Juan Cole

Why an Iranian Oil Boycott by Europe Would Fail

Why an Iranian Oil Boycott by Europe Would Fail

JUAN COLE: An Economist Intelligence Unit graphic of consumption pinpoints with simple clarity why an EU boycott of Iranian oil could have only a limited impact.

 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.

 David Roberts

Iran Oil Embargo: Nations Most Affected

Iran Oil Embargo: Nations Most Affected

DAVID ROBERTS: A quick and easy map from CNN showing where Iran sends its oil, and therefore those that will be the most affected in case of an oil embargo.

 James M. Dorsey

Qatar Makes Labour Rights Commitments, Yields to World Cup Pressure

Qatar Makes Labour Rights Commitments, Yields to World Cup Pressure

JAMES M. DORSEY: Qatar has vowed to ensure that contractors involved in preparations for the 2022 World Cup will adhere to international labour laws

 Rob L. Wagner

‘This Car Is Made With Pride in Riyadh’: At Last, Saudi’s ‘Magic Export Product’?

‘This Car Is Made With Pride in Riyadh’: At Last, Saudi’s ‘Magic Export Product’?

ROB L. WAGNER: Saudi Arabia has been looking for more than 40 years for an export product that will minimize its dependency on oil. Have they found it?

 Richard Silverstein

Preventing Iran from Closing the Straits – Something Not Necessarily So Simple…

Preventing Iran from Closing the Straits – Something Not Necessarily So Simple…

RICHARD SILVERSTEIN: The NYT today departs from its usual cheer leading of the U.S. military, acknowledging Iran could close the Straits of Hormuz.

 David Roberts

Tension Between the United States and Iran Escalates: Is Conflict Now Inevitable?

Tension Between the United States and Iran Escalates: Is Conflict Now Inevitable?

DAVID ROBERTS: It appears that both the United States and Iran’s domestic political requirements have spun the region into a dangerous spiral.

 Juan Cole

‘All Praise to George W. Bush’: The Top Ten Myths of the Arab Spring

‘All Praise to George W. Bush’: The Top Ten Myths of the Arab Spring

JUAN COLE: So much that is misinformed, over-hyped and simply plain wrong has been written about the Arab Spring. So let’s sort the wheat from the chaff.

 Crossroads Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Looming Energy Crisis… Fuelling International Concerns

Saudi Arabia’s Looming Energy Crisis… Fuelling International Concerns

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Demand is outstripping the ability to produce enough oil and natural gas AND continue programs of welfare at the same time.

 Eman-Al-Nafjan

A Boring and Petty Issue: Women Drivers in Saudi

A Boring and Petty Issue: Women Drivers in Saudi

EMAN AL NAFJAN: The to-ing and fro-ing has gone on for years. It’s about time we all acknowledged that it ranks very low in Saudi womens priorities.

 Steve Royston

23rd November: A Red Letter Day for Bahrain

23rd November: A Red Letter Day for Bahrain

STEVE ROYSTON: Tomorrow sees the publication of a report into the events of February and March of this year. Could it draw a line under those tragic events?

 David Westley

News Analysis: World’s Most Powerful People

News Analysis: World’s Most Powerful People

NEWS ANALYSIS: So how does the Middle East do? Not great, but Saudi’s King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud is in the top 10, at number 7.

 Matt J. Duffy

Collective Silence Greets Activist Trial Statement

Collective Silence Greets Activist Trial Statement

MATT J. DUFFY: The people of the UAE deserve to know the context surrounding this trial. The press does them a disservice by ignoring crucial elements of the story.

 Mondoweiss

West’s 1% salivates over spoils of the Libyan 99%

West’s 1% salivates over spoils of the Libyan 99%

MONDOWEISS, MATTHEW TAYLOR: Whatever one thinks of The West’s role in this revolution, it should not have a free pass to engage in more oil imperialism.

 Steve Royston

Saudi Arabia: A Glimpse Through the Myths

Saudi Arabia: A Glimpse Through the Myths

STEVE ROYSTON: Received wisdom portrays a backward, oppressive society, dominated by religious extremists and a monarchy whose main mission is self-preservation.

 James M. Dorsey

Arab Spring First Casualty in New Power Struggle

Arab Spring First Casualty in New Power Struggle

JAMES M. DORSEY: The people power movement has the most to lose and could find itself in the grinder as the United States, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Iran jockey for power.

 Sultan Al Qassemi

Politics: Emirati Students Abroad Show Way at Home

Politics: Emirati Students Abroad Show Way at Home

SULTAN AL QASSEMI: Qatar, he told me, has one of the most impressive constitutions, as well as the most impressive parliamentary building. “Too bad there’s no parliament to occupy it,” he said.

 James M. Dorsey

GCC: Winds of Change Kept At Bay – At What Price?

GCC: Winds of Change Kept At Bay – At What Price?

JAMES M. DORSEY: Their reluctance to be proactive rather than reactive has so far shielded the GCC from the revolt. The question is for how long, and what’s the price?

 David Roberts

The Mess that Is Kuwait. Who Can Sort it Out?

The Mess that Is Kuwait. Who Can Sort it Out?

DAVID ROBERTS: Allegations of corruption have been swirling around Kuwait’s parliament for a very long time now. It’s time that the issue was treated seriously.

 Lucy Emmerson

Syria: Growing Pressure on Assad to Stand Down Falling on Deaf Ears

Syria: Growing Pressure on Assad to Stand Down Falling on Deaf Ears

LUCY EMMERSON: There are still more who believe that a regime which has killed in excess of 2,200 peaceful protesters in the past 6 months cannot stand