Michael Stephens - openDemocracy (Page 2)

Qatar’s top diplomat tackles the rumours

A plethora of rumours, some of which originated from very reputable media sources, are circling around Qatari mega-purchases of the Pyramids and the Suez Canal.

By Michael Stephens

/ 1 Apr 2013

Does Qatar have a stake in the nuclear debate?

Qatar refuses to allow its American airbase to be used as a launching pad for a strike against Iran should Israel or the US decide to go in. This certainly adds to the restrain factor that is so badly needed at this point in time.

By Michael Stephens

/ 4 Mar 2013

Qatar’s embassy handover: masterstroke or gamble?

We see a curious pattern in which Qatar breaks ranks, then sits back and admires its handy work allowing bigger states to push the Syrian issue forward down the path Qatar has paved. The problem is, Bashar hasn’t lost.

By Michael Stephens

/ 18 Feb 2013

Qatar’s public diplomacy woes

When the rumours get so large that answers are demanded they are met with walls of silence, not because Qatar has anything to hide, but because that is the culture of governance here.

By Michael Stephens

/ 4 Feb 2013

All change in Saudi Arabia? Not quite yet

It should never be underestimated with the Saudi ruling family, the importance of regime stability at all costs.

By Michael Stephens

/ 2 Feb 2013

Qatar and national identity

Up until 2008 Qatar had always marked its National Day celebration by commemorating the day the British upped sticks and left the country in the hands of the Al Thani to rule fully independently. The change to December 18 therefore was an interesting move.

By Michael Stephens

/ 27 Dec 2012

Ashura in Qatar

The thought of ruining your two thousand riyal thobe and fifteen thousand riyal diamond cufflinks by covering them in blood does not make an awful lot of sense in the materialistically infused world of Doha.

By Michael Stephens

/ 26 Nov 2012

Syrians in the Sheraton; a lesson in time wasting

Riad Seif is quietly impressive, and will no doubt play a positive role in a post-war Syria. But he exudes none of the characteristics of a leader everyone can unite behind.

By Michael Stephens

/ 12 Nov 2012

A new dawn in Saudi?

Two men are now heading the virtual entirety of the Kingdom’s intelligence gathering apparatuses. MbN’s control over the Mabahith (secret police) and Bandar’s control over the Mukhabarat will link them closely into western counter terrorist efforts.

By Michael Stephens

/ 8 Nov 2012

Shuttle diplomacy: Qatar playing politics in Palestine

The Palestinians rolled out the red carpet for Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, the first head of state to officially set foot on the territory under Hamas' control. The visit essentially legitimized Hamas as the de facto controller of the Gaza Strip.

By Michael Stephens

/ 29 Oct 2012

Standing up for unity: building bridges through comedy in the Gulf

Whilst there are inevitable irritants to living in such a multicultural society, these are far outweighed by the positive aspects of the interactions that everyone has to experience in their daily lives.

By Michael Stephens

/ 15 Oct 2012

Qatar’s Plan B for Syria: a wise choice?

Although Saudi forces are largely untested in war it is doubtful Assad’s forces could withstand a full scale Saudi offensive launched from Jordan. This may well be the key to understanding what Qatar is doing.

By Michael Stephens

/ 1 Oct 2012