www.al-bab.com Brian Whitaker's blog en-gb mirabyte Feed Writer Sun, 09 May 2010 10:21:34 +0100 arab middle east http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/may/bahrain-a-century-of-reform-promises.htm When tyranny and oppression became 'a public scandal' Tue, 21 May 2013 09:25:55 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/may/newspapers-seized-over-bouteflika-coma-reports.htm President's health causes political uncertainty in Algeria Mon, 20 May 2013 09:08:14 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/may/obama-renews-emergency-order-on-yemen.htm Penalties for anyone obstructing political transition Sat, 18 May 2013 16:40:45 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/may/libya-legislating-under-duress.htm Machinations behind the new Isolation Law Mon, 13 May 2013 17:06:05 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/may/learn-arabic-or-else.htm Call for GCC action to preserve the language Sun, 12 May 2013 18:26:06 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/may/algerian-activist-sentenced-over-leaflets.htm 'Unregistered organisations' face penalties Sat, 11 May 2013 09:24:54 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/may/bahrain-a-tale-of-two-ambassadors.htm Frosty relations with US, warm ties with Britain Wed, 08 May 2013 16:44:33 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/april/bahrain-complains-about-human-rights-report.htm US State Department 'lacks objectivity', ministry says Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:39:09 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-14-april-2003.htm US forces enter Saddam's home town Sun, 14 Apr 2013 08:23:05 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-13-april-2003.htm Syrian border closed Sat, 13 Apr 2013 07:10:37 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-12-april-2003.htm 'Freedom is untidy,' says Rumsfeld amid looting Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:01:23 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/april/yemeni-moves-to-curb-saleh-family.htm Ex-president's son becomes ambassador to UAE Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:28:46 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-11-april-2003.htm Murder in the mosque Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:35:13 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-10-april-2003.htm The toppling of Saddam Hussein's statue Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:30:51 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-9-april-2003.htm Looting starts in Baghdad Tue, 09 Apr 2013 07:35:43 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-8-april-2003.htm Baghdad is safe, says Iraqi information minister Mon, 08 Apr 2013 06:08:00 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-7-april-2003.htm US forces enter presidential palace Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:03:43 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-6-april-2003.htm US tanks make foray into Baghdad Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:03:08 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/april/growing-criticism-of-saudi-deportations.htm Calls to legalise status of migrants Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:13:15 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-5-april-2003.htm Saddam Hussein's Baghdad walkabout Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:58:34 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/april/saudi-deportations-total-775000.htm Inspectors round up "illegal" foreign workers Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:29:06 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-4-april-2003.htm Doubts about a clear-cut victory Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:56:19 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/april/mass-expulsions-from-saudi-arabia.htm Ex-president arrives as thousands of Yemenis are deported Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:51:29 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-3-april-2003.htm Battles continue in Washington Wed, 03 Apr 2013 07:20:20 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-2-april-2003.htm Pentagon at war with State Department Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:40:17 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-1-april-2003.htm US troops kill women and children at checkpoint Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:03:01 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-31-march-2003.htm Military chiefs accuse Rumsfeld Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:02:37 +0100 http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/seeing-through-assad.htm Syria and the battle of the narratives Sat, 30 Mar 2013 09:52:22 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-30-march-2003.htm First suicide bombing Sat, 30 Mar 2013 05:22:05 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/britain-softens-its-line-on-bahrain.htm Visiting MPs 'hail positive atmosphere' Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:46:47 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-29-march-2003.htm Fifty dead in Baghdad market blast Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:54:52 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-28-march-2003.htm Richard Perle resigns Thu, 28 Mar 2013 05:46:14 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/us-rightwingers-join-bahrain-propaganda-offensive.htm Disgraced British minister enters the fray too Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:58:57 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-27-march-2003.htm Bomb hits crowded market Wed, 27 Mar 2013 06:20:41 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/british-diplomats-defend-bahrain.htm Human rights criticisms 'too negative' Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:49:00 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-26-march-2003.htm Uprising reported in Basra Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:30:51 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/warm-words-for-bahrain-from-british-ambassador.htm