GCC summit in Riyadh solves no problems but keeps the show on the road. MBS turns up at last.
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Religious tolerance – green shoots
Posted onA number of instances showing respect by Muslims for other religions. A 21st-century development.
Jordan – the economy – MBS
Posted onJordan – continuing protests over austerity and corruption. Remains a significant regional player. MBS doesn’t come.
MBS’s tour – pluses and minuses
Posted onMBS visited six Arab states before and after the G20. Proof of confidence he is under no threat at home. Governments toe the line of friendship, with some rewards. Problems in the Maghreb.
The perils and pitfalls of scholarly research in the Arab world
Posted onThe Hedges case is symptomatic of the increasing risks of and restrictions on scholarly research in the Middle East.
Oil: The “Donald Dip”
Posted onSaudi Arabia may or may not continue to bend to President Donald Trump’s wish to see the oil price go lower still. But there are good reasons to suppose that, whatever Opec decides on 6 December, the trend for the next few weeks at least may be upwards.
Tunisia – MBS – tourism and strikes up
Posted onTunisia – MBS visit handled smoothly. Economic problems and strikes. Tourism up. The ghost of the Arab Spring.
Airbnb – “Buzz Power”
Posted onAirbnb delists properties in the occupied West Bank. Outrage in Israel. Economically insignificant but will catch attention for BDS at least for 15 minutes.
Algeria – leadership, MBS, human rights
Posted onNo candidate yet for the presidential elections in April. MBS adds Algeria to his tour. Human rights better than some.
Bahrain – elections, MBS, Israel
Posted onElections have been held in Bahrain since 2002 but have yet to have much meaning. Homage to MBS. Bahrain in Israel’s sights.