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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In this 13-min long podcast, I spoke to local radio station Power 98 FM, and its Deputy Editor, Yvonne Gomez, debunking some of the key historical developments in the Arab-Israeli conflict, including my take on the timing of the current war. Link to podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/in-the-news-the-issues-that-matter-to-you/ep-117-the-history-of-the-israel-palestine-conflic

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I explained China’s position in this TIME magazine piece, telling Koh Ewe that Beijing’s position towards the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict is consistent with the five-point proposal put forward by Foreign Minister Wang Yi back in March 2021, delineating how China views stability in the Middle East. But reading between the lines tells you that the…

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I shared my thoughts in Tom Hussain’s latest article for SCMP, delving into the Mandarin push particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Besides my featured comments, I would add that, despite these efforts, the Western academy remains embedded in both the educational setup and psyche. Link to article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3234706/middle-easts-mandarin-push-sets-tone-convergence-china-trade

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In this reporting by Ismaeel Naar for The National, I remarked that it would be difficult to see how VAT will feature in Kuwait’s policies in the foreseeable future. I also provided my two cents on the parliament’s acknowledgement to tap on the private sector. Here is the link to the article: https://www.thenationalnews.com/gulf-news/2023/07/18/kuwaits-four-year-government-action-programme-makes-no-mention-of-vat-plans/ Photograph by…

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السؤال الدائم عن السياسة الكويتية هو مسألة الاستقرار الداخلي ، على وجه التحديد ، حل التوترات بين مجلس الوزراء والبرلمان. مع استمرار الحلقة المتواترة من الحل والاستقالة و (إعادة) الانتخاب و (إعادة) التعيين ، سوف يتطلب الأمر خطوات جريئة للخروج من تلك الحلقة المتواترة. في 6 يونيو ، أجرت الكويت انتخاباتها البرلمانية الثالثة خلال ثلاث…

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In this Brief for the Institute of Strategic Research at the French Military Academy (IRSEM), I provide an examination of the latest political developments in Kuwait. This analysis is based on my observations and conversations during my recent trips to the country, where I was also an invited international observer for the June 2023 parliamentary…

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