Juan Cole

The Rise and Rise of Solar Power: Everyone’s Getting It

The Rise and Rise of Solar Power: Everyone’s Getting It

JUAN COLE: The precipitous fall in the cost of generating solar power has resulted in traditionally oil-dependent nations such as Saudi Arabia investing heavily in it for domestic power production.

 Crossroads Arabia

Saudis’ Water Consumption ‘Unsustainable’

Saudis’ Water Consumption ‘Unsustainable’

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Advances in solar power and nuclear plants will help Saudis address their energy issues but water consumption is a major issue.

 Juan Cole

U.S. Democracy: The Billionaires Only Game

U.S. Democracy: The Billionaires Only Game

JUAN COLE: After Nicolas Sarkozy lost the presidency in France, SWAT teams went into his house looking for evidence that he had received $50,000 illicitly from the L’oreal heiress. $50,000? Our politicians get that in their sleep.

 Francis Matthew

China’s Influence Based on ‘Failure to Engage’

China’s Influence Based on ‘Failure to Engage’

FRANCIS MATTHEW: Arab concerns are largely irrelevant to the Chinese as Beijing looks to reinforce its self-perception as the premier Asian power.

 Juan Cole

Israel: Extinguishing the Last Light in Palestine

Israel: Extinguishing the Last Light in Palestine

JUAN COLE: The Israeli government deliberately does not give Palestinians building permits [for solar energy], because it wants them to emigrate.

 Juan Cole

Alternative Energy: A Way Out of Iran Impasse?

Alternative Energy: A Way Out of Iran Impasse?

THOMAS BUONOMO, INFORMED COMMENT: China’s working with Iran to develop alternative energy solutions. Support welcome?

 Rob L. Wagner

Abu Dhabi vs Dubai: There’s a Clear Winner

Abu Dhabi vs Dubai: There’s a Clear Winner

ROB L. WAGNER: Don’t be fooled by the ‘smooth noises’ each emirate makes about the other when the word ‘competition’ is raised.

 Steve Royston

2012 and Beyond: The Many Reasons to be Both Fearful – and Cheerful

2012 and Beyond: The Many Reasons to be Both Fearful – and Cheerful

STEVE ROYSTON looks at the arts, society, education, politics, business, technology and the environment as we move into 2012, the Year of Fear’.

 Juan Cole

Aqaba: To Boldly Go Where No King Has Gone Before

Aqaba: To Boldly Go Where No King Has Gone Before

JUAN COLE: Klingons and Romulans wandering through the souk in Aqaba? Could be sooner than you think if King Abdullah’s ambitious plans come to fruition.

 Crossroads Arabia

Strange Timing: Saudi Announces Nuclear Deal

Strange Timing: Saudi Announces Nuclear Deal

CROSSROADS ARABIA: With demand for energy soaring in the Kingdom it’s no surprise that the authorities are looking at nuclear energy. In the wake of the Fukushima catastrophe they will, though, face questions from an uneasy public.

 Andrew Mackay

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.

 Steve Royston

A New Saudi Arabia: Thoughts For a Better Future

A New Saudi Arabia: Thoughts For a Better Future

STEVE ROYSTON: King Abdullah, upon his return to Saudi Arabia after successful surgery in the United States, broadcasts to the nation. This is what he could say…