Government

“A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.” Edward R. Murrow

 Juan Cole

Class Issues ‘At The Heart’ of Tunisian Conflict

Class Issues ‘At The Heart’ of Tunisian Conflict

JUAN COLE: The assassination of Chokri Belaid has brought tens of thousands Tunisians onto the streets.

 Mich Cafe

‘Charlie’ Had His ‘Angels’, Now Assad Has ‘Lionesses’

‘Charlie’ Had His ‘Angels’, Now Assad Has ‘Lionesses’

MICH CAFE: It seems to be a common theme among Arab dictators – recruiting women to front up the military in your regime.

 Tabsir

‘You Have Two Cows…”: Alternative Take on Region

‘You Have Two Cows…”: Alternative Take on Region

KARIM SADJAPOUR, TABSIR: Politically correct it may not be but the ‘Two Cows’ version of today’s Middle East is certainly fun.

 Common Ground News Service

‘Real Gains’ Being Made by Women In Saudi Arabia

‘Real Gains’ Being Made by Women In Saudi Arabia

MAHA AKEEL, CGNEWS: The appointment of 30 extremely well-qualified women to the Shura Council is just the latest in a string of recent achievements for Saudi women.

 Jonathan Cook

‘Why Bother?’: Election ‘Turns Off’ Palestinian-Israelis

‘Why Bother?’: Election ‘Turns Off’ Palestinian-Israelis

JONATHAN COOK: The overwhelming reaction of most Palestinian-Israelis to the upcoming Israeli election can be summed up in one word – apathy.

 David Roberts

The Kingdom of Surprises: Engaging With Saudis

The Kingdom of Surprises: Engaging With Saudis

DAVID ROBERTS: It’s a while since I’ve left Qatar but the differences between the tiny peninsula state and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are striking

 Common Ground News Service

‘Be Optimistic for Egypt’: The Glass Is Half-Full

‘Be Optimistic for Egypt’: The Glass Is Half-Full

MOUSTAFA MENSHAWY, CGNEWS: You can find dozens of reasons to despair at the state of Egypt but if you look hard enough there are reasons to be cheerful

 Richard Silverstein

Ex-Shin Bet Directors ‘Stick It’ To Netanyahu in Movie

Ex-Shin Bet Directors ‘Stick It’ To Netanyahu in Movie

RICHARD SILVERSTEIN: When in office they’re ramrod straight security hawks but once they leave they suddenly become ‘seers’. But the criticism is unusual in its vehemence

 Mondoweiss

He’s Obama’s Man But Will AIPAC Take On Hagel?

He’s Obama’s Man But Will AIPAC Take On Hagel?

PHILIP WEISS: The widely floated possibility of Chuck Hagel’s nomination as Defence Secretary looks a reality. Who will fight against it?

 Juan Cole

Israel’s ‘Journey to the Right’ Is Set To Continue

Israel’s ‘Journey to the Right’ Is Set To Continue

KIRK BEATTIE, INFORMED COMMENT: The ultimate Middle East nightmare – a small group of religious extremists in charge of nuclear weapons could happen soon – in Israel.

 Naseem Tarawnah

‘Stuck’ and ‘Knotted’: Where Jordan Is Today

NASEEM TARAWNAH: There is a sense of crisis in Jordan but it’s a sense that has led to paralysis in all sectors of society. So what does 2013 hold?

 Tabsir

For ‘Tribal Areas’ Read ‘Wild West’: Myth and Reality

For ‘Tribal Areas’ Read ‘Wild West’: Myth and Reality

KHALED FATTAH, TABSIR: There is a lazy shorthand in much Western reporting on the Middle East, particularly when it comes to describing the influence of tribes

 Juan Cole

2012: Top 10 Developments in the Middle East

2012: Top 10 Developments in the Middle East

JUAN COLE: It’s been another extraordinary year across the Middle East. Here is my take on the most significant changes this year

 Juan Cole

Morsi’s Victory: But At What Cost to Egypt’s Future?

Morsi’s Victory: But At What Cost to Egypt’s Future?

JUAN COLE: A deeply polarized country must face the reality that Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood cadre have scored an overwhelming victory.

 Juan Cole

Boycott of Constitution Vote Would Be a ‘Disaster’

Boycott of Constitution Vote Would Be a ‘Disaster’

JUAN COLE: There is much discussion about a possible boycott of the Egyptian Constitution referendum. It would be a very bad move indeed.

 David Roberts

Outmanoeuvred: Opposition ‘Gets It Wrong’ In Kuwait

Outmanoeuvred: Opposition ‘Gets It Wrong’ In Kuwait

DAVID ROBERTS: The number of people protesting has gone down dramatically and there is a good chance that the Parliament may even get something done.

 Syria News Wire

Drowned in Blood: It’s Time to Lower the Flag

NEWS FROM SYRIA: There was a time not too long ago when it was a symbol of our unity and of hope. Not any more.

 Francis Matthew

Prosperity Has Changed Us – Governments Need to Adapt

Prosperity Has Changed Us – Governments Need to Adapt

FRANCIS MATTHEW: The real political drivers today are not heads of government or ideologies. Despite the politician’s speeches, what really drives change is society itself.

 Mondoweiss

‘Reprehensible’ Media Coverage of Gaza Attack

‘Reprehensible’ Media Coverage of Gaza Attack

MONDOWEISS: The coverage of the Gaza attack by mainstream media has invoked the outrage of leading academics and commentators on Middle East affairs

 Syria News Wire

Syrian Opposition ‘Finally Gets Its Act Together’

Syrian Opposition ‘Finally Gets Its Act Together’

NEWS FROM SYRIA: The discredited SNC has finally been subsumed by an organisation that has genuine potential to shape a new Syria

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