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Ben Bartenstein
For Ben Bartenstein's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
The Etihad Towers surrounded by residential and commercial properties in Abu Dhabi
BUSINESS
Feb 21, 2024
UAE poised to exit watchdog’s dirty money list after reforms
The UAE is expected to come off the list on Feb. 23.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to his supporters as he arrives at a rally in Guwahati, India, on Feb. 4.
WORLD / Politics
Feb 12, 2024
Modi flexes global muscle with Abu Dhabi visit and temple opening
While Islam is the UAE’s state religion, Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has long had a strained relationship with India’s Muslim population.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Mason steams through the Atlantic Ocean. Tehran's dispatch of a warship to the Red Sea takes the projection of Iranian power in the region to another level but it is unlikely to want direct confrontation — its old frigate is no match for the U.S.-led maritime task force patrolling the waters off Yemen.
WORLD / Politics
Jan 3, 2024
Iran’s Red Sea power play raises fears of trade disruption
Tehran's dispatch of a warship to the region emboldens Yemen's Houthis, who are attacking vessels headed to or owned by firms in Israel.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping in Riyadh on Dec. 8, 2022.
BUSINESS
Nov 25, 2023
Mideast wealth funds draw greater U.S. scrutiny over China ties
A U.S. committee is reviewing several multibillion dollar deals this year on concerns they could pose national security risks.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jun 5, 2023
Saudi Arabia goes alone at OPEC+ with million-barrel cut
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud said he 'will do whatever is necessary to bring stability to this market.”
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Markets / FOCUS
Feb 5, 2023
Inside the 19-hour meltdown that junked Adani’s share sale
A brutal sell-off wiped out more than $80 billion in market value, forcing India's government to distance itself from the scandal-hit conglomerate.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jun 9, 2022
Elon Musk’s Twitter bid taps obscure financier linked to Russian-Israeli tycoon
Vy Capital has committed $700 million to finance Musk's bid for the social network, making it the third-biggest outside equity investor.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 6, 2022
Bankers quit jobs for shot at riches in ‘Wall Street of crypto’
In the shadow of Dubai's sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, cryptocurrency executives rubbed shoulders with Emirati royals, Wall Street bankers and Instagram influencers.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 10, 2022
UAE says OPEC+ should boost oil output, setting up tension in the group
According to a person familiar with the situation, the UAE hadn't consulted other OPEC+ members before its ambassador to Washington made his statement.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jan 20, 2022
Drones jolt a Persian Gulf focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions
Such drones make it possible to conduct small, targeted assaults that slip through multibillion-dollar defense systems designed to deter more advanced weapons.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jan 4, 2022
UAE risks inclusion on global watchlist over dirty money
The Financial Action Task Force is leaning toward adding the UAE to its 'gray list,” which would make the country subject to more oversight for shortcomings in combating money laundering.
BUSINESS
Jul 27, 2018
As China and U.S. slug it out in trade spat, past events suggest relief is ahead for emerging markets
If the past century is any guide, an escalation in tit-for-tat tariffs between the U.S. and China may boost emerging markets.

Longform

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.
For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on