David Powell worked for 20 years as journalist in pan-Arab television news, including BBC Arabic and MBC. He is now a an analyst of Middle East affairs specialising in media and Islamist movements.
Comment: As China uses the Covid-19 pandemic to try to repair its international reputation, other nations look to increase the remit of their state powers, writes David Powell.
Comment: Criticism of Sara Khan's appointment as head of the Commission for Countering Extremism is misguided, and distracting from the task at hand, writes David Powell.
Comment: The Saudi-led bloc continues to accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism, but a recent report suggests it should be looking closer to home, writes David Powell.
Comment: There was nothing inevitable about the sectarian nature of the conflict in Syria. Instead, it was a product of the regime's 'divide and rule' strategy, writes David Powell.
Comment: Despite its protestations to the contrary, the Brotherhood's eulogising of Sheikh Omar Abd al-Rahman shows it has not yet abandoned ties to violent groups, writes David Powell.