Juan Cole

Top Ten Reasons Why Americans Should Care About Egypt

Top Ten Reasons Why Americans Should Care About Egypt

JUAN COLE: Recent events in Egypt don’t seem to hold much appeal for the major news corporations in the U.S but all Americans have a stake in what happens there

 The View From Fez

Scams and Expense Hitting Mecca Pilgrims in Morocco

Scams and Expense Hitting Mecca Pilgrims in Morocco

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: There has been a marked increase in the number of scams as well as increased cost, two factors hitting religious pilgrims in Morocco

 Abu Muhammed

The Good, Bad and Interesting of Life in Jeddah

The Good, Bad and Interesting of Life in Jeddah

ABU MOHAMMED: Life’s more expensive than the capital, Riyadh, but Jeddah provdes a haven of outdoor art and it’s close to the sacred sites.

 Susie of Arabia

Jeddah: The Sculptural Capital of the Arab World

Jeddah: The Sculptural Capital of the Arab World

SUSIE OF ARABIA: It’s a little known fact but the original work of some of the world’s most famous sculptors is scattered throughout the Saudi port city.

 Crossroads Arabia

Saudis’ Water Consumption ‘Unsustainable’

Saudis’ Water Consumption ‘Unsustainable’

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Advances in solar power and nuclear plants will help Saudis address their energy issues but water consumption is a major issue.

 Crossroads Arabia

Underground Rail Next Stop for Jeddah

Underground Rail Next Stop for Jeddah

CROSSROADS ARABIA: The challenge building underground where water can be inches below the surface is considerable, but not insurmountable… given enough money.

 Abu Muhammed

Thuwal Beach: An Eldorado for Jeddah Citizens

Thuwal Beach: An Eldorado for Jeddah Citizens

ABU MOHAMMED: Finding a pleasant, uncluttered, litter free beach near Jeddah seemed impossible. Then a friend pointed me in the right direction

 Susie of Arabia

Finding Nemo in the Kingdom: Red Sea Wonder

Finding Nemo in the Kingdom: Red Sea Wonder

SUSIE OF ARABIA: Did I have the stamina for snorkelling in the Red Sea? Yes and it was so worth the trip.

 Common Ground News Service

Yemen: Vital To Address Economic Ills Quickly

Yemen: Vital To Address Economic Ills Quickly

ABUBAKR AL-SHAMAHI, CGNEWS: A limited window of opportunity has opened for Yemen’s new government.

 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.

 Juan Cole

The Top Five Foreign Policy Changes That Face the United States in 2012

The Top Five Foreign Policy Changes That Face the United States in 2012

JUAN COLE: Many of the dangers to which I pointed in last year’s list still exist, of course, but a whole host of new difficulties has emerged.

 Rob L. Wagner

Christmas in Saudi Arabia: Quietly Festive

Christmas in Saudi Arabia: Quietly Festive

ROB L. WAGNER: If you’re subtle you can enjoy a surprisingly festive Christmas in the Kingdom. Many Saudis also quietly acknowledge Christian friends’ celebration.

 Ramzy Baroud

Israel’s ‘Nice Little War’: Gaza, Egypt in Range of Fire

Israel’s ‘Nice Little War’: Gaza, Egypt in Range of Fire

RAMZY BAROUD: Why is Israel bent on discrediting Egypt, exploiting the most sensitive period of its modern history, and destabilizing the border area?

 Crossroads Arabia

Saudi Domestic Violence: Men Victims Too

Saudi Domestic Violence: Men Victims Too

CROSSROADS ARABIA: No-one disputes that domestic violence is a serious issue but there is evidence that incidents of female on male violence are increasingly prevalent in the Kingdom.

 Crossroads Arabia

Old Jeddah: UNESCO Can’t Save it, so who will?

Old Jeddah: UNESCO Can’t Save it, so who will?

CROSSROADS ARABIA: It’s been rejected by UNESCO as a ‘World Heritage Site’ due to neglect. Will the authorities rescue ‘Old Jeddah’?

 Steve Royston

After the Deluge: The Spirit of Jeddah that Endures

After the Deluge: The Spirit of Jeddah that Endures

STEVE ROYSTON: I’ve been visiting Jeddah for more than 20 years but haven’t been there since the floods. I was curious to know if it had changed.

 Steve Royston

Reasons For, and Against, Working in the MidEast

Reasons For, and Against, Working in the MidEast

STEVE ROYSTON: One year ago I wrote the 10 good reasons to work in the Middle East. I would not change one of them. I have, however, added 10 reasons you may not want to.

 Andrew Mackay

Rebuilding Business Confidence the Next Battleground

Rebuilding Business Confidence the Next Battleground

ANDREW MACKAY: Countries across the Middle East and Africa need to examine the damage done to their reputations, and rebuild vital revenue streams from inward investment and tourism.

 Steve Royston

An Encounter with the True Meaning of Ashura

An Encounter with the True Meaning of Ashura

STEVE ROYSTON – In the two hours I listened, I couldn’t begin to understand the intricacies. But I was struck by the gentle emotion, and parallels to Easter.

 Mira-Edelstein

The next battleground: Water more important than oil for Middle East peace

The next battleground: Water more important than oil for Middle East peace

People often associate the Middle East with oil. But in the region’s cities, villages and farms, access to a different resource is becoming rather problematic: water. Finding a solution here may also reveal another – the path to peace.