“Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.”

- Bertrand Russell

About Michael Stephens

Michael Stephens is a Researcher at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Qatar, follow him on Twitter @MStephensGulf

Articles by Michael Stephens

Qatar’s dark side

Michael Stephens 15 May 2013

The influx of journalists, writers, thinkers and generally socially engaged expatriates, alongside a growing class of civically minded Qataris ensures that these dark sides no longer remain hidden from view.

Qatar and the US have a working relationship

Michael Stephens 30 April 2013

The differences concerning Israel, the occasionally troublesome Al Jazeera network, and Qatar’s hosting and funding of hard-line Islamists have been papered over in favour of larger strategic visions which ensure the interests of both parties.

The Qatari reaction to the Egyptian crisis

Michael Stephens 16 April 2013

From this side of the political divide the Egyptians appear ungrateful, rude and disrespectful.

Qatar’s top diplomat tackles the rumours

Michael Stephens 1 April 2013

A plethora of rumours, some of which originated from very reputable media sources, are circling around Qatari mega-purchases of the Pyramids and the Suez Canal.

Does Qatar have a stake in the nuclear debate?

Michael Stephens 4 March 2013

Qatar refuses to allow its American airbase to be used as a launching pad for a strike against Iran should Israel or the US decide to go in. This certainly adds to the restrain factor that is so badly needed at this point in time.

Qatar’s embassy handover: masterstroke or gamble?

Michael Stephens 18 February 2013

We see a curious pattern in which Qatar breaks ranks, then sits back and admires its handy work allowing bigger states to push the Syrian issue forward down the path Qatar has paved. The problem is, Bashar hasn’t lost.

Qatar’s public diplomacy woes

Michael Stephens 4 February 2013

When the rumours get so large that answers are demanded they are met with walls of silence, not because Qatar has anything to hide, but because that is the culture of governance here.

All change in Saudi Arabia? Not quite yet

Michael Stephens 2 February 2013

It should never be underestimated with the Saudi ruling family, the importance of regime stability at all costs.

Qatar and national identity

Michael Stephens 27 December 2012

Up until 2008 Qatar had always marked its National Day celebration by commemorating the day the British upped sticks and left the country in the hands of the Al Thani to rule fully independently. The change to December 18 therefore was an interesting move.

Ashura in Qatar

Michael Stephens 26 November 2012

The thought of ruining your two thousand riyal thobe and fifteen thousand riyal diamond cufflinks by covering them in blood does not make an awful lot of sense in the materialistically infused world of Doha.

Syrians in the Sheraton; a lesson in time wasting

Michael Stephens 12 November 2012

Riad Seif is quietly impressive, and will no doubt play a positive role in a post-war Syria. But he exudes none of the characteristics of a leader everyone can unite behind.

A new dawn in Saudi?

Michael Stephens 8 November 2012

Two men are now heading the virtual entirety of the Kingdom’s intelligence gathering apparatuses. MbN’s control over the Mabahith (secret police) and Bandar’s control over the Mukhabarat will link them closely into western counter terrorist efforts.

Shuttle diplomacy: Qatar playing politics in Palestine

Michael Stephens 29 October 2012

The Palestinians rolled out the red carpet for Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, the first head of state to officially set foot on the territory under Hamas' control. The visit essentially legitimized Hamas as the de facto controller of the Gaza Strip.

Standing up for unity: building bridges through comedy in the Gulf

Michael Stephens 15 October 2012

Whilst there are inevitable irritants to living in such a multicultural society, these are far outweighed by the positive aspects of the interactions that everyone has to experience in their daily lives.

Qatar’s Plan B for Syria: a wise choice?

Michael Stephens 1 October 2012

Although Saudi forces are largely untested in war it is doubtful Assad’s forces could withstand a full scale Saudi offensive launched from Jordan. This may well be the key to understanding what Qatar is doing.

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