Identity, Politics, Secularism: A Heady Mix in Egypt
H. A. HELLYER, CGNEWS: The opportunity to gain the views of a noted intellectual, academic and political figure on the future of Egypt was not to be missed.
Re-Election: The Arab-Americans Obama Has To Thank
MAI ABDUL RAHMAN: Single women and Latinos had a key role to play in re-electing Barack Obama but Arab-Americans played a major part as well.
Obama set to Disappoint Friends Around the World
FRANCIS MATTHEW:Obama failed to deliver this vision in his first term, and sadly, it is unlikely that he will use his second term to re-find his sense of purpose in the world.
Cool Thinking Not Grandstanding Needed in Bahrain Now
STEVE ROYSTON: The problems facing Bahrain are formidable and the tension is increasing as Ashoura approaches. Some thoughts on how to deal with these issues.
‘Civil Initiatives’ vs ‘Politics’: Lebanese Youth Decide
NADA AKL, CGNEWS: Many young Lebanese people from all sides are disillusioned with sectarianism and violence. The recent bomb proved a catalyst for change
Jordan, Bahrain and Saudi: Pressures for Reform
JAMES M. DORSEY: Sharp sectarian divides between Sunni and Shiite Muslims in the Middle East constitutes the Achilles heel for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan.
Kuwait Upheaval A Signal of a More Turbulent Era?
DAVID ROBERTS: While monarchy as a concept is still resolutely the preferred system, Kuwait is entering a new era, one that is certain to be more violent.
Security: The Big, Fat ‘Red Line’ for Jordan
NASEEM TARAWNAH: Jordan’s precarious position both geographically and politically means that security will always be a vital issue. But this concern stymies debate.
‘Insulting the Sultan in Oman’: A Balanced View
DHOFARI GUCCI: It’s well worth reading a just released article by ‘Foreign Policy’ on what’s currently happening in Oman.
“I’m With The Uprising of Women in the Arab World…’
NADA AKL, CGNEWS: Women have played a key role in the Arab Spring but they have to continue to fight to have their views heard.
The Malala Backlash: Conspiracy Theorists Go To Town
ROB L. WAGNER: It didn’t take long for the moral relativists and conspiracy theorists to get to work on Malala Yousufzai. Inevitable but depressing.
Tribal Clashes in Salalah: ‘All So Medieval’
DHOFARI GUCCI: There’s no point covering our eyes, ears and mouths and pretend it doesn’t exist. A recent clash shows the strength of Oman’s tribalism
Ahmadinejad looks to Soccer to Boost Image
JAMES M. DORSEY: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is following in the footsteps of deposed autocrats by associating himself with one of Iran’s greatest passions: soccer.
What Is the Point of the Palestinian Authority?
DAWOUD ABU LEBDEH, CGNEWS: Its role is minimal compared to that envisaged in the Oslo Accords. Faced with a threat to its existence what should PA do?
Netanyahu Calls Early Elections
VIDEO: Netanyahu says budget dispute with partners forced the decision. Many, however think the Israeli PM is using a moment of popularity to secure another term in office.
Since The Revolution: Victories and Losses
AKREM KAABI, CGNEWS: There are significant threats to democracy and to hard won freedoms but huge progress has been made.
Rape: The Culture of Impunity That Exists in Syria
MICH CAFE: The catalogue of brutal rapes and sexual assaults of women, men and children grows by the day. A new documentary makes grim viewing
Forget the Debates: Let’s Just Play ‘Survivor’
DANIEL M. VARISCO: The format is stale, it’s all so controlled and choreographed that very little of substance will be revealed. So why bother?
The Muted Voice: Where Are Tunisia’s Young People?
NOUR AWAISS, CGNEWS: So prominent in the protests that swept over the country last year Tunisia’s young people seem to be absent from public discourse now
Flexibility: Islamists First Great Test in the Face of RealPolitik
FRANCIS MATTHEW: Now that they have been elected into power they are being forced to demonstrate their commitment to pluralism. This is a challenge they did not plan for.
