GCC

Oil rich, relatively stable and prosperous, Gulf states have many similarities – on the surface…

Iran’s Next Move after Bahrain “Invasion”

Iran’s Next Move after Bahrain “Invasion”

DAVID ROBERTS: Without wishing to state the obvious, the longer Saudi troops are in Bahrain - the "Invaders" according to Press TV, the greater the risk of Iran’s meddling.…

The Real Damage of Vanity Fair’s Attack on Dubai

The Real Damage of Vanity Fair’s Attack on Dubai

MATT J. DUFFY: Gill's article does not make the case for stricter press laws, rather it shows the need for journalists to take their profession seriously...…

Situation Critical for Increasingly Divided Bahrain

Situation Critical for Increasingly Divided Bahrain

STEVE ROYSTON: Since the GCC forces arrived in Bahrain, the Iranian bogeyman has also surfaced with renewed vigour. The Iranians have described the CGG intervention as “interference”. …

Sunni-Shi’a Friction Takes Sharp Turn for Worse

Sunni-Shi’a Friction Takes Sharp Turn for Worse

CROSSROADS ARABIA: As a state of emergency is announced in Bahrain tension between Sunni and Shi'a in the region is on the increase.…

Pearl Roundabout: Explosions of Creativity

Pearl Roundabout: Explosions of Creativity

STEVE ROYSTON: Wherever we walked, we would come across evidence of an explosion of creativity that the protests seems to have sparked. Paintings, exhibitions...…

What Troubles? It’s Hard to Get Too Angry in Qatar

What Troubles? It’s Hard to Get Too Angry in Qatar

SHABINA S. KHATRI: Qatar is a welfare state that financially-speaking takes care of its people. The 350,000 nationals enjoy an average per capita income of $75,000 annually.…

Rebuilding Business Confidence the Next Battleground

Rebuilding Business Confidence the Next Battleground

ANDREW MACKAY: Countries across the Middle East and Africa need to examine the damage done to their reputations, and rebuild vital revenue streams from inward investment and tourism.…

The UAE’s Ghost Town, Jazirat Al Hamra: Beware The Djinn

The UAE’s Ghost Town, Jazirat Al Hamra: Beware The Djinn

ALEXANDER MCNABB: "...Locals would tell spine-chilling stories, goading each other into a state of fear..."…

How Reform Fever is Revealing the Differences Between Gulf Nations

How Reform Fever is Revealing the Differences Between Gulf Nations

MISHAAL AL GERGAWI: The different characteristics of Gulf countries are being revealed in how demands for reform are being made, and in the reaction.…

Why Bahrain Trumps Dubai – Demographics

Why Bahrain Trumps Dubai – Demographics

STEVE ROYSTON: This is not intended as a fluffy message of support. Bahrain has simply travelled further than any of its neighbours down the path of open-mindedness. And it's a 'real' country.…