I have been meaning to start up a blog for some time, and as a keen follower and former student of Middle East politics and history I always wanted an outlet to air some thoughts on the Middle East. However, with some 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), it is quite a challenge to know where to start.
In 2007 I spent some time in Saudi Arabia and since then have been particularly interested in the Kingdom of the Two Holy Mosques. I have also visited Yemen and Bahrain and found myself particularly interested in the subset of MENA countries located in the Arabian Peninsula. I have therefore decided to focus my blog on this area, hence the birth of Arabian Peninsula Focus. My plan is to provide regular social and political commentary and points of view on current developments throughout the Arabian Peninsula countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Whilst all blog posts will have a focus on the countries of the Arabian Peninsula, where themes arise which are also relevant to countries outside this area such as the "Arab Spring" or the spread of political Islam we will expand the remit of our discussions.
The current socio-political landscape in the Arabian Peninsula is sure to provide ample discussion material. For example, in the last four days the following stories have emerged:
- On December 23 2011 Bahraini security forces attacked the headquarters of the country's Shia opposition - key themes of Shia/Sunni tension and the "Arab Spring".
- On December 25 2011 thousands of Yemenis demonstrated on the streets of Sanaa to protest against the killing on anti Saleh demonstrators - key themes of Yemeni civil war / the "Arab Spring"
- On December 25 2011 Saudi Arabia announced that it intends to open its skies to foreign airline companies - key theme of Saudi Arabian protectionism
