There is no doubt that the participation of Lebanese armed groups in the Syrian conflict reflects sectarian political divisions and threatens to seriously destabilize Lebanon. Ahmed Abdul-Rahman explains. The term "powerless state" adopted by former finance minister Georges Corm perfectly describes the situation in Lebanon. This term actually refle...

I've been curious to know how the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Dubai, in particular is handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the countries in the Gulf Co-operation Council, the UAE has the second highest number of deaths and cases, next to Saudi Arabia. My friend, and former colleague, tells me that the schools are closed until September- home s...

I've never been a fan of Saudi Arabia, even when I lived in the Gulf. Under the auspices of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, I am even less keen on the country. Saudi Arabia, like the UAE, is not all it appears and although both countries criticize the West they are desperate for its approval, from the US in particular. So. it was with great pleas...

I read this story that was on Newshub New Zealand with shock and horror. ( https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2019/02/saudia-arabian-6yo-beheaded-in-front-of-mother-over-religious-beliefs.html ) It's a story that should have been covered more widely. Sadly, it wasn't. This is the true face of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabian 6yo beheaded in front of m...