Morsi’s Missions: Overcoming SCAF, Gulf’s Brotherhood Hostility
FRANCIS MATTHEW: Mursi’s victory in Egypt’s presidential elections means that the governments of the GCC are in a position of having to work with a Muslim Brother.
Success & Legitimacy: Saudi and Syria’s Contrasting Fortunes
FRANCIS MATTHEW: Demand for reform in Saudi does not focus on the current leadership, but instead seeks more open social practices, more inclusion and less corruption.
Another Way Needed for Syria: Annan Plan DOA
FRANCIS MATTHEW: If the opposition wants to win over the army or security forces, it must distinguish between supporters of Al Assad’s regime, and Alawites in general.
NATO: A North American Strike Force?
FRANCIS MATTHEW: It is sad young Arabs and Muslims see NATO as an expeditionary force striking at the convenience of the White House
GCC Union: Practical Thinking Required
FRANCIS MATTHEW: It’s likely to succeed if it focuses on ways to make the existing GCC work better, rather than offer any new political structure.
Media Still Searching For its Role Post Arab Spring
FRANCIS MATTHEW: Government has a huge influence on what is reported, even if in theory the relationship is supposed to be at a distance.
Most Admired: UAE, Turkey Top Arab Youth Survey
FRANCIS MATTHEW: This regional popularity is an asset and the UAE should make every effort to nurture the conditions that built this reputation.
Absent Middle Class Key to Gulf Stability
FRANCIS MATTHEW: In all Gulf states government dominates the economy. That dependence fosters a lack of entrepreneurial motivation.
Democracy: Why Winner Should Not “Take All”
FRANCIS MATTHEW: Just because the religious parties are far better prepared for this new public debate, they should not overplay their hand.
Emirati Ways: Why Old Must Give Way to New
FRANCIS MATTHEW: The adherence to old ways damages the acceptance of a new institutional attitude. It can also be mis-used.