy and stability. Saudi Arabia's defense minister delivered a blunt message to Iranian officials in Tehran last month: take President Donald Trump's offer to negotiate a nuclear agreement seriously because it presents a way to avoid the risk of war with Israel. Alarmed at the prospect of further instability in the region, Saudi Arabia's 89-year-old King Salman bin Abdulaziz dispatched his son, Prince Khalid bin Salman, with the warning destined for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to two Gulf sources close to government circles and two Iranian officials. Present at the closed-door meeting in Tehran, which took place on April 17 in the presidential compound, were Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, armed forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, the sources said. While the media covered the 37-year-old prince's visit, the content of King Salman's covert message has not been previously reported. Prince Khalid, who was Saudi ambassador to Washington during Trump's first term, warned Iranian officials that the US leader has little patience for drawn-out negotiations, according to the four sources. Trump had unexpectedly announced just over a week earlier that direct talks were taking place with Tehran, aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. He did so in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had traveled to Washington hoping instead to win support for attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. In Tehran, Prince Khalid told the group of senior Iranian officials that Trump's team would want to reach a deal quickly, and the window for diplomacy would close fast, according to the four sources. The Saudi minister said it would be better to reach a deal with the US than face the possibility of an Israeli attack if the talks broke down, according to the two Gulf sources. He argued that the region, already riven by recent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, could not withstand a further escalation in tensions, said the two Gulf sources and one senior foreign diplomat familiar with the discussions. Authorities in Saudi Arabia and Iran did not respond to requests for comment. The visit by Prince Khalid, the younger brother of Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman, was the first by a senior member of the Saudi royal family to Iran in more than two decades. Riyadh and Tehran had long been bitter rivals, often backing opposing sides in proxy wars, until a rapprochement brokered by China in 2023 helped to ease the tensions and restored diplomatic ties. Over the past two years, Iran's regional position has been undermined by heavy military blows inflicted by Israel on its allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the toppling of its close ally, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Western sanctions, meanwhile, have hit its oil-dependent economy hard. Mohanad Hage Ali, an expert on Iran at the Carnegie Middle East Center think tank in Beirut, said that Tehran's weakness had offered Saudi Arabia the opportunity to exert its diplomatic influence, seeking to avoid a regional conflagration. "They want to avoid war because war and confrontation with Iran will have negative implications on them and their economic vision and ambitions," he told Reuters. Reuters was unable to determine the impact of the prince's message on Iran's leadership. In the meeting, Pezeshkian responded that Iran wanted a deal to ease economic pressure through the lifting of Western sanctions, the four sources said. However, the Iranian officials, the sources added, expressed concerns over the Trump administration's "unpredictable" approach to negotiations, which has veered from allowing limited uranium enrichment to demanding the complete dismantling of Tehran's enrichment program. Trump also has threatened to use military force if diplomacy fails to rein in the clerical establishment's nuclear ambitions. One of the Iranian sources said that Pezeshkian emphasized Tehran's eagerness to reach a deal but that Iran was not willing to sacrifice its enrichment program just because Trump wanted an agreement. The ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran have already been through five rounds to resolve the decades-long nuclear dispute. Still, multiple stumbling blocks remain, including the key issue of enrichment. Reuters reported on Wednesday that Iran might pause uranium enrichment if the US releases its frozen funds and recognizes its right to refine uranium for civilian use under a "political deal" that could lead to a broader nuclear accord, according to two Iranian sources familiar with the talks. The semi-official Fars news agency in Iran quoted a foreign ministry spokesman denying the report. The White House did not directly address Reuters' questions about whether it was aware of the Saudi warning to Iran. "President Trump has made it clear: make a deal, or face grave consequences, and the whole world is clearly taking him seriously, as they should," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Trump said on Wednesday he warned Netanyahu last week not to take any actions that could disrupt nuclear talks with Iran, and said the two sides were "very close to a solution now." Israeli authorities did not respond to a request for comment. A four-day visit by Trump to the Gulf this month anointed Saudi Arabia as the most prominent member of a new axis of Sunni states in the Middle East, filling the void left by Iran's shattered alliance. During the trip, Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman mediated a reconciliation between Trump and Syria's new Sunni leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Tehran's regional sway, meanwhile, has been diminished by military setbacks suffered by Iran and its allies in the Shi'ite-dominated Axis of Resistance, which includes Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, and Iraqi militias. In the meeting, Prince Khalid urged Iran to rethink its regional policy, noting such a shift would be welcomed, especially by Riyadh, the sources said. Although he stopped short of directly blaming Iran, the Saudi minister voiced concern over a possible repeat of the 2019 drone attacks on the facilities of the state oil company Aramco - attacks the kingdom attributed to Iran and its Houthi allies, despite Tehran's denial. Iranian officials maintained that while Tehran holds some influence over the Houthis, it does not fully control their actions, the Iranian sources said. Decades of hostility between the Shi'ite Iran and Saudi Arabia destabilized the Gulf and fueled regional conflicts from Yemen to Syria. The 2023 detente was driven in part by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed's economic ambitions and desire for stability, and has led to increased contacts between the governments. However, neither Saudi Arabia nor other regional powers see Iran as a dependable partner for peace, and they fear its actions could jeopardize their ambitions for economic development, diplomats and regional experts say. Prince Khalid implored the Iranians to avoid actions by them and their allies that might provoke Washington. He stressed that Trump's response would likely be more strident than that of his predecessors, presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama. In turn, he assured Tehran that Riyadh would not let its territory or airspace be used by the United States or Israel for any potential military action against Iran, the sources said.
