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 »
UAE
Why Irena should find her home in Abu Dhabi
Over the past few months a quiet effort has been underway in one of the most recognizable buildings in Abu Dhabi. A team has been carefully assembled under specialized leadership and their mission identified. Their target has been established: her name, Irena, born in Bonn in January 2009 and now in need of a home. Read more »
Mandatory military service for our defence and future
A rigorous, secular and egalitarian military service can secure the Gulf’s future like it secured Switzerland’s past. Read more »
The ‘Ajamis’ of the Emirates: a celebrated history
This country is only made whole through such bold steps as taken by the ‘Ajamis’ of the Emirates; it is high time that we recognise the contributions of the mosaic that forms this young nation. The Emiratis of Asian, Baluch, Zanzibari, Arab and Persian origin make this country what it is today. Read more »
Imagine if Dubai had been too timid to build…
While many observers seem to be preoccupied with the future of Dubai and the UAE, it might be prudent to draw their attention to where the country actually stands today. The credit crunch, in fact, serves as a perfect opportunity for us to show the world that our ambitions were well placed and that many of the developments undertaken were not only very well timed but, it could even be argued, may even have been rather restrained. Read more »
סולטן אל-קסאמי | חטפו לנו את האיסלאם
In the week of terrorist attacks on Mumbai, Sultan discusses the attack on moderate Islam by radicals and the need for moderate Muslims to stand up to radical elements within their community. Read more »