US to access Americans’ GCC finances

By Rob L. Wagner Arab News 13 August 2013 The United States Internal Revenue Service is inching toward implementing a tax law targeting US taxpayers holding unreported foreign financial assets. The law will have a far-reaching impact on American expatriates who have accounts with financial institutions in the GCC. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA),

Arab Spring Democracy: A Win for Women?

By Rob L. Wagner The Media Line/Arab News 7 March 2012 They get more of a voice in Tunisia, Libya, but Egypt seems to be marching backwards Is the Arab world becoming a friendlier place for women in politics? The turmoil that has upset the region’s politics over the past year has yet to provide

Will Saudi Arabia Send the Troops?

With Iran threatening its oil exports, some experts say the kingdom will help defend shipments By Rob L. Wagner The Media Line 25 January 2012 JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Iran’s relationship with Saudi Arabia – once seen as improving following President Mahmud Ahmadinejad’s 2007 visit to Riyadh – has deteriorated to the point that the