Envoy's extraordinary endorsement Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:33:18 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/saudis-threaten-to-block-skype-whatsapp.htm Authorities seek to monitor messages Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:23:07 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-25-march-2003.htm Invading forces advance on Baghdad Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:33:21 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/president-hadi-man-in-the-shadows.htm Yemenis still know very little about their new leader Sun, 24 Mar 2013 11:39:44 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-24-march-2003.htm Saddam Hussein: 'Victory is coming' Sun, 24 Mar 2013 06:15:26 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/jordan-forward-to-god-knows-where.htm Problems for the king as Obama flies in Fri, 22 Mar 2013 08:05:47 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-21-march-2003.htm The war starts in earnest Thu, 21 Mar 2013 03:54:55 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/obama-israel-assisted-suicide.htm Need to break stranglehold of an ill-informed lobby, says ex-ambassador Wed, 20 Mar 2013 07:57:13 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-20-march-2003.htm Saddam Hussein becomes a "target of opportunity" Wed, 20 Mar 2013 03:46:14 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/iraq/war-diary-19-march-2003.htm British parliament votes for war; US ultimatum to Iraq expires Tue, 19 Mar 2013 05:21:22 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/police_dogs_and_rap-music.htm Two arrested in Tunisia as singer goes into hiding Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:44:22 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/iraq-2003-anatomy-of-a-fiasco.htm For the causes of the war, look at Washington – not Baghdad Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:15:47 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/cutting-human-rights-down-to-size.htm A look at the Arab Human Rights Charter Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:16:38 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/sex-and-the-arab-spring.htm Can demands for freedom and dignity reach beyond politics? Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:22:05 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/royal-solidarity-tour-jordan.htm Charles and Camilla give succour to beleaguered monarch Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:35:55 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/bahrain-reshaping-the-news-to-fit.htm An outpost of Soviet-style reporting Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:55:33 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/march/prince-begins-royal-solidarity-tour.htm British goodwill for sale as Charles visits Arab monarchies Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:56:58 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/feb/syria-the-saddam-hussein-question.htm Would the Iraqi dictator have backed Assad, or not? Sat, 09 Mar 2013 09:22:14 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1303.htm#islamists-a-view-from-british-conservatives Time to focus on 'shared goals', says report Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:33:40 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1303.htm#britain-friends-in-the-emirates Minister boosts university ties, despite ban Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:35:58 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1303.htm#double-standards-of-hugo-chavez Contradictions and hypocrisy in the Middle East Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:29:50 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1303.htm#royal-welcome-for-saudi-tweeters Forum discusses 'pressing issues' regarding Twitter Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:55:39 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1303.htm#clashes-over-religious-kidnap-in-egypt Honour, patriarchy and sectarianism converge Sun, 03 Mar 2013 11:15:36 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1303.htm#sharmine-narwani-spinning-the-assad-line ... with a little help from Oxford Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:59:38 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#bahrain-thanks-uae-for-banning-speaker A fine example of GCC cooperation? Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:18:21 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#gulf-golden-handcuffs Buying allegiance can backfire Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:43:46 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#arming-the-'good'-rebels-in-syria Governments quietly shift position Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:09:45 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#defaming-the-dead-in-syria Conspiracy theorists smear photographer Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:51:42 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#oman-the-sultan-and-his-prisoners Dozens in jail for 'unrecognisable' crimes Sun, 24 Feb 2013 08:35:55 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#conference-speaker-banned-from-uae Criticisms of Bahrain are likely reason Sat, 23 Feb 2013 10:20:20 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#egypt-christians-angry-over-easter-election Polling coincides with Holy Week Sat, 23 Feb 2013 08:17:45 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#syria-talks-lifeline-for-assad Political transition versus regime survival Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:25:36 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#bahrain-kings-son-heads-for-britain Horse event planned at Windsor Castle Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:46:11 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#arab-media-question-of-freedom ... and how to measure it Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:11:09 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#threat-to-muslim-mp-over-gay-marriage-vote Accusations