Taylor Luck
The Christian Science Monitor
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Past articles by Taylor:
Matthew Teller’s Jerusalem: A rich tapestry of humanity
Matthew Teller’s name is synonymous with the Middle East. For nearly three decades, the British journalist and broadcaster has written articles and produced documentaries from across the Arab world, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. He also wrote the definitive travel guide to Jordan. In “Nine Quarters of Jerusalem: A New Biography of the Old City,” he turns to a city known across the… → Read More
The Islamist who would be president
Profile in contradictions: In Tunisia, a nation with a strong secular tradition, an Islamist is a leading candidate for president. → Read More
How horrors in Sudan undermined US trust in its top Arab allies
America’s Gulf Arab allies back Sudan’s military. But after a horrifying massacre, the U.S. has had to dispatch a top diplomat to ‘clean up their mess.’ → Read More
Jordan’s men cheer working women. But will they help out at home?
Women are breaking barriers to enter Jordan’s workforce. But without support at home, can they handle two jobs? → Read More
Arab world democracy: front lines in battle are now in Sudan
Sudan has suddenly emerged as the focus of the Arab world’s battle for democracy, with a Saudi-UAE alliance backing the military. → Read More
From Louvre to Guggenheim: Why Abu Dhabi has big plans for art
Louvre Abu Dhabi: In the United Arab Emirates, promoting art is more than philanthropy, it’s a national priority. → Read More
US defunding of Palestinian refugee agency creates crisis for Jordan
Defunding UNRWA is just one measure the Trump administration is using to shake up the Middle East status quo. But in Jordan, home to more than 2 million Palestinians, officials fear a 'catastrophe.' → Read More
Can fighting corruption help Arab states sell painful economic reforms?
The need to address corruption in the Arab world is urgent. But if new initiatives are simply politically expedient – as many citizens suspect – they risk only fueling distrust and suspicion. → Read More
In Malaysia, a new attempt to know one's neighbor – and his faith
Proximity doesn't always breed familiarity. In religiously diverse Malaysia, many people feel they tolerate each other's faiths without understanding them. But a new government may offer new opportunities, some hope. → Read More
For Malaysia’s democracy advocates, huge hurdles remain after surprise win
In the first 100 days of their country’s first democratic transfer of power, Malaysian democracy advocates are keeping the pressure on their new government to deliver promised reforms. → Read More
In rediscovered reed flute, a soulful link to Jordanian identity
Music speaks to our souls and our individual and collective identities. How much more so when the music comes from the soil under our feet? And how unfortunate, then, would it be to lose it? → Read More
Ramadan: a time for fasting, prayer, reflection – and laughs?
It's a well-known device. Sometimes the best way to grapple with difficult personal, social, and political issues is through humor. In Jordan, entertainers are delivering just that to theater and TV audiences during the holy month of Ramadan. → Read More
How Egypt’s stubborn poverty threatens strongman Sisi’s grip
The majority of Egyptians have agreed to 'tighten their belts' to give Sisi time for his painful, IMF-mandated economic reforms. But without a turnaround, their patience could soon run out. There are already signs of voter apathy. → Read More
Tunisia's democracy: Freedom is disappointingly messy, but there's hope
Seven years after the Arab Spring, the revolution is being seen as the easy part. Freedoms and democracy are failing to heal old wounds, as old social and economic grievances and corruption persist. But Tunisians are also learning to disagree civilly, and to make themselves heard. → Read More
How Tunisia's resilient Sufis have withstood hard-line Islamist attack
Puritanical Salafist Muslims have attacked Sufi shrines and communities across the Arab world in a campaign to spread their influence. But in Tunisia, where national history and identity are intimately intertwined with Sufism, the Salafis have been thwarted. → Read More
From fisherman to smuggler: How ocean pollution fuels Tunisian migration
Pollution, unemployment, and a sense of desperation are driving previously law-abiding fishermen in Tunisia to consider selling their boats to smugglers. → Read More
In Tunis suburb, a revolutionary demand: jobs, not freedoms
In neighborhoods like Douar Hicher, outside Tunis, the very same conditions that led to Tunisia’s Arab-World-changing revolution persist: unemployment, marginalization, urban migration, and police harassment. → Read More
Yemen: Why death of ex-dictator makes ending war harder, and more urgent
Just before his death, ex-dictator Ali Abdullah Saleh seemed to offer the Saudis a face-saving way out of their war in Yemen, where a humanitarian crisis is already in full swing. For now, they are vowing to press the attack against the Shiite Houthis. → Read More
Why Jordanian mothers still can't give citizenship to their children
Jordan recently has made significant strides on women's rights. But children in Jordan whose fathers are not citizens are denied basic rights. → Read More
Are stunning Saudi corruption arrests about reforms or power? Yes.
Saudi Arabia's young crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has instituted an array of moderate reforms even as he has moved quickly to quiet dissent and marginalize his rivals. The bold arrest of Saudi 'untouchables' on corruption charges is no exception. → Read More