James M. Dorsey

U.S. bets on EU, Turkey to Add Sting to Syria Sanctions

U.S. bets on EU, Turkey to Add Sting to Syria Sanctions

JAMES M. DORSEY: The Obama administration has been working hard behind the scenes to enlist the EU and Turkey in efforts to isolate Syria.

 Juan Cole

Top Ten Arab Spring Advances this Week

Top Ten Arab Spring Advances this Week

JUAN COLE: The Arab Spring is still producing some positive reforms and questioning of past corrupt practices, and even major governmental change.

 Omar al-Issawi

The Day the Death Knell Rang for Syria’s Regime?

The Day the Death Knell Rang for Syria’s Regime?

OMAR AL-ISSAWI: The Syrian authorities have made their decision – it’s to be full-scale repression. The choice threatens to tear the country apart.

 Steve Royston

Reasons For, and Against, Working in the MidEast

Reasons For, and Against, Working in the MidEast

STEVE ROYSTON: One year ago I wrote the 10 good reasons to work in the Middle East. I would not change one of them. I have, however, added 10 reasons you may not want to.

 Mishaal Al Gergawi

Dismal Education System Threatens GCC Future

Dismal Education System Threatens GCC Future

MISHAAL AL GERGAWI: We seem to be in a constant state of ‘re-assessment’ or ‘re-evaluation’ of education in the region. Bottom line: We’re still not delivering.

 Common Ground News Service

Secular Movement Gains Momentum in Lebanon

Secular Movement Gains Momentum in Lebanon

RITA CHEMALY: There have been a series of demonstrations in Beirut against the country’s so-called ‘confessional system’, in favour of a secular society.

 Mishaal Al Gergawi

Syria’s Fork of a Future, Where it Could Take Us

Syria’s Fork of a Future, Where it Could Take Us

MISHAAL AL GERGAWI: Should a new Syrian government have a more hedged policy towards Iran, Turkey, GCC, US and Europe, Iran would be dealt a blow.

 Steve Royston

Libya’s Rebels – “Who Are These People..?”

Libya’s Rebels – “Who Are These People..?”

STEVE ROYSTON: Yesterday I had a conversation with a Libyan friend. As an opponent of Gaddafi, I expected him to be cheering on the rebels. Not so.

 Ramzy Baroud

Time for Hamas to Rethink Charter, Offer Hope

Time for Hamas to Rethink Charter, Offer Hope

RAMZY BAROUD: Hamas should now re-think its charter of 1988, which will always be used in the interests of those seeking to discount Hamas’ credibility.

 Jonathan Cook

Global Unpopularity Wearing Down Israel

Global Unpopularity Wearing Down Israel

JONATHAN COOK: Benjamin Netanyahu’s advisers conceded last week that the Israeli prime minister is more downcast than they have ever seen him.

 James M. Dorsey

Is Turkey the Role Model for the Arab World?

Is Turkey the Role Model for the Arab World?

JAMES M. DORSEY: For the first time in its history, Turkey is emerging as a true bridge between East and West. Unrest elsewhere however puts Turkish aspirations to the test.

 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.

 Michael J. Totten

Libya: People are People, Even When World’s Apart

Libya: People are People, Even When World’s Apart

MICHAEL J. TOTTEN: Two years ago I spent time in Libya. It seems like a good time to revisit my experience of a kind people but an overarching, clamping presence.

 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.

 Common Ground News Service

Revolution Indonesia: An Arab World Inspiration?

Revolution Indonesia: An Arab World Inspiration?

SRI MURNIATI: Recent events in Tunisia will bring back memories for many Indonesians. Our transformation to a vibrant democracy should be a source of inspiration in the Middle East.

 David Roberts

Egypt: Where Were You on the Day When…

Egypt: Where Were You on the Day When…

DAVID ROBERTS: How exactly people think things will ipso facto get better I don’t understand. You can’t eat or pay rent with democracy.

 James M. Dorsey

MidEast Nations Fight For FIFA Tournaments

MidEast Nations Fight For FIFA Tournaments

JAMES M. DORSEY: Middle Eastern nations are competing to stack up successful bids to host major soccer events in an effort to position themselves as regional hubs for sport.

 James M. Dorsey

Protests & Cessation Threats Set Stage for Change

Protests & Cessation Threats Set Stage for Change

JAMES M. DORSEY: A wave of protests across the Arab world sets the stage for the redrawing of the political map of the Mideast and North Africa.

 James M. Dorsey

Money Talks: Qatar’s WC Bid Fits SWF Strategy

Money Talks: Qatar’s WC Bid Fits SWF Strategy

JAMES M. DORSEY: Flush with cash, Qatar spared no cost in its campaign to win the bid the World Cup. But are there ethical questions here?

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

Could the U.S. be Considered an ‘Islamic’ Country?

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.