David Roberts

U.S Power: The Ultimate Guarantor for Gulf States

U.S Power: The Ultimate Guarantor for Gulf States

DAVID ROBERTS: The Saudi authorities have been actively promoting a union of Gulf states but with little success. There’s a clear reason why.

 David Roberts

The Dynamics, and Players in Saudi Succession

The Dynamics, and Players in Saudi Succession

DAVID ROBERTS: A key part of Saudi succession lies in the different power blocks of family lineage, but influence also comes with ability…

 Susie of Arabia

Princess Basma: An Insider Speaks Out

Princess Basma: An Insider Speaks Out

SUSIE OF ARABIA: She is the niece of the current ruler of Saudi Arabia but is unafraid to point out the shortcomings she sees in the Kingdom.

 Steve Royston

Kingmakers, Invention of the Modern Middle East

Kingmakers, Invention of the Modern Middle East

STEVE ROYSTON: Book Review: Here you’ll find the Britons and Americans – proconsuls, agents provocateurs, spies, politicians – that shaped the Middle East.

 American Bedu

Al Farabi: Making Sweet Music in Saudi Arabia

Al Farabi: Making Sweet Music in Saudi Arabia

AMERICAN BEDU: It’s an issue that is constantly debated – whether music is haram according to Islamic principles. A new fusion of poetry and musical instruments is, however, making waves.

 Steve Royston

Where is the ‘Arab Lobby’ in the United States?

Where is the ‘Arab Lobby’ in the United States?

STEVE ROYSTON: There are many reasons why the ‘Arab Voice’ is so weak in the United States. But that doesn’t give leaders and opinion formers an excuse.

 Steve Royston

What’s Needed for Democracy in the GCC

What’s Needed for Democracy in the GCC

STEVE ROYSTON: This post is more than a five-minute read. I apologise, but I don’t apologise: Sometimes you need more than a few hundred words.

 Steve Royston

Watching Egypt – The View From The Other Side of the Arab World

Watching Egypt – The View From The Other Side of the Arab World

STEVE ROYSTON: I have had a few conversations whether Egypt will impact Saudi. My answer would be no – at least not in the current conditions.

 Steve Royston

Middle East Turmoil – Questioning Assumptions

Middle East Turmoil – Questioning Assumptions

STEVE ROYSTON: Amid the frenzy in the Middle East and beyond about the future of Egypt, many people seem to be working on a set of assumptions that are worth questioning.