As the US and its allies try to contain a surge in energy prices caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the de-facto leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have declined to arrange calls with US president Joe Biden. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and the ruler of the United Arab Emirates were unavailable to Biden after US requests were made for discussions. There was some expectation of a phone call, but it didn't happen, according to a US official. The US ban on Russian oil could cause a split in the west. Despite pleas from the west, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting countries, which includes Russia, did not increase oil production last week. Reports of frigid communications come as the Biden administration seeks to increase oil supply after banning Russian oil imports on Tuesday, pushing oil prices to $130 a barrel, the highest level in 14 years. Relations between the US and Saudi Arabia have cooled during the Biden administration. Issues include the revival of the Iran nuclear deal, lack of US support for Saudi intervention in Yemen, and the legal immunity for Prince Mohammed. During his election campaign, Biden said that Saudi Arabia was a pariah state because of its lack of social redeeming value. The White House did not have plans for the president to travel to Riyadh or for Biden and Prince Mohammed to talk soon. The ambassador to the US of the United Arab Emirates confirmed strained relations between the two countries. The two Gulf nations have the capacity to pump more oil to ease the price surge. How important is Russian oil? Senior US officials with the national security council and state department traveled to Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in recent weeks to make direct US representations. The Journal reported that Biden had spoken with Prince Mohammed's father on February 9. They affirmed their countries' strategic and economic partnership on the call. Biden and Sheikh Mohammed's call will be changed, according to the ministry of foreign affairs. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development suspended Russia and Belarus from its organization on Tuesday. The suspension follows a series of condemnations from the market-oriented economic forum aimed at Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which prompted a US ban on Russian oil imports. ServiceNow closed at $518.20 in the latest trading session, marking a -0.21% move from the previous day. Our Editors chose the Thuma Bed Frames as their #1 choice. The New York Times reported that two American prisoners were released by Venezuela after a high-profile meeting between the US and Venezuela. There are at least eight Americans in Venezuela. They face. Covid-19 vaccines have been used as a tool of diplomacy since they were developed, shaping and strengthening allegiances between countries as well as creating rifts. The situation between Russia and Ukraine might have arisen from the fact that Ukraine refused to accept the Russia-made vaccine Sputnik as sufficient protection against the virus. With the world taking sides in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, vaccine access is being used to retaliate against countries that aren't expressing full opposition to Russia's actions. The Senate voted 79-19 on Tuesday to approve a plan to reform the Postal Service. Advocates argue that the bill will provide the USPS with financial relief and help it modernize its operations. The New York Times notes that the bill will be the largest reform of the postal service in nearly two decades. Large-scale battles are realistic. The most famous battles of the war. Become a pilot, crew leader or infantry squad commander. Satellite images released Tuesday by Maxar Technologies show military vehicles and equipment moving near the airport. Top Republicans on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence are warning that the United States is facing increased nuclear aggression from foes and also calling out the Biden administration over its energy policies that are being exposed by spiking gas. The anti-missile system was requested by NATO, according to the Netherlands. Enjoy this stunning graphics and deep game-play. Russell Wilson will be back. Soon. The Broncos will visit the home of the Seahawks in 2022. Wilson's return to Seattle will become one of the most intriguing and coveted games of the entire slate. Wilson's first year in Denver will include a pair. The Ukrainians are going to continue to resist fiercely and effectively, according to the CIA Director. Venezuela is near its maximum production levels, raising questions about whether a deal would affect gas prices in the short term. There are 30 hilarious photos of things that happen only in China. James said that Putin pushed Germany to double its defense budget in a matter of days. The United Nations denied a report that it asked staff to avoid referring to the conflict in Ukraine as a war or invasion. Russia has been hit with massive sanctions by the West. It didn't stop short of targeting Russian oil and gas. The prices of electric cars are close to being given away. China and North Korea are watching how the West responds to Putin, according to a top international prosecutor. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has created an unexpected side effect: The offshore financial system is proving it can be dismantled. The war has galvanized an extraordinary coalition among tax havens that usually compete with one another to attract Russian wealth. The United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Monaco have long been favored asset hiding places for Russia's richest individuals. The United States will ban imports of Russian oil, natural gas and coal in response to Moscow's military invasion of Ukraine, according to President Biden. Before you book your next cruise, look at these... There are serious and credible threats against current and former U.S. officials. Inflation expectations suggest that investors will be surprised by the U.S. yield-curve inversion. The Federal Reserve and Treasury were criticized by Gundlach for overstimulating the economy.