2012 promises to be a volatile year for the world’s top oil producers, with the Gulf states in particular facing some major challenges both at home and in export markets
Bahrain after Bassiouni
Bahrainis have had more than a month to digest the contents of an unprecedented report on human rights violations in the kingdom. Reconciliation could, however, take much longer to achieve
New actors, same old story line
The tumultuous events of 2011 in the Arab world toppled dictators, yet entrenched power structures remain largely intact. Will 2012 see traditional power bases weakened?
Battle of the box
Satellite television channels are widening the cross-Gulf divide by airing alleged calls by Iran for revolt in Gulf states and what Tehran sees as western-driven cultural propaganda aimed at toppling its Islamic theocracy
Renewed thrust
German companies are stealing a march by committing to long-term renewable energy projects in the Gulf.