Saudi Iranian détente potentially sparks paradigm shifts
Chinese mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran potentially signals paradigm shifts in Middle Eastern diplomacy and alliances.
The mediation suggests a more productive approach than...
Debates about Islamic reform loom larger as Ramadan approaches
Reform of Islamic jurisprudence was the elephant in the room when two prominent Saudi clerics recently clashed publicly on whether apostasy was punishable with...
Iran upgrades perceptions of Saudi threat
If there is one place Saudi Arabia was happy to be low on the totem pole, it was Iran. Those days are over. Strategic...
Bahrain prosecutes religious reformers: traditionalists fight back
Gulf autocrats are trying to squash calls for reform of Islamic law with three Bahraini men on trial.
Redha Rajab, his son Mohamed Rajab, and...
A U.S. trump card in Gulf geopolitics: Capacity-enhancing security cooperation
If played well, security is the United States trump card in stabilizing relations with its Gulf partners and competing with China for regional influence.
In...
Saudi sports strategy challenges global sports governors and activists alike
Even before it officially launched, Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2030 World Cup is on thin ice.
The bid suggests that Crown Prince Mohammed...
UAE’s mastery of playing both sides against the middle has its limits
The United Arab Emirates has mastered playing both sides against the middle.
In the game’s latest iteration, the Gulf state earned significant brownie points in...
Saudi columnists bolster calls for reform of Muslim religious law
Taliban bans on women’s education and employment by foreign aid organisations operating in Afghanistan are having unintended consequences.
The bans have sparked calls for reform...
India could be this decade’s China
This could be India’s decade if it plays its cards right.
The subcontinental state is poised to be the next China, even if its path...