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There was a very informative and wide-ranging discussion of the situation in Yemen earlier today, which I had the privilege of chairing. It was organised by CAABU, the Council for Arab-British Understanding. The speakers were Abubakr al-Shamahi, a British-Yemeni journalist, and Baraa Shiban… Read more
The saga of the UAE and its harassment of critics continues. Last week it emerged that two Americans who publicly criticised the exploitation of migrant workers in the Emirates had found themselves under investigation by a private detective who was looking for people to say negative… Read more
The words "Iranian-backed" and "Houthi" are now coupled together in virtually every media report about the conflict in Yemen. Nobody – least of all, the Iranians – would deny that Iran supports the Houthis. But how extensive is that support and what forms does it take?
Where some kinds of support… Read more
Two Americans who publicly criticised the exploitation of migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates have found themselves under investigation by a private detective, the New York Times reports.
A private investigator called Loren Berger has been making inquiries about Andrew Ross, a… Read more
Almost constantly since its foundation in 1932, Saudi Arabia has been involved in Yemen politically and sometimes militarily – often with negative consequences for Yemen. The article below looks at the history of this relationship. Click on the links to jump to different sections of… Read more
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Sweden's cancellation of its military cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia on human rights grounds has triggered a Saudi propaganda… Read more
Saudi Arabia has been having a difficult time on the PR front lately – and deservedly so. The harsh sentence imposed on Raid Badawi for mocking the kingdom’s infinitely mockable religious establishment has attracted an unusual amount of international attention. Then this month, and… Read more
While developing a relationship with the Church of Scientology in London, the controversial Global Network for Rights and Development (GNRD) has also been active up in the Arctic Circle. It has signed an internship agreement with the world's northernmost university, in Tromsø, Norway.
An… Read more
My continuing investigation into the UAE-linked Global Network for Rights and Development (GNRD) has prompted a renewed smear campaign directed against me by the organisation's supporters.
At first sight, GNRD appears to be a normal human rights and development organisation. It has consultative… Read more
International Women's Day gathering at the Scientologists' Fitzroy House in London.
The Church of Scientology continues to develop its secretive relationship with the Global Network for Rights and Development (GNRD).
In a blog post on Monday, I noted that GNRD had attended "… Read more
ARAB ART ONLINE: Susan Hefuna: Al Sabr Gamil (Patience is Beautiful) 2007. Ink stained on wood 140 x 170 cm. More information | Click to enlarge
