I contributed a chapter to this volume entitled “The Making of Contemporary Kuwait”, where I delved into an alternative sociopolitical institution in the country that should not be overlooked!

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Experts on Iran — who are also good friends — weigh in with their thoughts on the implications for Tehran, following the deaths of President Raisi and FM Amir-Abdollahian. Read their comments HERE.

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Click HERE to read the article. My latest piece for 𝑀𝐸𝐼 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 examines how, as Rafah shifts into focus, Israel’s domestic politics constitutes the underlying factor behind the country’s political strain with Washington. The same internal divisions in Tel Aviv contribute to a discomfiting “day after”. Under intense pressure from the right-wingers in his war

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I spoke to Thiam Seng Chua, the Foreign Desk Correspondent of local Chinese media outlet, Lianhe Zaobao, on the evolving situation in Rafah. US pressure on Netanyahu remains half-hearted, despite the political significance found in pausing weapon shipments. This adds to the Secretary of State’s admission that Israel lacks a “credible plan” to protect Palestinian

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I told the New York Times’ Vivian Nereim that important policies in Kuwait such as the national budget have been delayed and hampered owing to dysfunctional politics. What I would also add is that Emir Meshaal, having done his rounds in the Middle East, particularly across the GCC, would have been concerned by his country’s

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I gave an hour-long interview to CNA, which is now featured in segments across a recently released documentary on 📺 CNA Insider. I spoke at length about (1) the need for GCC states to innovate and diversify their economies, (2) how women play an important role in the workforce but time is needed to internalise

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I spoke with local Malay media outlet, Berita Harian, and their Deputy and Senior Associate Editors, Cik Nur Adilah Mahbob and Encik Mohd Nizam Ismail respectively, on the Iran-Israel retaliatory attacks. They were particularly interested in the implications for Singapore. The article in Malay is found here: https://www.beritaharian.sg/dunia/pertikaian-israel-iran-boleh-jejas-sektor-dagang-fabrik-sosial-sg You can also watch the full interview

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I spoke to Iwan Sentosa, the senior correspondent at Indonesia’s Kompas news outlet, about the political history that led to Kuwait’s democratic experience. It has had its share of challenges, but remains one of a kind in the region. The article in Bahasa Indonesia is found below in the image. Another version in English, entitled

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I spoke to Ismaeel Naar of The National, affirming that voter boycott of the upcoming April elections in Kuwait is unlikely, although this will be the fourth time citizens go to the polls in five years. A new leadership, comprising a combative Emir and the appointment of a highly competent Prime Minister, ushers in optimism.

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I discussed Mehran Kamrava’s latest book with the author himself. His work expertly dissects Iran’s institutional design. The exchange was a timely one considering the recent Assembly of Experts elections. Check out the recording for questions related to the book and beyond: You can also find my written review of his book here.

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I spoke to the local Chinese media outlet, Lianhe Zaobao, about the resignation of Shttayyeh government, highlighting that the decision signifies a political calculation of the PA meeting the demands of various parties. But little will change when Mr Abbas remains the main figure of authority, with wide influence over the judiciary and prosecution system.

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I was interviewed and featured in a docuseries released by Channel News Asia (CNA) on the Israel-Palestine conflict. I spoke to the producers about the origins of the conflict and the peace processes across the timeline. My parts appear in part 1 (Did 67 words spark the Israel-Palestine conflict?) and part 2 (Why is there

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In this piece redacted for local Chinese media outlet Zaobao, I explained to senior correspondent, Chua Thiam Seng, that geoeconomic competition among the three biggest GCC players (the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia) bodes well for the region. Each has its strengths, as I outlined, but the Saudi progress is the one to watch as

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In this article for Newsweek by Aadil Brar, I explained the geopolitical significance of Beijing’s hosting of a meeting among Arab and Muslim delegates. The aim was to gather support for a ceasefire but China’s political will and capacity remain limited. Link to article: https://www.newsweek.com/china-xi-jinping-israel-palestinian-conflict-arab-islamic-peace-talks-1845074

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As Saudi Arabia looks set to host the 2034 World Cup, my latest piece for the Middle East Institute’s Perspectives series examines the Kingdom’s calculated, long-term football strategy which includes a heavy domestic dimension.⚽ 🏆In a nutshell: profile, profit, and pride. With comments from Professor Simon Chadwick and Khalifa Al Suwaidi. Link to article: https://mei.nus.edu.sg/publication/14651-2/

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