Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, a Kuwaiti-American, was held for several weeks after posting about the Iran war. Kuwait does not appear to have commented publicly on his case.

The United Arab Emirates’ decision to leave OPEC has rocked the region, underscoring how the country, at odds with Saudi Arabia, is increasingly charting its own course.

The Gulf government has long complained about the group’s quotas, which officials believe unfairly limited its exports. Its departure is expected to weaken OPEC’s influence.