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

 Steve Royston

The London Olympics – What Have We Learned?

The London Olympics – What Have We Learned?

STEVE ROYSTON: So will a New Britain emerge in the wake of the medals, stadia and closing ceremony? I don’t think so. We are what we are. An English man writes.

 Editor, MEP

Sarah Attar – Games ‘An Inspiration’

VIDEO: Sarah Attar becomes the first female Saudi track and field athlete to compete at the Olympic games. An ITN report and interview…

 Crossroads Arabia

Defamation Case Awaits Shahrkani Hate Tweeters

Defamation Case Awaits Shahrkani Hate Tweeters

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Her father ought not have a hard time winning cases against those posting false and defamatory information on Facebook and Twitter.

 Crossroads Arabia

Saudi Tastes Sweet Success at the Olympics

Saudi Tastes Sweet Success at the Olympics

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Congratulations to the Saudi Equestrian team for winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics….

 Crossroads Arabia

Wojdan’s ’90 Second Olympics’: A Game Changer

Wojdan’s ’90 Second Olympics’: A Game Changer

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Media reaction to Saudi women’s participation in the Olympics has been mixed but it’s marked a clear watershed.

 Eman-Al-Nafjan

Saudi Women In Olympics: Kingdom ‘Gets the Bug’

Saudi Women In Olympics: Kingdom ‘Gets the Bug’

EMAN AL NAFJAN: The Olympics usually barely registers on Saudi consciousness. This time round, though, things are different

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

The Purpose and Pleasure of Difference

The Purpose and Pleasure of Difference

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMMED:In both the Olympics and pilgrimage, people are put into close proximity with each other, forced to look past difference towards their common goals.

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

The Arab World’s ‘Olympic Poets’: Who’d You Choose?

The Arab World’s ‘Olympic Poets’: Who’d You Choose?

M. LYNX-QUALEY: Thanks goodness we no longer have the embarrassment of the Olympics ‘Art Competitions’ but the UK’s Guardian newspaper did some nice work.

 David Roberts

Female Athletes Lead Teams: What Does It Mean?

Female Athletes Lead Teams: What Does It Mean?

DAVID ROBERTS: The Olympics Opening Ceremony was striking for many reasons not the least of which was the presence of so many women leading Arab teams.

 Juan Cole

Romney: Hapless in London, Insulting in Israel

Romney: Hapless in London, Insulting in Israel

JUAN COLE: The trip of Republic Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney to Israel is in bad taste for lots of reasons. Here are just 10 reasons as to why…

 Juan Cole

The Real Olympic Question: Do Saudis Want to Integrate?

JUAN COLE: These are the first Olympic Games where women from every country in the world are participating. There is a bigger question for Saudis.

 The View From Fez

Fasting: The Challenges Facing Muslims This Ramadan

Fasting: The Challenges Facing Muslims This Ramadan

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Whether it’s the longer daylight hours or because you’re an Olympic athlete there are particular challenges for Muslims this Ramadan

 Editor, MEP

Muslims: Difficult Decisions for Olympics

VIDEO, AL JAZEERA: It is the ultimate test of sporting ability, but this London Olympics will provide extra difficulty for some Muslim athletes.

 Common Ground News Service

Saudi Women at Olympics: A Major Breakthrough

Saudi Women at Olympics: A Major Breakthrough

MAHA AKEEL, CGNEWS: The participation of two Saudi women at the Olympic Games will provide inspiration and encouragement for girls throughout the Kingdom

 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.

 Crossroads Arabia

U-Turn: KSA to Support Women Olympiads

U-Turn: KSA to Support Women Olympiads

CROSSROADS ARABIA: In March Saudi announced it would support women athletes. In April it reversed its position. Now June, and it appears female athletes will receive support.

 James M. Dorsey

Qatar 2022: Report Puts Focus on Worker’s Rights

Qatar 2022: Report Puts Focus on Worker’s Rights

JAMES M. DORSEY: The publication of a new report examining worker conditions in Qatar ups the ante for the authorities.

 Editor, MEP

Dubai Expo 2020: Worth Fighting For

Dubai Expo 2020: Worth Fighting For

Should Dubai win Expo 2020 it would be a significant, significant boost to the city – economically, socially and in terms of global recognition.

 Editor, MEP

Qatar 2022: Villaggio Tragedy Adds to Critic Arsenal

Qatar 2022: Villaggio Tragedy Adds to Critic Arsenal

JAMES DORSEY: Critics are asserting Qatari building standards are shoddy and cast doubt on the safety standards of stadiums…