[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on the Arabian Peninsula and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Arabian Peninsula Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week's roundup to ap@jadaliyya.com by Monday night of every week.]
Regional and International Relations
Al-Qaradawi returns to Egypt from Qatar A news report on the return of the Egyptian sheikh to Egypt amid rumors that the new Qatari emir asked him to leave Qatar.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia are Responsible for Assir’s Crimes Ibrahim al-Amin accuses Qatar and Saudi Arabia of knowing of Ahmad al-Assir’s plan to attack the army in Sidon.
Francois Hollande cosies up to Qatar with his principles in his pockets Nabila Ramadani writes a critique of the French president’s visit to Qatar.
Yemenis in Guantanamo Ghada Eldemellawy argues that both Yemen and the United States should take measures to address the question of Yemeni detainees in Guantanamo.
Reports and Opinions
Manal al-Sharif: A Saudi woman who dared to drive Manal al-Sharif delivers a talk on her experience of defying the ban on women driving in the kingdom.
Saudis jailed for urging protests on Facebook A news report on seven activists who have been sentenced to ten years in prison for calling for protests via Facebook.
“Don’t Speak Up, We Know What’s Best For You” Adam Coogle writes on women’s rights in the kingdom in light of the imprisonment of two female activists who attempted to help an abused woman flee the country.
Qatari doctor held and ‘beaten’ in UAE jail Bill Law reports on the mistreatment of Dr. Mahmoud al-Jaidah, who has been detained in the Gulf state for four months without being charged.
Qatar: 12 things you need to know Leo Benedictus provides twelve points essential to understanding the Gulf state.
Succession in Qatar
New Qatar emir gives first address A news report on Tamim al-Thani’s first formal speech that promised to continue his father’s reforms and called for the avoidance of sectarianism.
New emir: Qatar will pursue its ‘independent behavior’ Regan Doherty analyzes the new emir’s first formal speech.
Qatar’s youthful new ruler signals continuity for maverick Gulf Ian Black offers a reading of the new emir’s flat speech, which aimed to conceal contradictions in the Gulf state.
Qatar Emir Tamim: Against Sectarianism Maysa al-Muhannadi analyzes Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's first speech and new government.
Qatar set to get new prime minister A news report on the new Qatari government, which will be headed by Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser al-Thani.
Qatar: Continuity in change Daud Abdullah argues that Qatar’s policies, especially regarding investment and international role, will continue despite the change in power.
Qataris praise smooth transition Anealla Safdar writes on the reactions of Qatari people to the news of power transition.
Qatar: Hamad’s Controversial Legacy Maysa al-Muhannadi provides a critical account of the outgoing Qatari emir’s legacy.
Qatar: The making of Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ Larbi Sadiki argues that the outgoing Qatari emir is a consummate politician.
New Hope for Democracy in a Dynastic Land Rod Nordland wonders if the new Qatari emir will bring democracy to the Gulf state.
Qatar: A country of seemingly ironic contrasts Frank Gardner analyzes contradictions in Qatar’s foreign policy under Hamad al-Thani, including its close ties with both the Muslim Brotherhood and Israel, and the opening of a peace office for Taliban while hosting an American-run airbase.
Former Qatari PM drove bold, maverick foreign policy Regan Doherty writes on the legacy of the outgoing prime minister.
If it’s like father, like son, Qatar’s Emir Tamim will certainly be no pushover Robert Fisk offers a lauded account of the outgoing Qatari emir.
Qatar’s new emir: A hard act to follow An article on the legacy of Hamad al-Thani.
Repression in Bahrain
Bahrain student sentenced for insulting king A news report on the one-year jail sentence of a seventeen-year old student for insulting the king.
Bahrain acquits police who tortured medics A news report on the acquittal of two police officers who were on trial for torturing six doctors in 2011.
Human Rights Watch
Saudi Arabia: 7 Convicted for Facebook Postings About Protests The organization condemns the arrest of seven Saudis urging protests via Facebook.
EU/Bahrain: EU Should Demand Release of Activists The organization calls upon the European Union High Representative to demand the immediate release of activists during the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting.
UAE: Reports of Systematic Torture in Jails A report on the mistreatment of Emirati activists in prisons in the Gulf state.
Media
Al Jazeera director-general resign to take up government post A news report on the resignation of Ahmed bin Jassim al-Thani in order to assume a position in the new Qatari government.
Arabic