Paris (Imran Y. CHOUDHRY) :- Former Press Secretary to the President, Former Press Minister to the Embassy of Pakistan to France, Former MD, SRBC Mr. Qamar Bashir analysis : Once described in orientalist literature as a land of tents, sand dunes, and nomads, the Muslim world—especially the Middle East—has today transformed into a region of dazzling skylines, cutting-edge infrastructure, and dynamic centers of innovation and power. This renaissance, though gradual, is gaining undeniable momentum, shifting global power alignments and altering perceptions long held in Western political and academic circles.
From Riyadh to Kuala Lumpur, from Istanbul to Islamabad, a new wave of Muslim leadership is challenging the old tropes of backwardness and stagnation. The world is witnessing not only the rebirth of Muslim states as sovereign power centers but also the rise of Muslim diasporas as influential contributors in politics, science, economics, and culture across the West.
The Arabian Peninsula, once the symbol of barren landscapes and tribal simplicity, now boasts some of the world’s most sophisticated cities. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh are now homes to gleaming skyscrapers, smart cities, and high-tech financial hubs. The tallest buildings in the world rise from the same sands that once hosted nomadic tribes. What has driven this transformation is not merely oil wealth, but visionary leadership determined to diversify economies, embrace technological innovation, and play assertive roles on the world stage.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, exemplifies this ambition. It is not just a plan of economic reform but a blueprint to reposition the Kingdom as a global cultural, technological, and diplomatic powerhouse. In a historic gesture, President Donald Trump—during his recent visit to the Kingdom—referred to the Crown Prince as “an incredible man” and a “great representative of the Saudi people,” applauding him for transforming Saudi Arabia in ways that have stunned even seasoned global business leaders. Trump repeatedly emphasized the unparalleled hospitality and strategic foresight of the Saudi royal family, calling King Salman “a great man” and describing the transformation of the Kingdom as “something the world has never seen before.”
Trump’s decision to commence his new diplomatic agenda from Saudi Arabia, while bypassing other traditional giants like China, India, and Russia, signifies a profound geopolitical recalibration. His praise was not limited to polite diplomacy; it reflected a genuine recognition of the Kingdom’s newfound global weight.
What was once seen by the West as a region of camel caravans is now being courted by the most powerful man on the planet, not just for oil, but for investment, trade partnerships, and geopolitical leverage. In an extraordinary reversal of roles, the U.S. President appealed to Saudi Arabia’s leadership to use its regional clout for brokering peace in Ukraine, promoting stability in the Middle East, and enabling economic partnerships worth trillions of dollars. Trump openly acknowledged that the Kingdom’s “other industries have surpassed oil” and that its cities are now “global capitals of business, culture, and high-tech innovation.” He declared the Middle East the new “center of the world” and said the world must now look at the region not as a source of chaos, but of opportunity, vision, and peace.
Perhaps the most remarkable resurgence has been that of Pakistan. Long seen as economically fragile and politically unstable, Pakistan has demonstrated exceptional resilience and strategic clarity in recent conflicts. Its military strength, underpinned by indigenous missile systems, integrated communication warfare, cyber capabilities, and soft-power operations, has outclassed much larger adversaries in the region.
Pakistan’s ability to neutralize advanced aerial threats, jam enemy missile systems mid-air, and redirect hostile drones illustrates a level of strategic maturity and technological sophistication unseen in many developing nations. These feats have not only impressed observers but have also forced a recalibration of Pakistan’s status in the global military order—potentially placing it among the top five global powers in terms of operational integration and agility.
Turkey, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has emerged as a formidable force combining military prowess with economic resilience. Ankara has invested heavily in its defense industry, becoming nearly self-sufficient in producing drones, tanks, missiles, and naval assets. It has expanded its geopolitical influence from the Eastern Mediterranean to Central Asia and Africa.
Beyond the Middle East and South Asia, Southeast Asia’s Muslim nations are also experiencing their renaissance. Malaysia and Indonesia once economically marginalized, have undergone dramatic transformation and are rising to become a knowledge-based, technologically advanced, and globally respected nation.
Despite decades of crushing sanctions and international isolation, Iran remains a resilient player. It has developed a formidable indigenous defense industry and maintains strategic leverage across the Middle East—from Iraq to Syria, Lebanon to Yemen. Its ability to withstand economic warfare and maintain sovereignty without capitulation is a testament to the Iranian people’s willpower and the state’s internal strength.
Central Asian republics like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan—many of which have Muslim majorities—are now leveraging their Soviet-era scientific heritage and rich natural resources to build modern states. They are investing in technology, education, and multilateral diplomacy. These nations are quietly emerging as energy hubs, cultural centers, and diplomatic players, strengthening the overall Islamic bloc.
The Muslim renaissance is not confined to the traditional geography of Muslim nations. Across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe, Muslims are making their mark in business, academia, politics, and media. In the U.S., Muslim lawmakers are gaining visibility, Muslim doctors and scientists are leading research in top universities, and Muslim entrepreneurs are disrupting tech and commerce sectors.
This diaspora is now shaping global narratives, challenging Islamophobia, and offering new paradigms of inclusive progress. They serve as bridges between civilizations, demonstrating that Islam and modernity are not only compatible but mutually reinforcing.
In essence, the global order is shifting, and the Islamic world is no longer on the sidelines. Through sustained economic development, strategic diplomacy, technological advancement, and cultural revival, Muslim nations are repositioning themselves as equal stakeholders in shaping the 21st century.
What binds this diverse group—from Morocco to Malaysia—is a shared sense of purpose, a revived confidence, and a collective ambition to shape a future grounded in dignity, power, and progress.
As President Trump’s visit underscored, the world must now acknowledge a new reality: the Muslim world is no longer rising—it has risen. And those once dismissed as “Bedouins” are now courted by the West to help resolve the most pressing issues of our time.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained at The Hague over his drug war that killed thousands, has been elected mayor of his family’s stronghold, according to early, partial results.

