Suffer Little Children: Time for Saudi Protection Laws
EMAN AL NAFJAN: There have been so many horrific crimes reported against children with frighteningly lenient sentences. Enough is enough
The, ah, ‘Peace Process’ Is On A Road To Nowhere
RAMZY BAROUD: There are whispers about whispers and rumours of various parties prepared to do business but don’t expect much to change in the near future
The Textbook Narrative That Demonises ‘The Other’
MICHAEL FELSEN, CGNEWS: A major study of Palestinian and Israeli textbooks provides some startling findings.
Marriage Debate ‘Touches Raw Nerve’ in Lebanon
NADA AKL, CGNEWS: The attempt by a Sunni woman and a Shi’a man to effect a civil marriage in Lebanon has brought the issue of national identity to the fore
The Durex Arabia Debacle: Not So Sensitive Then
SHAAHIMA FAHIM: Discreet delivery via drivers impersonating policemen? What ever entered the minds of the Durex Arabia marketing team.
Israel Falls to 112th in Press Freedom Index
RICHARD SILVERSTEIN: Israel has fallen 20 places in the Press Freedom Index. It now ranks below both Qatar and Kuwait. But is its ranking low enough?
Hitler, Friend of the Arabs? Twisted History in the Region
STEVE ROYSTON: It’s not just the Second World War that has been warped by teachers, politicians and others for their own purposes.
Of Life and Creation: The Artists of Palestine Speak
LAYLA QURAN, INFORMED COMMENT: Last Summer I travelled with my father to Palestine to interview leading artists, poets and musicians.
Scarfe’s Cartoon Is Grotesque. So Is the Occupation
RICHARD SILVERSTEIN: The work of Gerald Scarfe has always evoked strong views but he has surpassed himself with his Netanyahu cartoon.
In Israel and Egypt The Stench of Racism Grows Stronger
JAMES DORSEY: Whether it’s Israeli football teams or Egyptian presidents accusations of racism are running rife throughout the region.
‘Child Soldiers’ or ‘Cadets’. No Label, Respect Children.
MAI ABDUL RAHMAN: On occasion depending on the nature of the particular conflict a discussion fires up related to child soldiers. With Mali it’s here again.
Culture: What Really Drives Middle East Companies?
STEVE ROYSTON: An enormous amount of time, money and energy is wasted trying to ‘change corporate culture’. But what are the characteristics of a Middle East organisation?
‘Real Gains’ Being Made by Women In Saudi Arabia
MAHA AKEEL, CGNEWS: The appointment of 30 extremely well-qualified women to the Shura Council is just the latest in a string of recent achievements for Saudi women.
Israeli Election Upset: Good News for Peace? Ah, No.
MONDOWEISS: The surprising blow to Netanyahu suggests good news for Israeli-Palestinian relations. Let’s look at Yair Lapid’s statements on the issue.
Obama’s Speech: Is Era of ‘Perpetual War’ Closing?
JUAN COLE: President Obama’s inauguration speech is sure to trigger panic among the ‘we must have war’ crowd. But does he really mean it?
‘Why Bother?’: Election ‘Turns Off’ Palestinian-Israelis
JONATHAN COOK: The overwhelming reaction of most Palestinian-Israelis to the upcoming Israeli election can be summed up in one word – apathy.
The Kingdom of Surprises: Engaging With Saudis
DAVID ROBERTS: It’s a while since I’ve left Qatar but the differences between the tiny peninsula state and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are striking
‘Be Optimistic for Egypt’: The Glass Is Half-Full
MOUSTAFA MENSHAWY, CGNEWS: You can find dozens of reasons to despair at the state of Egypt but if you look hard enough there are reasons to be cheerful
Equality on the Pitch: Women’s Football ‘on the Rise’
JAMES M. DORSEY: A newly launched campaign reflects the societal changes that are being felt throughout the Middle East today