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.
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?
Qatar’s ‘Conservative Liberal Bind’
DAVID ROBERTS: Qatar’s growing international recognition is bringing with it a host of problems and as we get closer to 2022 the noise of protest is only set to increase.
The End of Eid, The Start of the Beginning
DAVID WESTLEY: This year, the return to ‘normality’ will be significantly harder to achieve for those countries that have gone through their Arab spring; the pathway to success is still far from clear.
Palestine’s ‘Al Jazeera’ Launched: Timely Indeed
NIDA TUMA, CGNEWS: With the attention of all the major news organisations fixed on the ‘Arab Spring’ revolutions, Palestine has dropped down the news agenda. Ma’an TV is set to address this issue.
‘Arab Spring’ Map: Not to be Taken too Seriously
DAVID ROBERTS: The author clearly has, how should we put it?, an incomplete knowledge of the region but it’s an amusing take on recent regional events.
Israel Hearts Qatar. Not. The Love-In’s Over.
ANNIE, MONDOWEISS: The relationship between Israel and its BFF in the Gulf appear to have broken down completely.
Blatter Hints FIFA May Investigate Qatar Bid
JAMES M. DORSEY: There’s resentment against Qatar hosting the WC because its riches allowed it to spend far more than its competitors
British Parliament Lashes Out At FIFA Handing of Qatari Bribery Claims
JAMES M. DORSEY: The UK parliamentary call for an independent investigation of the alleged Qatari bribery follows a similar call by the German FA.
Assad Plays the ‘Palestinian Card’ – Again
PAUL NOTAR, INFORMED COMMENT: He’s always been a skilful player of ‘the Palestinian Card’ but as the region changes his hold on that particular narrative is no longer exclusive.
New Convention ‘A Major Boost’ for UAE Workers
MATT J. DUFFY: The mistreatment of domestic staff in the UAE has long been a major concern inside and outside the country. Thankfully the issue appears to be rising up the political agenda.
Top Ten Mistakes of the Libyan ‘Intervention’
JUAN COLE: I believe it’s legal but that doesn’t mean that the West’s military intervention in Libya has been wisely handled.
FIFA Needs a “Day of Rage” to Restore Faith
STEVE ROYSTON: As his formerly loyal colleagues turn on each other like rats in a cage, and Blatter lectures us like Hosni Mubarak, FIFA needs a day of rage.
World Cup 2022: Looking Increasingly Ominous for Qatar
DAVID ROBERTS: With each new leaked email and each new comment by the key protagonists it becomes increasingly worrying for the Qatar 2022 team.
Citigroup: ‘No Benefit to Qatar from World Cup’
DAVID ROBERTS: Not a good week for Qatar 2022. First, there are accusations of bribery in the bid process, now Citigroup tells us that Qataris will see now net economic benefit from hosting the world’s top prestige event.
Qatar and Libya: A Match Not Made in Heaven
DAVID ROBERTS: The feelings felt by Muammar Gaddaffi and his regime in Libya towards Qatar are rather less than brotherly. Has Doha taken the threat seriously enough?
Qatar Ministries to hire Qataris as Taxi Drivers
DAVID ROBERTS: The Qatari Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Art, Culture and Heritage will soon be hiring Qatari nationals as drivers. This really is news for Qatar.
Time for Muslims to Re-Discover their Voices
SYDNEY SMITH: Most Muslims, it appears, are relieved that bin Laden is gone but how do they deal with the prejudice and suspicion engendered by his deeds?
Qatar to Sell Gas to Israel ‘Below Cost Price’?
DAVID ROBERTS: Why does Qatar seemingly so often seek Israeli support, particularly when it, at the very least, causes friction within the GCC and with Qatar and Iran?
Israel, U.S. Players Recognise Urgency Of Peace Agreement
MICHAEL FELSEN, CGNEWS: The Israeli Peace Initiative which was unveiled in April has an ambitious goal, namely the resolution of all claims.
