Dubai

Qatar and its neighbors in the Arabian Gulf aren’t getting along too well. Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, recalled its ambassador recently — just one move in a series of diplomatic measures designed to get the small, but wealthy Gulf country to step in line. Qatar and its neighbors in the Arabian Gulf aren’t getting along too well. Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, recalled its ambassador recently — just one move in a series of diplomatic measures designed to get the small, but wealthy Gulf country to step in line.

Dubai went for the fireworks record while the Japanese chose to take time to reflect. Meanwhile, for New Year’s, New York is getting a new mayor.

The news over the weekend was of an agreement between leaders of six world powers and Iran over that country’s nuclear program — but what the agreement really says isn’t really, well, agreed. Still, there was no shortage of strong feelings about the deal. Plus, a Canadian town has developed a system for dealing with polar bear visits to town. That and more, in today’s Global Scan.

It’s hard enough getting aid to survivors in an earthquake, but in a conflict zone, it becomes even harder. That has been the case in Pakistan, where according to a spokesman for Balochistan regional government, attacks by separatists have hampered rescue efforts.