Two of his most loyal aides – long-time assistant Christopher “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the one-time police chief in charge of enforcing his drug war – have been re-elected to the country’s senate.

But the midterm election, dominated by a spectacular feud between the Duterte and Marcos dynasties, has also thrown up some unexpected results.

The fate of Duterte’s daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, remains in the balance as counting continues.

Sara Duterte – who is widely expected to run for president in 2028 – is facing the prospect of a ban from politics should a jury made up of the country’s senate vote to impeach her.

It meant the midterms – which saw 18,000 seats contested, from local officials to governors and senators – became a proxy war between her supporters and her one-time ally, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Candidates supporting either dynasty went head-to-head, with Duterte’s camp seeking the nine senate votes she needs to avoid impeachment.

But an unofficial tally of 68% of the vote suggests it is unclear which way it has gone.

Marcos Jr’s endorsements appear to not have worked as predicted by opinion polls – only one of his candidates, broadcaster Erwin Tulfo, made the top five in the unofficial count.

The rest of the top five was made up of the two Duterte aides and two independents while there is a tight race for the rest of the winning circle of 12.

Instead, the seats appear to have gone to independents.

The vice-president, meanwhile, remains widely popular despite her political troubles, and the president will be leaving office in 2028.

Results so far show the Duterte’s have managed to retain their powerbase in the south of the country – just two months after the 80-year-old populist leader was arrested at Manila Airport and flown to the Netherlands on the same day to face the International Criminal Court.

It was his arrest – approved by Marcos Jr – which pushed the rivalry between his daughter and the current president to boiling point, a few weeks after the president’s allies in the House of Representatives voted to impeach Vice-President Duterte.

The older Duterte was widely expected to win as mayor, given the family has held the post since the mid-1980s.

Duterte himself led Davao, a sprawling southern metropolis, for two decades before he was elected president in 2016. There, he showcased his drug war that he credited for the city’s success, and won him the support of millions far beyond its borders.

His youngest son, Sebastian, the incumbent mayor, was elected vice-mayor, meaning he can discharge his father’s duties in his absence. Another Duterte son, Paolo, was re-elected as congressman. His grandchildren won local posts.

Duterte’s name remained on the ballot as he has not been convicted of any crime. He beat the scion of a smaller rival political family.

Maintaining a political base in Davao city in the south is crucial for the Dutertes – it is where they get the most voter support.

The election was not just a battle between the two families, however.

Monday’s vote saw long queues under temperatures of 33C (91F) and sporadic reports of violence and vote machines malfunctioning.

Like past elections, song-and-dance, showbusiness-style campaigns played out on stage and on social media, underscoring the country’s personality and celebrity politics that sometimes overshadow more pressing issues such as corruption, high cost of living and creaking infrastructure.

