The View From Fez

‘Play It Again, Issam’: The Real ‘Rick’s Cafe’ Story

‘Play It Again, Issam’:  The Real ‘Rick’s Cafe’ Story

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: For 60 years visitors to Casablanca were disappointed to discover there was no ‘Rick’s Cafe’. That was until Kathy Kriger stepped in.

 Steve Royston

‘Bahrain in English Football Coup’: GDN Silence

‘Bahrain in English Football Coup’: GDN Silence

STEVE ROYSTON: You would have thought that the role of a respected Bahrain financial house in the purchase of an English football team would have been cause for celebration

 The View From Fez

Mali Islamist Threat That Could Engulf Morocco

Mali Islamist Threat That Could Engulf Morocco

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: While international attention is focused on Syria events in the Maghreb are threatening to spin out of control

 thehedonista

Time To Celebrate the Hidden Gem That Is Amman

Time To Celebrate the Hidden Gem That Is Amman

SARAH WALTON: Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Jerash – it’s a familiar tourist trail but don’t forget to spend some time in the capital, Amman

 Eman-Al-Nafjan

‘Stand Up to IOC on Women’ Says Saudi Cleric

‘Stand Up to IOC on Women’ Says Saudi Cleric

EMAN AL NAFJAN: Saudi conservatives appear to be spoiling for a fight with the IOC over women’s participation in sport.

 Common Ground News Service

“What’s Your Story?”: Confronting Assumptions

“What’s Your Story?”: Confronting Assumptions

ARIEL KATZ, CGNEWS: In the Middle East we’re used to drawing firm conclusions from appearances. Ask a question, however, and….

 Rob L. Wagner

“Three Months at Most”: How Long Could Iran Close Straits of Hormuz?

“Three Months at Most”: How Long Could Iran Close Straits of Hormuz?

ROB L. WAGNER: As tensions increase all parties are beginning to make calculations regarding the effect of a possible conflict in the Arabian Gulf.

 James M. Dorsey

It’s Official: A Revolution Improves A Country’s Football Performance

It’s Official: A Revolution Improves A Country’s Football Performance

JAMES M. DORSEY: A study has revealed that 5 North African nations experiencing upheaval in 2011 have seen football teams improve markedly.

 James M. Dorsey

Soccer vs. Islam: The Battle for Egypt’s Future

Soccer vs. Islam: The Battle for Egypt’s Future

JAMES M. DORSEY: The calm with which Egyptians accepted defeat, contrasts starkly with riots that erupted on two continents in late 2009 when Algeria stopped Egypt making it to the 2010 World Cup.

 Steve Royston

Saudi Arabian’s Captain Hits Media Turbulence

Saudi Arabian’s Captain Hits Media Turbulence

STEVE ROYSTON: Arab media seldom uses unflattering images, especially on dignitaries who are part of the establishment, as Mr Al Molhem is…

 Steve Royston

Could the Middle East Revitalise the Fading Charm of British Airways?

Could the Middle East Revitalise the Fading Charm of British Airways?

STEVE ROYSTON: At what stage does the market value of British Airways become so depressed that it becomes an attractive takeover target for the likes of Qatar, Emirates or Etihad?