Arabs to junk USA for Russia? Qatar dominates GCC meeting in Russia’s Sochi as Moscow slams IsraelSochi, GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov condemned the attack and praised deepening ties. Lavrov called Israel’s strike a “grave violation of international law,” as Gulf nations — including Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain — voiced fury over Israeli aggression. As U.S.-Gulf tensions rise, Russia is quickly gaining influence in the region. Is Putin becoming the Gulf’s new