Paris (Imran Y. CHOUDHRY) :- Former Press Secretary to the President, Former Press Minister to the Embassy of Pakistan to France, Former MD, SRBC Mr. Qamar Bashir analysis : Saudi Arabia, long recognized as the world’s largest exporter of oil, is now dramatically transforming itself into a multifaceted global power. Driven by ambitious leadership, vast economic resources, and visionary strategic projects, the kingdom is poised to reshape not just its own future but also impact the international community significantly. Central to this transformation is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), who represents a new era of modernity, economic diversification, and cultural openness.
The modern story of Saudi Arabia began in earnest in the 18th century, with the alliance between Muhammad bin Saud and the religious scholar Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. This partnership unified tribes across the Arabian Peninsula, forming the basis of the contemporary Saudi state. Fast forward to the early 20th century, the discovery of massive oil reserves catapulted the kingdom from a modest regional entity into an economic powerhouse.
The House of Saud, now consisting of more than 25,000 members, is the world’s wealthiest royal family, amassing an estimated fortune exceeding $1.4 trillion. Their wealth far surpasses that of other global powerhouses, including tech giants like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos combined. This immense wealth largely stems from Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company that, in 2019, had a capitalization of over $1 trillion, surpassing even major American corporations.
King Salman, who ascended to the throne in 2015, quickly made bold moves to expand Saudi Arabia’s economic presence globally. Two years into his reign, he established the Al Saud Company, a strategic investment entity designed to make multi-billion-dollar acquisitions internationally. Yet the most critical move of his reign was appointing his son, Mohammed bin Salman, as Crown Prince in 2017. At just 39 years old, MBS had a revolutionary vision not merely to manage the kingdom but to fundamentally transform its societal and economic landscape.
MBS introduced Vision 2030, an ambitious national development plan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, reducing its reliance on oil and emphasizing technology, tourism, entertainment, and renewable energy. His reforms have significantly reshaped Saudi Arabia’s societal norms, opening avenues previously unimaginable in the deeply conservative kingdom. Allowing women to drive, reopening cinemas, and permitting concerts and cultural events were groundbreaking changes that attracted international attention and energized younger Saudis.
While his modernization drive has been transformative, MBS’s reign has not been without controversy. His rigorous anti-corruption campaign, aimed at recapturing over $100 billion for the state, has faced scrutiny and criticism domestically and internationally. Yet, despite criticisms, MBS’s approach demonstrates a decisive push towards transparency and economic efficiency.
Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy centers around the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which manages a staggering $500 billion in assets. The fund has facilitated significant global acquisitions, including Newcastle United Football Club and stakes in major corporations like Uber, Microsoft, and Lucid Motors. These strategic investments underline Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading global financial and technological hub.
The centerpiece of Saudi Arabia’s ambition is undoubtedly NEOM, a futuristic megacity project valued at $500 billion. NEOM aims to house nine million people across a car-free environment facilitated by innovative transport solutions like high-speed rail and flying taxis. It represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability, featuring the world’s largest floating industrial complex, a year-round ski resort, and wellness-focused mountain destinations. This ambitious urban development initiative positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of global innovation and sustainable living.
The immense wealth of the Saudi royal family manifests in their luxurious lifestyles, showcasing the scale of their global influence. Their residences, such as the iconic Murabba Palace built in the 1930s, have evolved into opulent estates like the Al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh, which boasts hundreds of rooms, marble floors, and gold-plated interiors. Internationally, their property acquisitions, such as the Chateau Louis XIV near Paris, purchased by MBS for $300 million, underscore the magnitude of their luxury spending.
The Saudi royals’ luxurious lifestyle extends far beyond palaces and properties. Their unparalleled collection of luxury vehicles, including MBS’s Pagani Zonda Riviera, valued at $5.5 million, and other supercars like Bugatti and Ferrari, demonstrate an unmatched taste for opulence. Their wealth also translates into extravagant private yachts, most notably MBS’s Serene, a $500 million vessel featuring Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi painting, valued at $450 million.
Despite their lavish spending, the royal family is also deeply involved in philanthropy. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the family’s most prominent members, pledged his entire $16 billion fortune to charitable causes, highlighting a commitment to social impact and humanitarian work. Their philanthropic efforts extend globally, often intersecting with strategic international diplomacy.
Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on global sports, culture, and entertainment further solidifies its emerging status as a world power. Their creation of LIV Golf, funded by the PIF, aims to challenge established tournaments like the PGA Tour, signifying Saudi ambitions beyond economic influence.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia is actively leading regional megaprojects aimed at redefining urban living and sustainability. Projects such as the floating “Vertical City Dubai,” the “Al Mahara Floating Theater,” and the eco-friendly Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi are designed to showcase the Kingdom’s vision for innovation, luxury, and environmental consciousness. These groundbreaking initiatives demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s aspiration to set new global standards for future cities.
Saudi Arabia’s increasing global investments extend into the realm of artificial intelligence, with a $100 billion initiative designed to position the Kingdom as a leading AI nation by 2030. Through strategic partnerships with global tech leaders and investments in AI research and development, Saudi Arabia is set to become a critical player in the future of global technology, further cementing its role as a multifaceted global power.
As Saudi Arabia continues its rapid transformation under MBS’s leadership, the kingdom stands poised as a multifaceted global power, impacting everything from global finance and technology to culture and international relations. Its blend of strategic economic planning, ambitious infrastructure projects, and bold societal reforms underscore Saudi Arabia’s potential to redefine global geopolitics profoundly. The House of Saud’s evolving legacy demonstrates a remarkable shift from oil-dependent prosperity to becoming a dynamic and influential world power.