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Arab Leaders Gather to Unify Ranks

by Associated Press

   DHAHRAN, SAUDI ARABIA --

   An annual gathering of Arab leaders has opened in the eastern Saudi
   city of Dhahran as tensions with Iran and wars in Syria and Yemen
   threaten stability across the region.

   Saudi King Salman told leaders from across the 22-member Arab League
   that Iran was to blame for instability and meddling in the region. He
   said Yemeni rebel Houthis, backed by Iran, had fired 116 missiles at
   the kingdom since Saudi Arabia went to war in Yemen three years ago to
   try and roll back Houthi gains there.
   Saudi tensions with neighboring Qatar were also on display at the
   summit. Qatar's emir did not attend the summit, instead dispatching
   Qatar's Arab League representative to the meeting.
   Meanwhile, in their opening statements Sunday, Arab leaders vowed unity
   and unwavering support for Palestinians.