James Mullan

‘The Cai-Bai Ring’: Egypt’s ‘New Civilisation’, Made in UAE

‘The Cai-Bai Ring’: Egypt’s ‘New Civilisation’, Made in UAE

JAMES MULLAN: There’s a surprising sense of optimism abroad in ‘New Cairo’ where many young returnees from the UAE are now based.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Gaddafi’s Daughter in ‘Call to Arms’

News Analysis: Gaddafi’s Daughter in ‘Call to Arms’

Aisha Gaddafi has issued a rallying cry to supporters of the former regime in an audio broadcast that has been played on Syrian television.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: King Abdullah Visits West Bank

News Analysis: King Abdullah Visits West Bank

A new dynamic is opening up in Jordanian-Palestinian relations – a recognition and acceptance of the role that the Islamic political movement Hamas plays.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Assad Speaks to UK Media

News Analysis: Assad Speaks to UK Media

President Assad has ended his purdah with the international media and conducted an interview with a UK newspaper. Let’s see what he had to say.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Kuwait Parliament Stormed

News Analysis: Kuwait Parliament Stormed

Following months of protests outside the Kuwaiti parliament the lid finally came off and a group of protestors stormed the gates. What does this mean?

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Arab League Gives Syria Heave-Ho

News Analysis: Arab League Gives Syria Heave-Ho

It’s crunch time for Syria at the Arab League and they’ve decided not to turn up to the Moroccan get-together. Hardly a major surprise.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Lebanese Pols in TV Punch Up

News Analysis: Lebanese Pols in TV Punch Up

It seems to be more ‘war, war’ than ‘jaw, jaw’ on talk shows these days. Two Lebanese politicians gave their interpretation of the ‘Solidere Shuffle’ on a show late Monday night.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Bahrain Foils Alleged Plot

News Analysis: Bahrain Foils Alleged Plot

Another week, another alleged Iranian plot in the Middle East. This time it’s the Bahraini authorities who reveal that they’ve stopped a plot to blow up the causeway and the Saudi Embassy.

 James Mullan

The Formula 1 Con Trick: There are Alternatives…

The Formula 1 Con Trick: There are Alternatives…

JAMES MULLAN: It’s F1 week in Abu Dhabi and don’t we know it. Everywhere you look the hype is louder than the F1 engines for the 3-day bore-fest.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: New Age ‘Attack’ on Pyramids

News Analysis: New Age ‘Attack’ on Pyramids

As if Egypt doesn’t have enough problems at the moment its most famous tourist attraction has been the focus of a bizarre online campaign.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Sarkozy and Obama’s Gaffe

News Analysis: Sarkozy and Obama’s Gaffe

NEWS ANALYSIS: As if life isn’t difficult enough for President Sarkozy now he has to contend with the consequences of a leaked ‘private’ conversation.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Egypt’s Tourism ‘on the Ropes’

News Analysis: Egypt’s Tourism ‘on the Ropes’

NEWS ANALYSIS: It’s been a very rough year for Egypt’s tourist industry and it looks like things are set to get a whole lot worse.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: ‘Are You Lookin’ at Me, Ben Ali?’

News Analysis: ‘Are You Lookin’ at Me, Ben Ali?’

NEWS ANALYSIS: Legendary American film star, supporter of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, Robert de Niro, is sure events in the Arab world will inspire very interesting film-making.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: U.S Attack on Iran ‘likely’

News Analysis: U.S Attack on Iran ‘likely’

NEWS ANALYSIS: Now Libya has been taken care of momentum appears to be growing particularly in the United States for an attack on Iran’s nuclear programme.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Emirates and FIFA To Split?

News Analysis: Emirates and FIFA To Split?

Emirates Airline is one of the top sponsors of the football World Cup. But the less than sure-footed management of the beautiful game by FIFA means the two parties may be about to part company.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Hackers Target Palestinian Internet

News Analysis: Hackers Target Palestinian Internet

Internet service throughout the Palestinian territories disappeared altogether or was running very slowly on Tuesday. A sustained, well-organised attack?

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Bad Week For Abu Dhabi Projects

News Analysis: Bad Week For Abu Dhabi Projects

NEWS ANALYSIS: It’s been a sobering week for anyone involved in the construction industry in Abu Dhabi. What’s happening and why now?

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Hezbollah ‘Telco War’ on the Brink?

News Analysis: Hezbollah ‘Telco War’ on the Brink?

NEWS ANALYSIS: Hezbollah’s plan to install a private telecommunications network in Lebanon is facing stiff opposition from residents in its path.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: US Ambassador Scoots from Syria

News Analysis: US Ambassador Scoots from Syria

NEWS ANALYSIS: The US Ambassador to Syria has made quite a name for himself during his stint in Damascus. But he’s also ruffled many governmental feathers.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Tunisia Goes to the Polls

News Analysis: Tunisia Goes to the Polls

NEWS ANALYSIS: With their erstwhile leader rattling around a presumably luxurious villa in Jeddah, Tunisians have had their first shot at genuine democracy.