The Arab world has lately been experiencing monumental changes including the realignment of political alliances, but one possible long-term outcome of the Arab uprisings may be a game of musical chairs involving the Arab monarchies, republics and Western powers. By the end of the next decade it is not unreasonable to predict a stronger relationship between certain Arab republics and the West than that which existed between Arab monarchies and the West over the past few decades. Read more »
Archives for 2012
Iran Picks Awkward Time to Escalate Gulf Tensions
Another crisis is brewing in the Middle East, this time between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Iranian president Ahmadinejad took the unprecedented step of visiting the disputed Gulf island of Abu Musa that both countries claim along with two other islands of Lesser and Greater Tunb. This prompted the normally reticent UAE to condemn the visit in the “strongest possible terms” and recall its ambassador from Iran. Additionally a football match between both states was cancelled by the UAE. Read more »
Qatar and Saudi Arabia at odds over Shater’s nomination
The Muslim Brotherhood’s surprise announcement nominating Khairat al-Shater for the presidency has ruffled feathers not only in Egypt but also here in the Gulf. The two Gulf States that perhaps are most at odds with each other over this nomination are Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The stakes between Egypt and these nations are high. Read more »
Tweeting revolutions, 140 characters at a time
The Next Web speaks to this United Arab Emirates-based businessman and writer is best known for his role on Twitter, curating and sharing articles from all over the Arabic and English Web, live tweeting significant events in Egypt and beyond, sharing all the news he can find on the Arab uprisings and news emerging from the Middle East, 140 characters at a time. Read more »
Prospects for More Dubai Bailouts
Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi talks with Bloomberg’s Margaret Brennan about Abu Dhabi’s agreement to provide $10 billion to help Dubai World avoid defaulting on a $4.1 billion bond payment, and the prospects for additional bailouts in Dubai. Read more »
Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi and the Future of Journalism
During the 2012 Global Art Forum, the Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art challenges Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi to forecast the future of journalism. Watch the video interview. Read more »