The ‘War of Ideas’ That’s Raging in Saudi Arabia
CROSSROADS ARABIA: Reports from within Saudi reveal the strength of the struggle to win the hearts of minds of its citizens; between modernists and those seeking a return to a great age in the past. …
Wikileaks, Jordan and the ‘Tentacles of Iran’
NASEEM TARAWNAH: One particular cable is a rather clear reflection of its stance and growing concerns regarding Iran - “Beware the Iranian Tentacles … and Cut Them Off,” reads the summary...…
Saudi’s Succession – ‘Reading Tea Leaves’
JAMES M. DORSEY: With King Abdullah recuperating in the United States, many of the key players who will play a part in the succession to a new generation have returned to the Kingdom. …
Obama – Surrendering Palestinian Rights
RAMZY BAROUD: It looks like President Obama will finish his term having secured no advance in Arab-Israeli negotiations. The Israelis do the talking, Washington does the listening. And the giving... …
The Booming Voice of Pent-Up Middle East Anger
JAMES M. DORSEY: As dark as that moment was for Casablancan rockers, the trial was a turning point setting Morocco on a path to becoming one of the Arab world’s more liberal societies when it comes to alternative lifestyles.…
Why the U.S. Should Push for Democracy in Egypt
JAMES M. DORSEY: Repression of the opposition, intimidation of the media and electoral restrictions may guarantee Mubarak's win. But for the U.S., the perception it is perpetuating authoritarian rule may outweigh any benefits.…
The UAE and the UK – a Special Relationship
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: Today, there are approximately 240,000 British citizens living in the UAE, with another one million plus visiting the country every year and up to 40,000 Emiratis visiting Britain annually. …
Obama’s Bribe – Palestinians the Losers … Again
JONATHAN COOK: This concession and the outlines of a previous US peace proposal under Clinton hint at Washington's most likely strategy. East Jerusalem will be divided, with the large settlement blocs, handed over to Israel...…
Why we Need to be More Than Armchair Environmentalists
SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMMED: This is especially sad in places such as the Gulf where until 50 years ago people were adept at living in harmony with their environment and efficient in their use of resources. That sensitivity has been lost.…
“Hug a Muslim” – Restoring Sanity in America
SUSAN KOSCIS: Looking around I saw signs reflecting this spirit: “Be Excellent to Each Other,” “Nice is The New Cool,” “Civilization Requires Civility,” and one that perhaps we could all agree with: “More Chocolate Please.”…
