Rob L. Wagner

The Dangerous Tightrope that Saudi Women Walk

The Dangerous Tightrope that Saudi Women Walk

ROB L. WAGNER: There is no proscription in the Quran of women in the workplace but the existing guardianship laws are a major obstacle.

 James M. Dorsey

Pork, Alcohol and Qatar: Setting the Limits to ‘Modernity’ and Global Ambition

Pork, Alcohol and Qatar: Setting the Limits to ‘Modernity’ and Global Ambition

JAMES M. DORSEY: The debate will determine Qatar’s effort to become a global sports hub, and its positioning as a forward-looking sponsor of change.

 James M. Dorsey

Qatar Alcohol Ban Underlines Internal Tensions

Qatar Alcohol Ban Underlines Internal Tensions

JAMES M. DORSEY: Alcohol has been banned on the Pearl Qatar, dubbed the ‘Arab Riviera’. It’s the latest manifestation of internal discord.

 Steve Royston

2012 and Beyond: The Many Reasons to be Both Fearful – and Cheerful

2012 and Beyond: The Many Reasons to be Both Fearful – and Cheerful

STEVE ROYSTON looks at the arts, society, education, politics, business, technology and the environment as we move into 2012, the Year of Fear’.

 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.

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

What High Heels Say About Economic Cycles

What High Heels Say About Economic Cycles

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: Usually, in an economic downturn heels go up as consumers turn to more flamboyant fashion as a means of escape…

 James M. Dorsey

Egypt and Yemen: Protestors Being ‘Marginalised’

Egypt and Yemen: Protestors Being ‘Marginalised’

JAMES M. DORSEY: Powerful forces are at work in both Egypt and Yemen to mould the emerging political landscape to benefit these particular players.

 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”.

 Ismail Salami

A View From Iran: Syria and the Arab League

A View From Iran: Syria and the Arab League

ISMSAIL SALAMI: It’s time we made a choice. Either remain ignorant, or we need to open our eyes to the reality of things as they actually are.

 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.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Arab League Gives Syria Heave-Ho

News Analysis: Arab League Gives Syria Heave-Ho

It’s crunch time for Syria at the Arab League and they’ve decided not to turn up to the Moroccan get-together. Hardly a major surprise.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: ‘Are You Lookin’ at Me, Ben Ali?’

News Analysis: ‘Are You Lookin’ at Me, Ben Ali?’

NEWS ANALYSIS: Legendary American film star, supporter of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, Robert de Niro, is sure events in the Arab world will inspire very interesting film-making.

 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.

 David Roberts

Qatar Surprises Again, Announces Elections

Qatar Surprises Again, Announces Elections

DAVID ROBERTS: Another fascinating move from a fascinating country. Qatar has again seized the mantle of leadership in the Arab world…

 James M. Dorsey

Bad Timing For Dubai’s First Soccer Hedge Fund

Bad Timing For Dubai’s First Soccer Hedge Fund

JAMES M. DORSEY: A Dubai bank has launched the region’s first alternative soccer fund modelled on European funds – amid rising fan opposition.

 David Roberts

The Grumbles About Qatar’s Role in Libya Grow

The Grumbles About Qatar’s Role in Libya Grow

DAVID ROBERTS: At first Qatar received almost universal praise for its role in supporting the rebellion in Libya. Now that it’s ‘job done’ as far as the removal of Qaddafi is concerned, the mood music has changed.

 David Westley

News Analysis: Saudi Best for Business. Really?

News Analysis: Saudi Best for Business. Really?

NEWS ANALYSIS: The World Bank report ignores uniqueness. Could you honestly say that Saudi Arabia is a more hospitable place than the UAE?

 Rob L. Wagner

The Powerful, Deep Hold of Black Magic Across the Islamic World

The Powerful, Deep Hold of Black Magic Across the Islamic World

ROB L. WAGNER: A recent ruling by the Shoura Council in Saudi Arabia has brought the issue of black magic to the fore again. Its influence is huge.

 James M. Dorsey

Gulf States Seek to Tap Massive Sport Investments

Gulf States Seek to Tap Massive Sport Investments

JAMES M. DORSEY: Spain is rapidly emerging as a model for the offsets Qatar, Dubai and other energy-rich Gulf states hope to reap from their massive investments.

 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.

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