We desperately need a visionary leader in the Arab world, monarch or republican, who steps aside and oversees in his lifetime a peaceful democratic transfer of power. That would truly be a “special case” that we could all be proud of. Read more »
Arab World
The Arab League: This Moribund Body Needs A New Home in the UAE
Predating the United Nations, the European Union, Asean and almost every other regional body is an institution based in Cairo known as the Arab League. Read more »
A trip to a museum does not do justice to Sheikh Zayed’s vision
It was a cold January day in London in 1968 when the British prime minister, Harold Wilson, announced that his Labour government would end what he saw as his country’s security responsibilities east of the Suez canal, including the Arab Gulf states. The reaction of one Arab leader in particular to this remarkable news is instructive. Read more »
Art’s Powerful Message for the Merchants of Death
This spring the UAE is hosting arguably the most prestigious art event in the Middle East. The 9th Sharjah Art Biennial features scores of artists from around the world as well as theatrical performances and a celebration of Jerusalem as the Unesco Arab Capital of Culture. But what does that have to do with what is usually a socio-political column? Quite a lot, in fact. Read more »
A Waltz with President al Bashir of Sudan
It was a cold October night last year when I entered the Curzon Soho cinema on Shaftesbury Avenue in London to watch Ari Folman’s Waltz With Bashir, the Israeli movie that retells in animation the story of a group of Israeli soldiers who stood idle as the Lebanese Forces Christian militia group massacred the Palestinian refugees of Sabra and Chatila. Read more »
Presidents who share a motto: ‘Till death do us part’
There is a worrying addiction displayed by leaders of Arab republics who seem to continue pursuing perpetual tenures in their presidencies. Having assumed the helm of power and absolute authority that comes with the presidency, it seems to be difficult for Arab republic leaders to go back to a civilian life and they instead opt to perpetually extend their tenure. Indeed, it would be wise to remind such presidents that power is elusive and impermanent. Read more »