Michael Stephens - openDemocracy (Page 3)

Qatar and protest: a difficult combination

There is a marked difference however in the way khaleejis and especially in this case, Qataris expressed their anger and displeasure at the film, with very little anger outside the electronic sphere.

By Michael Stephens

/ 16 Sep 2012

Syria: silent war in the Gulf

The military conflict becomes more domestic and parochial, while the war of ideas spreads further afield and takes root in countries far outside Syria’s borders. This ideational war is the ‘Silent war’.

By Michael Stephens

/ 19 Aug 2012

What does Qatar want in Syria?

The ruling Emir is putting his money where his mouth is, and opposition fighters in Syria are receiving the benefits.

By Michael Stephens

/ 5 Aug 2012

The day Syria came to Doha

Whatever the agenda of Al Jazeera as it pertains to the Syrian crisis, one thing is for certain, there was no agenda in Fahad’s tears, nor in the embraces of his colleagues.

By Michael Stephens

/ 22 Jul 2012

Is Qatar becoming the new Dubai?

Dubai’s failure to maintain its culture is not something most Qataris wish to repeat; the key is balancing modernisation with westernisation, taking the good and filtering out the bad.

By Michael Stephens

/ 8 Jul 2012

Fires and politics in Doha, a worrying combination

No smoke without fire? Events in the Arab world are becoming more and more interlinked, and more and more - sectarian tensions cloud thinking.

By Michael Stephens

/ 25 Jun 2012

Qatar’s social divide: hindering a pathway to the future?

Conversations in the majlis are now more alive with the idea that Qataris must play a more active role in being the change they wish to see.

By Michael Stephens

/ 14 Jun 2012

Doha: a city of contrasts

Doha may not have experienced the Arab Awakening, but the Arab Awakening has experienced Doha. The international political life of this city is in overdrive.

By Michael Stephens

/ 29 May 2012

Gulf union or merger? Assessing calls for a Saudi and Bahrain-led Gulf Union

The push for a Gulf Union is not the first step in a regional alliance, but the beginning of a merger between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to fend off the chance that Shi’a political mobilisation will destroy vital Saudi interests.

By Michael Stephens

/ 12 May 2012