Eman-Al-Nafjan

iPads and Infidels: Inaccurate, Superficial Saudi View

iPads and Infidels: Inaccurate, Superficial Saudi View

EMAN AL-NAFJAN: Here we go again – another foreigner rattles out yet another ‘analysis’ of Saudi Arabia that seems to have been pre-cooked.

 Eman-Al-Nafjan

Democracy in Saudi Arabia: Is It Inevitable?

Democracy in Saudi Arabia: Is It Inevitable?

EMAN AL NAFJAN: In a wide ranging article on democracy around the world I was asked to consider its place in Saudi Arabia. Here’s my response

 Francis Matthew

China’s Influence Based on ‘Failure to Engage’

China’s Influence Based on ‘Failure to Engage’

FRANCIS MATTHEW: Arab concerns are largely irrelevant to the Chinese as Beijing looks to reinforce its self-perception as the premier Asian power.

 David Roberts

A Non-Starter: The Many Obstacles to Closer GCC Union

A Non-Starter: The Many Obstacles to Closer GCC Union

DAVID ROBERTS: There will be fine talk and likely a positive joint statement will be issued but no firm action will be agreed.

 Juan Cole

The U.S/Israeli Plan for Iran: It’s Doomed

The U.S/Israeli Plan for Iran: It’s Doomed

JUAN COLE: It’s well worth looking at previous situations where major powers tried to use economics to bring Iran to heel.

 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.

 Crossroads Arabia

The Not-So-Slick Arab Public Relations Machine

The Not-So-Slick Arab Public Relations Machine

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Arabs seem to have an unhelpful skill for appalling public relations skills, according to a leading commentator. What’s to be done?

 Juan Cole

Democracy: More Valued by Arabs than Americans?

Democracy: More Valued by Arabs than Americans?

JUAN COLE: Al Qaeda’s vision for the Arab World has been comprehensively rejected. It appears that Arabs – in particular, young Arabs – are prepared to put their lives on the line, not for a Caliphate, but for parliamentary democracy.

 David Roberts

Iran: Problems on the Horizon for Gulf States

Iran: Problems on the Horizon for Gulf States

DAVID ROBERTS: These events take place in the context of growing Shia power, encapsulated by the notion of a Shia crescent ‘enveloping’ the region…