Arabian Peninsula Media Roundup (July 3)

[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

U.S. drops charges against Kuwaiti held at Guantanamo Jane Sutton writes on the Pentagon's dismissal of war crime charges against a Kuwaiti citizen and a Kuwaiti delegation that held talks with American officials requesting the repatriation of the last two Kuwaitis in Guantanamo, on Reuters.

U.S. sanctions may stop UAE from importing Iranian condensates A Reuters news report by Humeyra Pamuk and Raissa Kasolowsky on the pressure faced by Emirates National Oil Company to stop importing condensate from Iran unless granted an exemption.

Obama, UAE prince talk Iran, Syria, oil: White House A news report on the talks between US President Barack Obama and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan.

Protests in Oman

End the Detention of Women Human Rights Defenders A news report on Basma Al-Keumy and Basma Al-Rajehy who are among twenty-two protesters arrested on 11 June after a three-day protest in Oman.

Oman frees some protesters, keeps others in jail A Reuters news report on an Omani court's decision to release some protesters.

Repression in Bahrain

Bahrain: Human Rights Activist Wounded A news report on Zainab al-Khawaja's injury when she was hit by a tear-gas canister.

Bahrain releases leading activist from jail Al-Akhbar English reports on the release of Nabeel Rajab.

Bahrain says seizes explosives, fines protest chief A Reuters news report on a Bahrain public security chief's announcement that five tons of explosives were seized at various locations, and on the release of Nabeel Rajab.

Bahain to pay $2.6 million compensation for revolt deaths A news report on the compensation of 17 families whose relatives died during protests last year, on Reuters.

UK rolls out red carpet for Bahrain Jane Merrick provides an account of the private talks held between Bahrain's Interior Ministers and British officials, in The Independent.

Human Rights Watch

UN Human Rights Council: Strong Message on Bahrain Abuses A report on the declaration issued by twenty-eight countries condemning human rights violations in Bahrain.

Bahrain: Free Injured Protesters for Urgent Medical Care A statement issued by Human Rights Watch urging the release of Jaffar Salman Maki and Mohamed Ali who need medical care for injuries sustained during protests earlier this year.

Bahrain: Police Attack Peaceful Protest A report condemns the use of teargas and sound bombs by Bahraini authorities against protesters on 22 June 2012.

Parliamentary Crisis in Kuwait

Analysis: Kuwait to weather crisis but faces long-run instability Sylvia Westall analyzes the latest parliamentary crisis and the prospects of more protests in the country, on Reuters.  

Kuwait's emir accepts resignation of premier, Cabinet; will remain on caretaker basis for now A news report on the resignation of the Kuwaiti Prime Minister and his Cabinet.

Policy and Reports

Saudi warns against travel to Lebanon A news report on Saudi Arabia's warning to its citizens against traveling to Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia stops issuing visas to Iranian pilgrims A news report on Saudi Arabia's move to stop issuing visas to Iranian pilgrims.

Yemen: Authorities foil al-Qaida suicide attacks, plots targeting foreigners A news report on the Yemeni authorities' announcement that it uncovered thirteen plots that targeted foreign diplomats and embassies.

Dozens injured in Saudi train derailment A news report on the derailment of a passenger train east of Riyadh, on Al-Jazeera English.
 
Market and Investment

Qatari investors near French hotels deal Scheherazade Daneshkhu and Camilla Hall report on Qatar's deal with Starwood Capital to buy four luxury hotels in France, in Financial Times.

Qatar nurtures its City assets: from the Shard to Glencore shares Rupert Neate writes on Qatar's latest investment in the United Kingdom, in The Guardian.

Media

BBC admits errors in unrest coverage A report on the BBC executives' acknowledgement of failure to emphasize the sectarian nature of protests in Bahrain and to mention Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa's attempt to reach out to the opposition, in Gulf Daily News.


Arabic

مضاوي الرشيد: السعودية والأسد الاسلامي يخيفون به ويخافونه
Madawi al-Rasheed analyzes Saudi Arabia's complex relationship with Egypt and its use of Islam in the fight against different governments in Egypt.  

المفرج عنه الشميمي ضحية تعذيب أفقده النطق والحركة
A news report on Saudi citizen Muhammad Tahir al-Shamimi who lost the ability to talk and move after spending two and a half months in jail.

فادي الزين: المعارضة الكويتية تصعد من أجل "إمارة دستورية وحكومة منتخبة"
Fadi al-Zain reflects on the Kuwaiti opposition's demands for a constitutional emirate and elected government.

سعيد ناشيد: قصة شاب سعودي يقاوم شريعة الظلام
Said Nasheed narrates the persecution of Raef Badawi at the hands of Saudi religious authorities.

"رابطة الصحافة البحرينية" تدين استهداف مراسلة "اسوشيتد برس" ريم خليفة
A news report on the statement issued by the Bahraini Association for Journalism condemning the attack on the journalist Rim Khalifa.  

نايف بن علي القفاري: يا عقلاء النافذين: المعتقلين.. المعتقلين.. فأنا النذير العريان
Nayef bin Ali al-Qifari writes on the question of prisoners in Saudi Arabia.

يحيى البشري: أخذ الزي السعودي إلى العالمية
Mariam Abdulla writers on the Saudi fashion designer Yihya al-Bishri.

وجود "المحرم" شرط لمشاركة السعوديات في اولمبياد لندن
A news report on Saudi women athletes' need for a "mahram" in order to participate in the upcoming Olympic Games.