Dictators cultivate the image of a superman. They are the epitome of health and personal prowess. And they are portrayed as in control at all times. Illness must be concealed because it suggests weakness, and serious illness remains a state secret because it could raise the question of mortality,...

We publish today a review of a World Bank report on economic development in the Middle East. As is common with reports of this genre, one would normally find extensive data, often presented with analytical rigor, even if sometimes the data’s pedigree is questionable. But there was one...

As religious fanaticism gathers strength, it sweeps over many groups in its path. Male barbers and female hairdressers have become some unlikely victims. During the past two weeks thirteen men’s barbershops in Iran have been closed by order of the religious authorities. Police commander...

Iraq’s Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki concluded a two-day official visit to Damascus yesterday, which included meetings with the top Syrian political leadership. Weakened by dissention within his own cabinet and confronted by mounting criticism from the United States over his failure to forge...

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) launched on July 9. As stated by its editor, the purpose of the Blog is to offer the reader updates on and occasional depth analyses of economic events in the Middle East, which are often overshadowed by pressing political events. Thus far, the...