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I am available for comment on radio or TV, or coverage of developments in Qatar, having covered the country for a decade. See below for articles focused on Qatar. Business and energy, terrorist financing, money laundering, compliance as well as political-economy are particular specialisms. Paul Cochrane is a freelance journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, where he has lived since 2002. He has written for over 80 publications worldwide, covering business, media, politics and culture in the Middle East, East Africa and the Indian subcontinent. He has a particular specialism in compliance, financial crime, AML and CFT. He is also a media commentator, and has appeared on Canada's CTV, Press TV, Etejah TV, Future TV, Al Manar, Sahar TV and South Korea's TBS eFHM radio. He was educated in Britain and the USA, and has a MA in Middle Eastern Studies from the American University in Beirut (AUB).
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Portfolio
Saudi Arabia’s digital dream: Silicon Valley for the Middle East
Saudi Arabia is striving to build a technological ecosystem akin to Silicon Valley, facing challenges in recreating such an environment and deciding where it can compete globally. The kingdom is navigating the US-China tech competition, with considerations around the use of Chinese technology like Huawei, amidst US export controls. Saudi Arabia has been engaging in global tech partnerships, including with Huawei and hosting the Global Tech Hub, a joint venture with Russia.
Oil price turmoil: How Saudi Arabia's $100bn gambit could backfire
In March 2020, Saudi Arabia initiated an oil price war by increasing production to 13 million barrels per day, causing a 25 percent drop in oil prices to $36 a barrel. This move, seen as a gambit against Russia and the US shale industry, could have significant economic repercussions for the global economy, including the potential to undermine Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 diversification strategy. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries face financial strain, with the IMF warning of a potential depletion of financial wealth by 2034. The price cut also aims to pressure US shale producers and exert political influence over weaker Middle Eastern states. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicates the situation, impacting oil demand and production.
Targeting the Messenger to Kill the Message
Since October 7, 46 Palestinian journalists have been killed, with at least 117 press offices destroyed or damaged. Intimidation and arrests of journalists in Gaza and Southern Lebanon by Israeli forces have created a chilling effect on media freedom. The targeting of journalists and media outlets like Al Jazeera by the US and Israel is part of a broader pattern of suppressing unfavorable coverage. The Committee to Protect Journalists has highlighted the lack of accountability for the killing of journalists by Israeli military. The article argues that the suppression of media is a tactic to control the narrative and public opinion during conflicts.
Hotel hotspot hijinks
The author describes a frustrating experience with hotel Wi-Fi requiring repeated logins through a captive portal. To solve this, they used the Perl module WWW::Mechanize to automate the login process, saving time and hassle. The article highlights the technical steps taken to implement the solution and reflects on the convenience and security implications of the hotel's Wi-Fi setup.
Do Online College Experts Have a Seat at the Strategy Table?
Targeting the Messenger to Kill the Message
The article discusses the severe impact of the Israeli military's actions on Palestinian journalists and media freedom in Gaza, highlighting the deaths, injuries, and arrests of journalists since October 7. It underscores the challenges faced by journalists in reporting from conflict zones, including power cuts, telecom blackouts, and targeted attacks. The piece also touches on the broader implications of media suppression, referencing historical and contemporary examples of state actions against media outlets like Al Jazeera. The article criticizes the lack of accountability for the killing of journalists and calls for an end to targeting media personnel.
Israel’s ‘failed’ strategy
Israel's strategy to destroy Hamas and other Palestinian resistance groups is deemed ineffective and counterproductive, as it perpetuates violence and fails to address the root causes of the conflict. The article highlights the historical and ongoing violence against Palestinians, the resilience of resistance movements, and the hypocrisy of Western support for Israel. It argues that true peace can only be achieved by ending the occupation and addressing the underlying issues of apartheid and oppression.
Emirates universities push sustainability efforts as COP28 looms
UAE universities are intensifying their sustainability efforts ahead of COP28, focusing on greening campus infrastructure, developing courses, and engaging with the private sector. Middlesex University Dubai and other institutions are actively participating in various sustainability initiatives and events. The UAE government supports numerous programs addressing climate change, with educational initiatives being a core component. Despite criticisms regarding the UAE's reliance on hydrocarbons and the appointment of Sultan Al Jaber as COP28 president, the country has set ambitious climate change targets, including a net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
The 'Pipelineistan' conspiracy: The war in Syria has never been about gas
The article debunks the widely held belief that the Syrian conflict is primarily about competing pipeline projects backed by the US and Russia. It argues that the timeline and logistical challenges make the pipeline theories implausible. The article highlights the geopolitical complexities and the economic impracticalities of proposed pipelines from Qatar and Iran through Syria. It also points out that the conflict's origins and early developments are often overlooked in these theories. Expert opinions suggest that domestic energy needs and political obstacles further undermine the pipeline narrative.
Arab bankers: US financial rules turn us into 'spies for the CIA'
Arab bankers express growing frustration with US financial regulations, which they feel unfairly target the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. At the Union of Arab Bankers' annual conference, attendees discussed the significant costs and compliance burdens imposed by US laws like the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and anti-money laundering (AML) measures. The sentiment was that these regulations turn Arab banks into 'spies' for the US, undermining local banking operations and development. There were calls for establishing an Arab banking lobby to influence international regulations, though skepticism remains about the feasibility of such unity. The article highlights the broader economic and political implications of these regulatory pressures, including the potential shift towards alternative currencies like the Chinese RMB.
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