The Arab World, as (nearly) everyone has seen, has been engulfed by popular revolutions, some successful (as in Egypt and Tunisia). Publics in a variety of different Arab countries have risen up against autocratic and dictatorial rules, fighting for rights long denied to them by a corrupt and manipulative leadership.
Jan
13
The Collapse of Lebanon’s Government: The Start of an Islamist Future?
Lebanese Cabinet ministers resigning 12 Jan. 2011 (BBC News)
As many of us have now read, the Lebanese government collapsed yesterday with the resignation of the Hizbullah-led bloc’s ministers. With the impending release of the findings of the U.N. tribunal’s report on the 2005 assassination of former P.M Harik al-Hariri, Hizbullah and its allies felt it was time to leave the government. Also, the resignation came while Lebanese Prime Minister Sa’ad al-Hariri was in Washington meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama.
The New York times article downplays the move by Hizbullah and its allies, saying “In practical terms, however, the turmoil will have little effect, as the government has been paralyzed for months.” [Read more...]
Dec
13
Obama and the Arab World
Think back to Obama’s speech in Cairo on June 4, 2009.
In it, he claimed to want a “new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition.” He said that he would not follow the same policies as his predecessors, stating that “America is not – and never will be – at war with Islam.” He also exclaimed that the United States would pursue those violent extremists who would harm the American people, continue the fight against al-Qaeda and end the American presence in Iraq by 2012. He also called on both the Israelis and Palestinians to end their fight, and claimed that both were legitimate peoples in search of peace.
[Read more...]