Tech & AI

Analysis of digital governance, cybersecurity, and the emerging AI strategies shaping state capacity and competitiveness.

The realist who saw the end of the Middle East coming

Mohammed Soliman predicted the Middle East's transformation before the Iran war made it impossible to ignore. In this interview, the engineer-turned-strategist explains why the region is now "West Asia" and why that distinction matters for Europe, India and the future of AI infrastructure.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 1 Apr 2026

The realist who saw the end of the Middle East coming

The new Iran is online before it even takes shape

Protests and public anger are meeting the realities and challenges of the new AI age

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 15 Jan 2026

The new Iran is online before it even takes shape

Is this the start of a new Saudi–US strategic order?

Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington signalled that U.S.-Saudi relations are entering a more structured and future-oriented phase. The partnership is increasingly anchored in shared tech priorities, deeper defence integration and large-scale capital alignment with U.S. strategic industries.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 24 Nov 2025

Is this the start of a new Saudi–US strategic order?

The race for AI leadership in the Gulf

The race between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will define who sets the Gulf’s digital standards and who becomes its technological gatekeeper. Abu Dhabi's position is already well established, but Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions are fast catching up, setting the stage for a Gulf-wide AI rivalry.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 14 Nov 2025