The relationship between the Saudi government and the Brotherhood in Egypt is being rewritten, and a large part of this rapprochement rests on the shoulders of Egypt’s new president. Although this rapprochement will face many hurdles, including the role of Egypt’s Salafis and the consequent influence of Saudi’s Wahhabi clerics on the country, it looks like we are witnessing a previously unimaginable good start for Egypt’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. Read more »
Archives for July 2012
UAE Security Crackdown: A View From The Emirates
Since the start of the Arab uprisings the UAE has witnessed a widespread campaign of arrest mostly involving political Islamists. Five activists were detained early last year, sentenced then pardoned by the country’s president. Then in December six naturalized individuals had their citizenships revoked for “threatening national security.” But why aren’t UAE nationals marching in the street demanding urgent political reform? Here are several reasons.
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Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood: Between a Present with Qatar and a Future with Libya
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood government will hope to provide job opportunities for as many Egyptians as possible, whether internally or in Saudi Arabia, Libya or Qatar. It will also probably strive to avoid any deterioration of relations between possible mass-employer Libya and media and financial supporter Qatar, between whom it could act as a bridge. If Egypt’s Brotherhood succeeds in smoothing out relations and directing both nations’ significant financial capabilities into joint projects in Egypt and the region, it would have scored a major diplomatic and strategic coup. Read more »
Morsi’s Win Is Al Jazeera’s Loss
Al Jazeera Arabic today is actively taking part in reconstructing the image of the Arab “dictator leader” that Arabs have gotten used to since the 1950s, where the media is instructed not to criticise the president or monarch. Morsi’s much-deserved win isn’t only Al Jazeera Arabic’s loss but a major blow to the channel’s credibility and a loss to its viewers. Read more »