of apostasy Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:17:53 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#kuwaitis-acquitted-on-battery-charge Electrical hashtag on Twitter shocked the emir Sat, 16 Feb 2013 08:10:01 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#un-welcomes-yemen-national-dialogue Saleh and rival warned over 'interference' Sat, 16 Feb 2013 08:09:41 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#russia-blocks-un-statement-on-yemen Objection to criticisms of Saleh Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:10:41 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#saudi-valentines-day-is-looking-rosy Religious police deny plans to interfere Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:02:56 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#egypt-economy-drifting-down-the-nile Salafists' religious challenge over IMF loan Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:58:25 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#ex-admiral-calls-for-us-fleet-to-quit-bahrain 'Fundamental values' more important than military concerns Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:13:32 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#the-art-of-the-diplomatic-dispatch A musical quandary in Oman Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:23:21 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#bahrain-talks-about-what New 'dialogue' looks like window-dressing Sun, 10 Feb 2013 09:45:49 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#muslim-mps-back-gay-marriage Five out of eight say 'yes' in parliament vote Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:06:05 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#assad-the-unassuming-godfather A psychological profile of the Syrian president Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:19:16 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#meritocracy_riyadh-style Saudi Arabia's 'egalitarian' nepotism Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:09:58 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#staggering-along-in-yemen Aid stalls as the elite cling to power Tue, 05 Feb 2013 07:52:47 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1302.htm#saudi-arabia-question-of-identity Would Saudis be Saudis without the royal family? Sun, 03 Feb 2013 09:53:05 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301a.htm#unholy-matrimony-battle-in-lebanon MP condemns Grand Mufti's fatwa Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:01:55 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301a.htm#saleh-the-victim Ex-president's damaged trousers on display in Yemen Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:16:18 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301a.htm#mufti-threats-civil-marriage-lebanon 'Apostasy' warning to MPs and ministers Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:07:15 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301a.htm#citizen-saleh Yemen's ex-president gives an interview Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:34:16 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301a.htm#sects-and-marriage-in-lebanon Challenging the sectarian system Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:59:07 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301a.htm#egypt-national-dilemma Protecting morals or protecting lives? Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:18:46 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301a.htm#saudi-arabia-subversion-by-stealth The art of deniable critique Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:31:32 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301a.htm#saudi-apostasy-case-dropped ... but online activist remains in jail Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:25:09 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301a.htm#britain-israel-tax-benefits-settlers MPs question 'charitable' subsidies Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:19:05 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301a.htm#gay-marriage-lebanese-style One man and one woman in pretend matrimony Sun, 20 Jan 2013 09:27:04 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301a.htm#jordan-a-transition-to-what King announces new era of parliamentary government Thu, 17 Jan 2013 09:10:28 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301a.htm#saudi_shoura_no_hanky_panky Partition will keep male and female members apart Wed, 16 Jan 2013 08:57:00 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/yemen/pol/yemen-conference-challengss-for-the-future-2013.htm Compilation of reports from the London conference Wed, 16 Jan 2013 06:40:28 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#yemen_colonial_echoes_in_south London conference report Tue, 15 Jan 2013 20:37:29 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#yemen_houthi_conflict London conference report Tue, 15 Jan 2013 08:22:40 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#yemen_ambivalent_transition London conference report Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:18:44 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#yemen_water_and_qat London conference report Sun, 13 Jan 2013 17:24:41 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#yemen_challenging_year_ahead Dialogue delay could throw transition plan off course Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:25:39 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#resisting_colonialism_at_oxford The strange case of Sharmine Narwani Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:45:55 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#bahrain_king_humanitarian_of_the_year The most wonderful ruler on earth? Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:46:04 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#bahrain_failed_charm_offensive Editor attacks western 'PR mercenaries' Tue, 08 Jan 2013 09:32:18 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#futility_of_talking_to_assad Why a negotiated settlement in Syria won't work Mon, 07 Jan 2013 13:37:12 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#shutting_out_the_world_from_bahrain Journalists, politicians, aid workers excluded Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:48:41 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#testing_egypt_constitution Ex-MP launches 'public morality' lawsuit Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:14:15 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#yemen_motorcycle_murders Forty officers, four civilians killed in 2012 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 08:41:13 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2013/blog1301.htm#critic_of_israel_palestine_ngos_loses_case Court claim was 'lacking any foundation in law' Tue, 01 Jan 2013 18:01:56 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#king_of_jordan_future_in_the_peoples_hands Voters urged to hold politicians accountable Mon, 31 Dec 2012 08:44:38 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#iraq_mudslinging_in_the_rain Is the problem sectarianism or dysfunctional government? Sun, 30 Dec 2012 10:04:01 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#jordan_king_promises_reforms_again Buying time with another royal 'vision'? Sat, 29 Dec 2012 08:26:01 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#arab_media_dinosaurs_meet_in_bahrain A world steeped in 'foreign plots', 'defamation' and 'fabricated' news Thu, 27 Dec 2012 08:11:07 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#saudi_arabia_soccer_republic Ex-goalkeeper replaces prince Wed, 26 Dec 2012 09:44:22 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#saudi_writer_turki_al-hamad_arrested_over_tweets Tweets about abuse of religion cause furore Tue, 25 Dec 2012 09:27:46 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#brahimi_meets_assad Damascus talks focus on political transition Mon, 24 Dec 2012 10:00:54 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#syria_question_is_the_answer_142 Russia and US said to be working on a deal Sun, 23 Dec 2012 11:28:40 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#selling_to_the_sultan Britain's 'special relationship' with Oman Sat, 22 Dec 2012 10:21:41 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#bahrain_violates_workers_rights_says_us Gulf state found in breach of trade treaty Fri, 21 Dec 2012 09:26:19 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#yemen_president_grasps_nettle Clear-out of wayward generals announced Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:11:41 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#crime_of_cross_dressing_in_emirates Filipino man is latest to be arrested Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:37:13 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212b.htm#yemen_plans_to_eradicate_qat But will the government have the nerve to see it through? Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:34:42 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212a.htm Two years on: the message of the Tunisian revolution Mon, 17 Dec 2012 06:51:18 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#internet_survives_as_dubai_conference_collapses Move to assert governmental control is blocked Sat, 15 Dec 2012 10:03:18 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#arab_uprisings_book_list Sat, 15 Dec 2012 08:48:02 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#spinning_the_uae More good news from PR firms Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:45:31 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#yemen_all_the_presidents_missiles Saleh's son wants to keep his Scuds Wed, 12 Dec 2012 09:21:34 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#self_inflicted_wounds_in_the_uae Abusers blame their critics Tue, 11 Dec 2012 10:53:06 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#saudi_crackdown_on_fake_muftis Call for preachers to be licensed Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:11:25 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#tunisia_another_egypt Workers challenge Islamist-led government Sun, 09 Dec 2012 10:34:17 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#arab_regimes_new_threat_to_internet World telecom conference becomes vehicle for repressive agenda Sat, 08 Dec 2012 07:28:18 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#syria_preparing_for_the_end Diplomatic focus shifts to 'the day after' Fri, 07 Dec 2012 10:57:12 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#syria_chemical_weapons How real is the threat? Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:54:12 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#will_assad_flee_or_sink_with_his_ship Escape into exile looks unlikely Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:43:13 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#syria_six_pointers_to_assad_fall Six pointers to Assad's fall Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:36:01 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#kuwait_election_results Tribes and Sunni Islamists lose seats, Shia gain Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:21:13 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1212.htm#the_kardashian_effe Milkshakes and teargas Sat, 01 Dec 2012 08:01:18 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1211.htm#syria_rebels_confront_assad_air_power Surface-to-air missiles may tip the balance Thu, 29 Nov 2012 08:15:09 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1211.htm#libya_release_of_gay_partygoers_delayed Waiting for their injuries to heal? Thu, 29 Nov 2012 06:29:20 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1211.htm#eu_ambassadors_unhappy_over_policy_ on_jordan Brussels is too uncritical of king, they say Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:27:17 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1211.htm#libya_gay_partygoers_not_to_be_killed Militia says men were making too much noise Wed, 28 Nov 2012 07:23:18 GMT http://www.al-bab.com/blog/2012/blog1211.htm#britains_policy_in_bahrain_isnt_working Engagement has 'had no positive impact whatsoever' Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:05:33 GMT