Steve Royston

‘A Step Backwards?’ Bahrain Set to Curb VoIP Services

‘A Step Backwards?’ Bahrain Set to Curb VoIP Services

STEVE ROYSTON: The reason for the crackdown is predictably ‘security’. The impact on much-needed inward investment may, however, be profound.

 Crossroads Arabia

Could Saudi Arabia become a Net Oil Importer?

Could Saudi Arabia become a Net Oil Importer?

CROSSROADS ARABIA: If the rate continues as it is going, Saudi Arabia could be a net importer of oil in 17 years’ time. That’s plausible, based on the figures, but unlikely…

 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.

 Juan Cole

Facebook Value Endures Beyond IPO in Middle East

Facebook Value Endures Beyond IPO in Middle East

JUAN COLE: Facebook does not seem important in Egypt’s presidential race. You wonder if the young are interested: Most plausible candidates are rather ancient…

 Francis Matthew

GCC Union: Practical Thinking Required

GCC Union: Practical Thinking Required

FRANCIS MATTHEW: It’s likely to succeed if it focuses on ways to make the existing GCC work better, rather than offer any new political structure.

 James M. Dorsey

Trade Unions Reject Qatar’s ‘Labour Rights’

Trade Unions Reject Qatar’s ‘Labour Rights’

JAMES DORSEY: According to the ITUC “workers are dying in Qatar as they build World Cup stadiums, suffering large scale exploitation every day.

 David Roberts

A Non-Starter: The Many Obstacles to Closer GCC Union

A Non-Starter: The Many Obstacles to Closer GCC Union

DAVID ROBERTS: There will be fine talk and likely a positive joint statement will be issued but no firm action will be agreed.

 Crossroads Arabia

Labour: Qatar Trade Union Gets the Go Ahead

Labour: Qatar Trade Union Gets the Go Ahead

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Qatar is to allow the formation of trade unions. In addition, it will end the current system of sponsorship for foreign workers.

 Rob L. Wagner

Arab Spring ‘Good For Women’? The Jury’s Out

Arab Spring ‘Good For Women’? The Jury’s Out

ROB L. WAGNER: They played a leading role in the early stages of the Arab Spring. But have women seen concrete benefits yet?

 David Roberts

Examining Saudi-Qatar Relations

Examining Saudi-Qatar Relations

DAVID ROBERTS: if Qatar’s role is tempered by lack of Saudi support, the region will be without a state willing to push the boundaries of regional politics.

 Common Ground News Service

Initiative ‘Offers Hope’ to Female Saudi Job Seekers

Initiative ‘Offers Hope’ to Female Saudi Job Seekers

LULUA ASAAD, CGNEWS: Here’s a shocking statistic – 60% of Saudi women with a Phd are unemployed. What’s to be done?

 James M. Dorsey

A Storm Brewing: Bahrain Sheikh Seeks Top AFC Job

A Storm Brewing: Bahrain Sheikh Seeks Top AFC Job

JAMES M. DORSEY: Campaigning is under way for the presidency of the Asian Football Confederation. The position is never far from controversy.

 Rob L. Wagner

“Three Months at Most”: How Long Could Iran Close Straits of Hormuz?

“Three Months at Most”: How Long Could Iran Close Straits of Hormuz?

ROB L. WAGNER: As tensions increase all parties are beginning to make calculations regarding the effect of a possible conflict in the Arabian Gulf.

 James M. Dorsey

Egypt and Yemen: Protestors Being ‘Marginalised’

Egypt and Yemen: Protestors Being ‘Marginalised’

JAMES M. DORSEY: Powerful forces are at work in both Egypt and Yemen to mould the emerging political landscape to benefit these particular players.

 Common Ground News Service

Saleh’s Finally Gone: Where Now for Yemen?

Saleh’s Finally Gone: Where Now for Yemen?

ABUBAKR AL-SHAMAHI, CGNEWS: The incoming government in Yemen have a very long ‘to do’ list. What, though, should be their immediate priorities?

 James M. Dorsey

Own Goal: Bahrain National Goalkeeper Imprisoned over Role in Protests

Own Goal: Bahrain National Goalkeeper Imprisoned over Role in Protests

JAMES M. DORSEY: Military court sentences goalkeeper, plus two other sportsmen, despite pledge by the King to move trials to civilian courts.

 Juan Cole

Democratic Progress Despite Arab Upheavals

Democratic Progress Despite Arab Upheavals

JUAN COLE: Events are moving quickly in the region, and here are some notable developments with implications for democracy in the Middle East.

 Crossroads Arabia

The Saudi Enigma: Rich but No Job For Many

The Saudi Enigma: Rich but No Job For Many

CROSSROADS ARABIA: It’s a very rich country but faces a serious unemployment problem. Why so and what to do?

 David Roberts

Big Claims By ‘WSJ’ on Iran & Bahrain. But Proof?

Big Claims By ‘WSJ’ on Iran & Bahrain. But Proof?

DAVID ROBERTS: The Wall Street Journal has published a very curious piece indeed on the relationship between Iran and Bahrain. It’s long on allegation but very short on proof.

 James M. Dorsey

GCC: Winds of Change Kept At Bay – At What Price?

GCC: Winds of Change Kept At Bay – At What Price?

JAMES M. DORSEY: Their reluctance to be proactive rather than reactive has so far shielded the GCC from the revolt. The question is for how long, and what’s the price?