The Myth That is Values-Based Analysis
DANIEL M. VARISCO: The U.S should only support regimes that believe in ‘our values’, says Tom Friedman. Really?
The Climate of Hatred That Creates ‘Snaps’
DANIEL M. VARISCO: Nature abhors a vacuum and so does hatred. It needs to be fed and encouraged.
Red Bull Ad: A ‘Mote’ or a ‘Beam’ In the Eye?
DANIEL M. VARISCO: A recently published ad seems to have united both Muslims and Christians in condemnation.
The Shadid Legacies: Linked by a Common Humanity
ANOUAR MAJID, TABSIR: The sudden demise of Anthony Shadid calls to mind the work of one of his relations.
The Image That ‘Speaks For’ The Arab Spring?
DANIEL M. VARISCO: The World Press Photo of the Year has been revealed. Is it the defining image of the ‘Arab Spring’?
Hunting In Qatar: Sometimes Noble, Sometimes Pitiful
DANIEL M. VARISCO: Falconry is a vital part of identity particular in the Gulf states. Technology has enabled development of the sport, not always for the better, though.
The Problem I Have With the Term ‘Islamism’
DANIEL M. VARISCO: The right-wing media in the United States, in particular, has worked itself into a frenzy about the term ‘Islamism’. They need to chill and think straight.
My New Year’s Resolution? No New Year’s Resolutions!
DANIEL M. VARISCO: It’s a curious tradition and one worth burying, in my humble opinion – the bore that is the New Year’s Resolution.
The Real Meaning Behind the Picture: Man’s Inhumanity to Woman
DANIEL M. VARISCO: It is a picture that has sent shockwaves around the world and provoked shame throughout Egyptian society.
Further Thoughts on Saudi Women/Autos/Virginity
MELODY MOEZZI, TABSIR: The storm that erupted following a Saudi cleric’s declaration regarding women, cars and virginity shows no sign of abating.
Hostage Taking in Yemen: Rules of Engagement
DANIEL M. VARISCO: For many years foreigners taken hostage in Yemen had little to fear. That was until Al Qaeda killings in the mid-2000s.
Karman’s Prize: A Better Image for Muslim Women
DANIEL M. VARISCO: The award of the Nobel to Tawwakul Karman represents many positive developments not least a shift in the view of Muslim women
Yemen: The Desperation of Ali Abdullah Salih
DANIEL M. VARISCO: It’s the ‘same old, same old’ with Yemen’s recently returned President, blather, bluster and baloney. In the words of the song ‘he just keeps hangin’ on’
‘Arab Spring’ Is All About Sex, Apparently
DANIEL M. VARISCO: Here we go again. ‘Orientalist Historian Takes Warped Freudian View of Entire Arab population.’ Hmm, what about all those women who were in Tahrir Square?
How NOT to Educate Children About 9/11
DANIEL M. VARISCO: “We Shall Never Forget” is a masterpiece in truth-twisting and bigotry. The bad news is that it’s a coloring book aimed at U.S. children.
‘Live Long and Prosper’: My Message to Region
LEONAR NIMOY, TABSIR: There is a viable plan to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It’s the ‘two-state’ solution and its application is, how should I put it, simply logical.
Threats to the ‘Arab Spring’ Growing by the Day
DANIEL M. VARISCO: Where there was once optimism of fundamental change taking hold as a spirit of freedom swept the region, there is now growing pessimism.
‘Ask Not for Whom the Bell Tolls, Ali Abdullah Salih’
TABSIR: It looks like Yemen’s President has finally reached the end of the road but he’s giving new definition to the phrase ‘clinging to power’.
The Luridly Literal Cartoonist Unfunny in Hate
DANIEL M. VARISCO: Jack Chick’s one-dimensional, nasty view of the world has been played out for more than 40 years…
