Despite no-shows, Obama plays host to Gulf leaders

President Obama will welcome leaders from six Persian Gulf nations to Camp David Thursday, in a meeting aimed at strengthening security ties during a time of increasing political and sectarian strife in the Mideast.

While the gathering’s stature has suffered setbacks in recent days — both Saudi Arabia’s and Bahrain’s kings bowed out over the weekend — administration officials say it represents a meeting of key decision makers who help chart the region’s direction. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Wednesday that for America and its Gulf partners the talks are designed to “deepen and strengthen their security relationship.”

Read the full article at The Washington Post.