Juan Cole

“Thank You, Vladimir.” What Obama Should Say to Putin

“Thank You, Vladimir.” What Obama Should Say to Putin

JUAN COLE: By taking the words of John Kerry and quickly formulating a new policy on Syria Putin has saved Obama from a major political embarrassment

 The View From Fez

The Menace of Mopeds in the Medina: Need for Speed

The Menace of Mopeds in the Medina: Need for Speed

DEREK WORKMAN, VIEW FROM FEZ: Some traders and residents in the Medina have had enough of the speedy, ill-disciplined moped riders.

 The View From Fez

‘Ambulance or Hearse?’: Life and Death in the Atlas

DEREK WORKMAN, VIEW FROM FEZ: He throws his ambulance around hairpin bends with the practiced confidence of a taxi driver. Which is what he once was.

 The View From Fez

Phew! Morocco Avoids Formula One ‘Catastrophe’

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: I’ve watched as Bernie Ecclestone’s F1 ‘circus’ has brought Valencia to its knees. Morocco can count its lucky stars that it will avoid the same fate

 Steve Royston

Tim Mackintosh-Smith: Is He A ‘Yemeni National Treasure?’

Tim Mackintosh-Smith: Is He A ‘Yemeni National Treasure?’

STEVE DORSEY: I had the privilege recently to spend time in the company of the renowned British travel writer who lives in Sana’a. A truly impressive evening.

 James M. Dorsey

Defensive Blunder: Hamas’ Football Boycott Call

Defensive Blunder: Hamas’ Football Boycott Call

JAMES M. DORSEY: Palestinians of all ages are huge fans of the Spanish football giants Barcelona FC. When Hamas called for a boycott of their match this week it fell on deaf ears.

 Common Ground News Service

Palestine: The Issue that Divides Turkey and Israel

Palestine: The Issue that Divides Turkey and Israel

FAIK TUNAY, CGNEWS: Relations between Israel and Turkey have deteriorated over the past two years. There is one issue at its heart.

 James M. Dorsey

World Cup Hosts Qatar, Russia Back Under the Spotlight

World Cup Hosts Qatar, Russia Back Under the Spotlight

JAMES M. DORSEY: Three major investigations into corruption in global soccer are putting the credibility of major soccer associations and World Cup 2022 host Qatar to the test.

 The View From Fez

A Taxing Tale: Low-Cost Airlines Reject Morocco

A Taxing Tale: Low-Cost Airlines Reject Morocco

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: First it was Ryanair, now it’s Easyjet. The outlook for Morocco’s tourism industry looks grim.

 Common Ground News Service

Islamic Finance: A New Model for Global System?

Islamic Finance: A New Model for Global System?

MARIA PAZ-LOPEZ, CGNEWS: Following the crisis of confidence in the global financial system there has been much discussion of alternative models

 James M. Dorsey

FIFA Corruption Probe Set to Examine Qatar Bid

FIFA Corruption Probe Set to Examine Qatar Bid

JAMES M. DORSEY: The recently announced investigation by FIFA into allegations of past corruption will inevitably put Qatar 2022 in the spotlight again.

 Steve Royston

‘An Uncommon Lunch’: Kings, Queens and ‘Exes’

‘An Uncommon Lunch’: Kings, Queens and ‘Exes’

STEVE ROYSTON: There was a bit of commotion about the King of Bahrain’s attendance at a recent lunch in the UK. I was struck by another issue

 Tabsir

The Image That ‘Speaks For’ The Arab Spring?

The Image That ‘Speaks For’ The Arab Spring?

DANIEL M. VARISCO: The World Press Photo of the Year has been revealed. Is it the defining image of the ‘Arab Spring’?

 Rob L. Wagner

Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Designs: Revived But Relevant to Whom?

Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Designs: Revived But Relevant to Whom?

ROB L. WAGNER: The Abu Dhabi authorities surprisingly announced the resurrection of their three-museum project. Who’s it for, though?

 Eman-Al-Nafjan

Saudi: The Fundamentalist Mindset that Halts Change

Saudi: The Fundamentalist Mindset that Halts Change

EMAN AL NAFJAN: In September the King announced women could vote in municipal elections. Conservatives are fighting a rearguard action.

 Common Ground News Service

Internet ‘Enables Open Debate Between Religions’

Internet ‘Enables Open Debate Between Religions’

MATTHEW SKINNER, JOSHUA STANTON, CGNEWS: People will disagree vehemently over religion but the internet provides a perfect environment for robust, honest discussion.

 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.

 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.

 Jonathan Cook

Netanyahu: ‘Israel is Jewish. Agree Or Else’

Netanyahu: ‘Israel is Jewish. Agree Or Else’

JONATHAN COOK: The demand has risen to the top of the Israeli agenda and if accepted will condemn Palestinians as ‘historic interlopers and trespassers’.

 The View From Fez

The Joy of Learning for Atlas Mountain Girls

The Joy of Learning for Atlas Mountain Girls

DEREK WORKMAN, VIEW FROM FEZ: An initiative to provide for the education of a group of young girls in the High Atlas has had an unexpected impact.