World Cup 2022: Looking Increasingly Ominous for Qatar
DAVID ROBERTS: With each new leaked email and each new comment by the key protagonists it becomes increasingly worrying for the Qatar 2022 team.…
After the Deluge: The Spirit of Jeddah that Endures
STEVE ROYSTON: I've been visiting Jeddah for more than 20 years but haven't been there since the floods. I was curious to know if it had changed. …
Censorship Begins at Home – Politics & Table Manners
CROSSROADS ARABIA: To argue is to disrespect. To disrespect is to threaten the social order. It’s a pity, though, Saudis feel the need to watch what they say. …
GCC Clings to ‘Comfort Blanket’ Status Quo
ABDULKHALEQ ABDULLAH: The situation in Bahrain has seriously unnerved other Gulf states and has significantly undermined attempts to promote democracy throughout the region. …
Saudi: Momentum Grows in Support of Women Drivers
SUSIE OF ARABIA: Driving is just a starting point. There are many other women's issues that need to be addressed but as Manal says: "The rain starts with a single drop."…
A Compelling Case for a UAE State of the Union Address
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: This year is an ideal time for the UAE, the only successful union in the Arab world, to institutionalise a State of the Federation address.…
A Doctor, A Mother, Now She’s a Saudi ‘Rebel Driver’
OMAR AL-ISSAWI: She is entrusted with the lives of many on a daily basis but Najla Hariri is not trusted to drive to treat those patients. …
Google Incites Muslim Women to Throw Off Veil – Claim
AMERICAN BEDU: When Google decided to celebrate dancer Martha Graham's birthday with an animation little did it understand the furore it would cause in Saudi...…
Obama’s Speech: The Key Points Made
THE MOOR NEXT DOOR: There was little new in Obama's 'Arab Spring' speech. Nervous light criticism of Bahrain, no reference to Gulf allies and a minor poke of Israel.…
Citigroup: ‘No Benefit to Qatar from World Cup’
DAVID ROBERTS: Not a good week for Qatar 2022. First, there are accusations of bribery in the bid process, now Citigroup tells us that Qataris will see now net economic benefit from hosting the world's top prestige event. …
