Times Online, 6 Sep 2009
Kampfner’s paradigm is Singapore, where subtle but well-understood pressures from the government keep troublesome media and opposition at bay. The consent of the people is won through economic growth and the good life; those who find the atmosphere stifling can leave. Other consumer paradises — Abu Dhabi, Doha and especially Dubai — operate on a similar basis: stay away from politics, don’t interfere with religion and you can make as much money as you like. Even the media is free — Al-Jazeera, for example — provided it does not criticise the local ruler. This is an economic and not a political community.Full Story
Related:
Freedom for Sale by John Kampfner - Guardian.co.uk
