Articles
Mali coup shows Arab Spring instability bleeds over borders
A coup in Mali, fighting in south-east Libya and Al Qaeda activity in Algeria show the patchwork of instability resulting from Arab revolutions.
Merah and Breivik: two sides of Europe's identity crisis
Identity politics, jamming people into ever-smaller groups, helps create the conditions for bloodbaths like the one in Toulouse this month.
Hizbollah is forced to choose sides against its own interests
As Syria's troubles continue, serious risks begin to appear for Hizbollah, which may soon have to choose between its patron and the Syrian people.
Egypt's quandary is whether a president can curb the army
Egypt faces a choice between a president too reliant on the army, and a prime minister too beholden to his party.
Settlements and Iraq: missing keys to Obama's speech
Not once in his address to Aipac did US President Barack Obama mention either the Israeli "settlements" or "Iraq", although he mentioned Iran 40 times. Yet no discussion of Israel and Iran today can escape those words.
With a nod from Oscar, the UAE's film industry comes of age
Hollywood's biggest night turned into something of a showcase for regional cinematic talent. The Gulf is not only funding films, it is also beginning to tell its own story on the silver screen.
An economic bloodbath will test Assad's staying power
Syria's elite still backs the regime, but the merchant class, while anxious about unrest and deterred by recent regional history, could turn against Bashar Al Assad.
Opposition songs threaten Assad's language of force
Brutal regimes hate and fear peaceful protest, because it disproves their narrative about protecting the people from violence and turmoil.
Syrian artists channel anger at regime into creative projects
A satirical puppet show parodies Bashar Al Assad. A music video depicting the brutality of his regime is a hit on YouTube. Syria's artists and musicians are confronting their leader in the only way they know.
Egyptians renegotiate - with the US, Israel and themselves
There is a tension at the heart of the Egyptian revolution between making cosmetic changes, like elections, and genuine, deep-rooted change.
Bad girls do it well: stereotypes and silent Arab voices
MIA's new video: an unflattering depiction of Gulf Arabs or a tip of the hat to a cultural meme in a complex region?
A simple reform of parliament could help to save Yemen
Saleh's departure leaves a corrupting legacy. An empowered parliament could solve more than one of the problems that is facing the country.
Chill factor catches out nation used to sandals and balmy nights
Shielded by the seemingly perennial sunshine, UAE residents have greeted the breezy interlude with shock, shivers and a rush to the shops to buy winter woollens.
For all of the media bias, the blood of Syrians tells the story
Bashar Al Assad has not lost his legitimacy because he stands against the West in politics. He has lost his legitimacy because he has Syrian blood on his hands.
Military intervention should be the last resort for Syria
War against the Assad regime would not be clean or quick. It is essential that every peaceful option be first exhausted.
