What’s Russia Up to in the Iranian Port of Chabahar? The North-South Transport Corridor (NSTC)

August 26, 2019

There have been wild reports over the past few weeks about Russia’s activities in the Iranian port of Chabahar, with some sources even alleging that Moscow plans to open up a naval base there. *** An …

Russian Diplomacy in the Middle East

August 26, 2019

Opinion

New balances of power and a new equilibrium are being set up discreetly in the Nile valley, in the Levant and the Arab peninsula. On the contrary, however, the situation is blocked in the Persian Gulf…

When the Saudis and Emiratis Fall Out

August 26, 2019

Opinion

Just over a fortnight after he issued a decree stripping Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Abu Dhabi on Friday to collect a prize - the Ord…

Diverging Gulf Responses to Kashmir and Xinjiang Ripple Across Asia

August 26, 2019

Opinion

Recent diametrically opposed responses to repression of Muslims by China, India and other Asian countries highlight deep differences among Gulf states that ripple across Asia. The different responses …

US Craves Insecurity & War

August 26, 2019

Opinion

It surely is the greatest Orwellian paradox that the United States is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. For the US is a behemoth that craves insecurity and war for its very existence. Thi…

U.S. to “Drown the World” in Oil

August 26, 2019

Opinion

The U.S. could “drown the world in oil” over the next decade, which, according to Global Witness, would “spell disaster” for the world’s attempts to address climate change. The U.S. is set to account …

Say No to the “Cashless Future” — and to Cashless Stores

August 26, 2019

Opinion

I went to a counter-serve restaurant recently, and when the time came to pay for my order, took out my wallet, presented a $20 bill, and was told, “Sorry, we don’t accept cash.” I was flabbergasted. W…

Schools Are Outdated. It’s Time for Reform

August 26, 2019

Opinion

The public education system we currently know has been around for more than 150 years. However, the basic schooling model remains the same. Roughly 20 to 30 kids of the same age are stuffed into a cla…