Could the U.S. be Considered an ‘Islamic’ Country?
SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: What does it mean to be an Islamic country? Today’s world is not so black and white, and glib categorisations make less sense than ever.
Rising Wave of Saudi Spinsters, the Shame of Divorce
CROSSROADS ARABIA: An increasing number of Saudi women are choosing not to get married, while divorcees are facing growing discrimination.
Oil Price Rise means a Happy 2011 in Tehran
JUAN COLE: While U.S consumers bemoan oil price rises it’s smiles all round in Iran. The OPEC chair is in no hurry to do anything about spiraling costs.
Ten 10 Predictions for Digital in the MidEast, 2011
CARRINGTON MALIN: Some of our predictions may seem a little obvious and some may seem a little extreme, but all should provide food for thought.
Why We Must Speak up for Arab Christians
HASNI ABIDI: The spate of recent attacks on Christians throughout the Arab world has thrown into focus the urgent need to defend their contribution across all areas of life.
The Wait is Over: New Saudi Online Law Unveiled
AHMED AL OMRAN: The wording may be clunky but the intent is clear. The Ministry of Culture and Information is looking to extend its control.
The Very Hidden Talents of Saudi Arabian Men
AMERICAN BEDU: A Saudi man may want every woman to think that when he comes in the door all that’s expected of him is to take off his shoes, put his feet up and turn on the TV, but…
Is it Time to give Saudi Arabian Youth its Voice?
STEVE ROYSTON: Respect for the elderly is deeply ingrained in Arab society. Saudi Arabia, however, faces a major demographic challenge – a hugely youthful population.
It’s Not “Lady-Like!” – Women’s Sport in Saudi
SUSIE OF ARABIA: You won’t believe some of the ludicrous reasons given for why girls shouldn’t be allowed to participate in sports or exercise in school.
Incubation City: Missing Piece of the UAE puzzle
DAVID WESTLEY: Over the years Dubai has started a host of cities acting as hubs. What it has failed to do is start something as simple as “Incubation City”.
Is Saudi Encouraging its own Brain Drain?
STEVE ROYSTON: Could it be that the next wave of migration will come from the very class of people that Saudi Arabia sees as its future?
Wanted: Honorable Men in Saudi Arabia
AMERICAN BEDU: Widows in Saudi Arabia rarely remarry. This is often down to a skewed view of what is acceptable within Saudi society…
Al Jazeera Kuwait Closure – Stormy Times Ahead
DAVID ROBERTS: Once again Kuwaiti authorities have responded to perceived bias in Al Jazeera’s coverage of its political upheaval by closing its office.
Reform in Saudi Arabia: A Battle of the Fatwas
JAMES M. DORSEY: Abdullah appears to be gaining the upper hand in his battle to push through sweeping legal reform and codification of Saudi law to meet World human rights standards.
Talk but Any Progress on Horizon for Saudi Women?
AMERICAN BEDU: A forum held recently in Jeddah addressed issues of real concern to Saudi women. But will anything concrete come from the ‘talk fest’?
Women in Saudi: The Employment Dilemma
STEVE ROYSTON: Difficulties facing women who wish to enter the workforce are only part of what the Saudi leadership recognizes is a slow burn of discontent.
Urgent: Fresh Arab Approach towards Iran, Palestine
OSAMA AL SHARIF: Focus on Iran or Afghanistan should not be at the expense of the Palestine Question, which remains crucial to peoples of the region.
Meet Al Qaeda’s Greatest Nemesis – David Letterman!
JAMES MULLAN – American propaganda efforts in their so-called ‘War on Terror’ have been superseded by Hollywood. Are we surprised?
Qatar WC 2022: A Middle East Game Changer?
JAMES M. DORSEY: So deep-seated is soccer passion that governments would be acting at their own peril and would likely conclude that they have no alternative but to allow their teams to play Israel.
The Professor Detention Debate & Twitter’s Embrace
AHMED AL-OMRAN: The arrest of Mohammed al-Abdulkarim, a Saudi law professor, has unleashed a fierce debate among the Kingdom’s social media community, and revealed why Twitter is such a phenomena in the Kingdom.
