A Non-Starter: The Many Obstacles to Closer GCC Union
DAVID ROBERTS: There will be fine talk and likely a positive joint statement will be issued but no firm action will be agreed.
‘Creeping Sharia’?: The New Twitter Craze
DAVID ROBERTS: ‘Ignorance is bliss’ particularly when it generates such wonderful wit from the Twittersphere.
Iran ‘2 Years from Nuclear Weapon’…in 1984
DAVID ROBERTS: It’s a familiar theme – Iran is close to producing a nuclear weapon and time is running out. What can Israel do?
Examining Saudi-Qatar Relations
DAVID ROBERTS: if Qatar’s role is tempered by lack of Saudi support, the region will be without a state willing to push the boundaries of regional politics.
The Kuwaiti Elections: Tribal and Bitter
DAVID ROBERTS: Until these groups can come together bitter arguments, recriminations and stalled political and economic sectors will typify Kuwait.
Syria: The Argument Against intervention
DAVID ROBERTS: Working out exactly what must be done is fiendishly difficult; anyone who says they have a solution is grossly underestimating the complexities.
‘Rule by Whim’: More Thought Needed in Qatar
DAVID ROBERTS: The decision to impose Arabic as the official teaching language of Qatar University effective in nine months is ill-conceived and does not sit with the country’s international aspirations.
Iran Oil Embargo: Nations Most Affected
DAVID ROBERTS: A quick and easy map from CNN showing where Iran sends its oil, and therefore those that will be the most affected in case of an oil embargo.
A Saudi Hand in Iran? Possible But Unlikely
DAVID ROBERTS: The Saudi authorities clearly have a vested interest in the failure of the Iranian nuclear programme. So could they have been involved in the recent assassination?
Stuff Happens: The Dangers of Predicting ‘Arab Spring’
DAVID ROBERTS: Events have a way of making an idiot of anyone predicting how the Arab world will play out. Here’s a perfect example.
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.
Iran’s Capture of the U.S. Stealth RQ 170: Let Speculation Begin on the Fallout
DAVID ROBERTS: Certainly, this is a blow for the U.S. When grainy footage emerges from China of a wing shaped UAV taking off, we’ll know how much so.
The Bahrain Bomb: Measured Response Required
DAVID ROBERTS: It was a small, amateur-ish device causing little damage and no injuries. Authorities should investigate thoroughly before acting.
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…
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.
They’ll be quaking in their sandals in Riyadh. Not.
DAVID ROBERTS: Sometimes politicians say things of such breathtaking stupidity that it stops you completely in your tracks. Like this one from an Iranian member of parliament.
Big Claims By ‘WSJ’ on Iran & Bahrain. But Proof?
DAVID ROBERTS: The Wall Street Journal has published a very curious piece indeed on the relationship between Iran and Bahrain. It’s long on allegation but very short on proof.
The Mess that Is Kuwait. Who Can Sort it Out?
DAVID ROBERTS: Allegations of corruption have been swirling around Kuwait’s parliament for a very long time now. It’s time that the issue was treated seriously.
Qatar’s ‘Conservative Liberal Bind’
DAVID ROBERTS: Qatar’s growing international recognition is bringing with it a host of problems and as we get closer to 2022 the noise of protest is only set to increase.
Emirati Women: As Portrayed in Western Media
DAVID ROBERTS: It’s always interesting to see how Western media choose to represent women from the Middle East. A slideshow published on U.S website ‘Salon’ featuring Emirati women is instructive.
