David Roberts

Applying ‘The Rumsfeld Test’ on the Kingdom

Applying ‘The Rumsfeld Test’ on the Kingdom

DAVID ROBERTS: Reading the runes of Saudi Arabia’s possible succession is an art, a science and a mystery wrapped in one.

 Steve Royston

The People and Events That Mattered in 2012: My Choice

The People and Events That Mattered in 2012: My Choice

STEVE ROYSTON: It’s by no means scientific or representative but here are the people and special moments that resonated with me this year

 David Roberts

Clear Motive: What’s Qatar Really Up To In France?

Clear Motive: What’s Qatar Really Up To In France?

DAVID ROBERTS: Qatar’s plan to invest a large sum of money into one of Paris’s poorest areas has led to attacks from left and right. So what’s happening?

 James M. Dorsey

Female Olympians? OK. Female Drivers? No.

Female Olympians? OK. Female Drivers? No.

JAMES DORSEY: It’s likely excellent news for Dalma Malhas but it’s unlikely she’ll be driving to show jumping events in the Kingdom anytime soon.

 Editor, MEP

Saudi’s Agnatic Affliction: If it Sounds Painful, It’s Because it is

Saudi’s Agnatic Affliction: If it Sounds Painful, It’s Because it is

Baing ‘agnatic’ means you’re limited to a pool of successors with a built in short time span – that’s forever getting shorter. The time to change is now…

 David Roberts

The Death of Crown Prince Nayef, What Next?

The Death of Crown Prince Nayef, What Next?

DAVID ROBERTS: That the Saudi Royal family has suffered another key death within a year is concerning but can come as no surprise.

 David Roberts

The Dynamics, and Players in Saudi Succession

The Dynamics, and Players in Saudi Succession

DAVID ROBERTS: A key part of Saudi succession lies in the different power blocks of family lineage, but influence also comes with ability…

 James M. Dorsey

Qatar’s Women Athletes Spotlight Religious Differences

Qatar’s Women Athletes Spotlight Religious Differences

JAMES DORSEY: The participation of Qatar’s women athletes opens up differences between it and the Islamic thinking in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

 James M. Dorsey

Egyptian Feminists Challenge Soccer Chauvinism

Egyptian Feminists Challenge Soccer Chauvinism

JAMES M. DORSEY: An Egyptian feminist group has challenged the fans that played a key role in toppling Mubarak to recognise women’s rights.

 Rob L. Wagner

Finally: Saudi Olympic Breakthrough For Women

Finally: Saudi Olympic Breakthrough For Women

ROB L. WAGNER: It was a very welcome surprise – the announcement that Saudi Arabia will have at least one woman at the Olympics

 David Roberts

Examining Saudi-Qatar Relations

Examining Saudi-Qatar Relations

DAVID ROBERTS: if Qatar’s role is tempered by lack of Saudi support, the region will be without a state willing to push the boundaries of regional politics.

 Rob L. Wagner

Religious Comment Plus Political Activism Equals Trouble

Religious Comment Plus Political Activism Equals Trouble

ROB L. WAGNER: His religious comments were ill-chosen but they are not the only reason that he is in serious trouble.

 James M. Dorsey

Blatter U-Turn Sees Door Closed on FIFA Investigation of Qatar’s World Cup Win

Blatter U-Turn Sees Door Closed on FIFA Investigation of Qatar’s World Cup Win

JAMES M. DORSEY: Sepp Blatter, a month after opening the door to an investigation of the Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid, has declared “case closed”.

 James M. Dorsey

Worrying Times: FIFA Opens Door to Investigation of Qatar’s World Cup Bid

Worrying Times: FIFA Opens Door to Investigation of Qatar’s World Cup Bid

JAMES M. DORSEY: In a worrying development for Qatar, the FIFA president has opened the door to a possible investigation into its successful World Cup bid.

 Crossroads Arabia

The Saudi Enigma: Rich but No Job For Many

The Saudi Enigma: Rich but No Job For Many

CROSSROADS ARABIA: It’s a very rich country but faces a serious unemployment problem. Why so and what to do?

 Crossroads Arabia

How 9/11 Forced Change in Saudi Arabia

How 9/11 Forced Change in Saudi Arabia

CROSSROADS ARABIA: When Saudi awoke, it acted decisively. Its war against Al-Qaeda was successful in driving the group out of the Kingdom, though at some cost.

 James M. Dorsey

Assad Criticism Isolates Iran, Fails to Tackle Key Issues

Assad Criticism Isolates Iran, Fails to Tackle Key Issues

JAMES M. DORSEY: Irrespective of his motives, King Abdullah has made a major contribution to the ending of the bloodletting in Syria.

 Ahmed-Al-Omran

Saudi Draft ‘Anti-Terror Law’ Evokes Strong Response

Saudi Draft ‘Anti-Terror Law’ Evokes Strong Response

AHMED AL-OMRAN: A leaked draft of a proposed, new anti-terror law has been leaked to Amnesty International. A predictable storm has erupted.

 Steve Royston

Why I’m Optimistic About the Future of Bahrain

Why I’m Optimistic About the Future of Bahrain

STEVE ROYSTON: It’s been a very bad time in Bahrain recently but a recent programme involving all sections of the island’s youth provides hope for the future.

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

Let’s Hear It for the Poet with the Weird Accent

Let’s Hear It for the Poet with the Weird Accent

M. LYNX-QUALEY: Son of an acclaimed literary family, Tamim al-Barghouti’s ‘weird accent and non-Egyptian features’ seem to be a problem for some in Egypt…