Creating new perspectives since 2009
Items by Dr Daud Abdullah
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Defending the indefensible
Following Richard Goldstone’s rather odd op-ed piece in the Washington Post, there is now a frantic campaign to overturn the UN’s “Goldstone Report” into Israel’s 2008/9 war against the people of Gaza. Leading the charge is a legion of columnists, public relations handlers, apologists and spin doctors intent on proving…
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Leaked documents explain events at Al-Jazeera
There has been a cascade of rumours about the shock resignation of Al-Jazeera’s Wadah Khanfar. While some point to diplomatic reports of a power struggle between Islamists and secular liberals, others suggest that the former Director General had become too close to the Americans. The WikiLeaks cables, however, give a…
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News black-out and political farce over Jerusalem clashes
Despite their ferocity, last Friday’s clashes in the Noble Sanctuary of Al-Aqsa failed to make international headlines. The virtual news black-out was indicative of prevailing attitudes towards Jerusalem as a whole. Palestinian officials argue, and rightly so, that even the Arab media is complicit in this neglect. With every outrage…
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Hand-over of power in Qatar is no surprise
Reports that the Emir of Qatar, Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, will shortly hand-over power to his son and heir, Shaikh Tamim, are no surprise. Sources close to the family confirmed that this has been known for quite some time by relatives and close friends. In a region where rulers…
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Qatar: Continuity in change
There is no doubt that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is an extremely hard act to follow. In a region burdened with government inertia, many regard him as a visionary and trendsetter. His son and successor, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, inherits this legacy in every practical sense.…