Qatar’s Surprise Abdication: So What Happens Next?
DAVID ROBERTS: Once again Qatar has caught the world by surprise with an abdication which has resulted in one of the world’s youngest leaders coming to power.
‘A Difficult Neigbourhood’: How Qatar Manages Its Relations
DAVID ROBERTS: The Qatari authorities have a very difficult diplomatic tightrope to walk and they have to play their hand with consistent skill
Keeping the Balance: Qatar’s Rulers Walk Tightrope
DAVID ROBERTS: Qatar’s been punching above its weight in foreign affairs but its rulers are mindful of the voices of its small local population
Applying ‘The Rumsfeld Test’ on the Kingdom
DAVID ROBERTS: Reading the runes of Saudi Arabia’s possible succession is an art, a science and a mystery wrapped in one.
The Linguistic Composition Of Iran
The only thing better than a nice map is a particularly informative nice map, like this one on Arab dialects or the one above….
Qatari Silence Feeds ‘Wilder’ Foreign Policy Theories
DAVID ROBERTS: Qatar’s involvement in Mali is subject to some colourful speculation. It’s a familiar feeling for the peninsula state.
The Kingdom of Surprises: Engaging With Saudis
DAVID ROBERTS: It’s a while since I’ve left Qatar but the differences between the tiny peninsula state and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are striking
Outmanoeuvred: Opposition ‘Gets It Wrong’ In Kuwait
DAVID ROBERTS: The number of people protesting has gone down dramatically and there is a good chance that the Parliament may even get something done.
Clear Motive: What’s Qatar Really Up To In France?
DAVID ROBERTS: Qatar’s plan to invest a large sum of money into one of Paris’s poorest areas has led to attacks from left and right. So what’s happening?
A Contrarian Streak: On Qatar and Hamas in Gaza
DAVID ROBERTS: While Israel and the Palestinian Authority may view Qatar’s embrace of Hamas with chagrin, it is Iran that is the central loser…
Kuwait Upheaval A Signal of a More Turbulent Era?
DAVID ROBERTS: While monarchy as a concept is still resolutely the preferred system, Kuwait is entering a new era, one that is certain to be more violent.
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.
Syria in Balance: Broken Borders, Unbroken Alliances
DAVID ROBERTS: Russia is unfazed about alienating swathes of the Middle East not to mention the majority of Syrians, believing in time their position can be reasserted
Days, Weeks or Months But Assad’s Fall is Assured
DAVID ROBERTS: The tactical masterstroke that the Free Syrian Army unleashed on Assad’s regime marks a spiral downwards for the regime
U.S Power: The Ultimate Guarantor for Gulf States
DAVID ROBERTS: The Saudi authorities have been actively promoting a union of Gulf states but with little success. There’s a clear reason why.
The Death of Crown Prince Nayef, What Next?
DAVID ROBERTS: That the Saudi Royal family has suffered another key death within a year is concerning but can come as no surprise.
The Dynamics, and Players in Saudi Succession
DAVID ROBERTS: A key part of Saudi succession lies in the different power blocks of family lineage, but influence also comes with ability…
Qatar Fire: Out Come The Shia Bogeymen
DAVID ROBERTS: There has been some utterly dreadful reporting of the recent fire in a mall in Qatar. One particular report, however, stands out
Euro 2012 PR Disaster: Lessons for Qatar
DAVID ROBERTS: Qatar had better develop a very thick skin and employ some very smart PR people to deal with the storm that faces them.
Initial Conclusions on the Qatar Mall Tragedy
DAVID ROBERTS: It’s too early to say what exactly happened but it’s possible to make some educated observations on the Villagio tragedy
