Zeinobia

Syrians Protest in Front of the Ministry of Interior

Syrians Protest in Front of the Ministry of Interior

ZEINOBIA: Writer Belal Fadl was right when he said yesterday that no one can appreciate how brave those who participated in the protests are, save those who know Syria.

 Juan Cole

Qaddafi Threatens West With Al Qaeda Alliance

Qaddafi Threatens West With Al Qaeda Alliance

JUAN COLE: As the unfolding disaster in Japan distracts the world’s attention Qaddafi’s re-conquest of Libya rolls on. There will be scores to settle…

 David

Comment on Sunni-Shi’a Friction Takes Sharp Turn for Worse by David

Qadaffi is obviously providing the blue print for others to follow. Lessons to be learned. 1, protests need to get to a critical mass quickly or the government regains equilibrium, 2. Protectors need to be clear on what they want otherwise there is no …

 Michael J. Totten

What if Qaddafi Wins? Thinking the Unthinkable

What if Qaddafi Wins? Thinking the Unthinkable

MICHAEL J. TOTTEN: With the West refusing to be drawn into the conflict it looks increasingly like Qaddafi could prevail against the rebels. What will be the consequences?

 Steve Royston

Realpolitik: Leaders Fiddle While Libyans Burn

Realpolitik: Leaders Fiddle While Libyans Burn

Like millions of others, I’ve been watching, transfixed, as the drama in Libya plays out. I’ve also been listening to pundits and politicians on various channels as they debate and comment on the current situation. There appears to be a wide consensus – Venezuela and Zimbabwe excepted – that Colonel Gaddafi and his regime have […]

 Mondoweiss

Obama’s Advice to Troubled Leaders: ‘Hang on in There’

Obama’s Advice to Troubled Leaders: ‘Hang on in There’

MONDOWEISS: ‘Regime alteration’ is the new buzz phrase in the Washington corridors of power. The Obama administration is advocating a ‘tortoise’ rather than a ‘hare’ strategy to those seeking change in the region. Will it resonate?

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

Hope Blossoms, Despair Lingers for Arab Women

Hope Blossoms, Despair Lingers for Arab Women

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: Two corners of the Muslim world, two very different stories. On the one hand there is hope. On the other hand, despair…

 Steve Royston

Pearl Roundabout: Explosions of Creativity

Pearl Roundabout: Explosions of Creativity

STEVE ROYSTON: Wherever we walked, we would come across evidence of an explosion of creativity that the protests seems to have sparked. Paintings, exhibitions…

 Editor, MEP

Comment on The Rise of the Arabs, the Fall of Colonialism by Simone

Honestly, I get a little bored by hearing that everything is the West’s fault. My god guys, your future belongs to you, and always has. It’s your problem if it took you decades to assert yourself.

I also find it deeply irritating that on the one hand you ask the West to step in in Kuwait and now Libya, and yet punish and see conspiracy when you do manage to convince them. Damned if they do, damned if they don’t.

Please, liberation comes from within, and that means allowing yourself to be liberated from the past. Today is your world. Stop whining and sieze it.

 Ramzy Baroud

The Rise of the Arabs, the Fall of Colonialism

The Rise of the Arabs, the Fall of Colonialism

RAMZY BAROUD: Arabs are ripping up the humiliating caricatures of the region imposed by the West, as they tear down authoritarian regimes, and begin to build truly civilized, and free societies.

 Common Ground News Service

Women With Men Directing Winds of Change

Women With Men Directing Winds of Change

CARLA KOPPELL: Women’s role must be honoured in the struggle and protect against the fundamentalist push. Most importantly, their involvement will be key to enabling thriving societies

 James M. Dorsey

The ‘Is It All Back to Normal?’ Test: Is the Footy On?

The ‘Is It All Back to Normal?’ Test: Is the Footy On?

JAMES M. DORSEY: Tunisian and Egyptian reluctance to restart football reflects the changing role of soccer and the sense of empowerment felt by fans.

 Osama Al Sharif

Libya: The West Must Make Its Decision Now

Libya: The West Must Make Its Decision Now

OSAMA AL SHARIF: The Libyan revolution could easily slip into a prolonged civil war – the worst outcome for all. Lawlessness, Humanitarian crisis…

 Steve Royston

The Investment Industry: Don’t Forget the Humans

The Investment Industry: Don’t Forget the Humans

STEVE ROYSTON: Too often, financiers ignore the blindingly obvious questions. Who is this person or team in whom I am going to invest?

 Steve Royston

Labour: The GCC’s Most Dangerous Addiction

Labour: The GCC’s Most Dangerous Addiction

STEVE ROYSTON: Low-paid migrant workers keep their host countries running by doing the jobs that the locals refuse to do. Their presence is resented by many.

 Omar al-Issawi

Gadaffi Goes for Oil, Opposition Naivety Revealed

Gadaffi Goes for Oil, Opposition Naivety Revealed

OMAR AL-ISSAWI: We’ve got used to outrageous claims of ‘victory’ from Arab leaders, but the rebels have a little learning to do about counter-intelligence.

 Mohannad Saaed

Comment on Why What Worked in Egypt, Will Not Trip Up Iran by Mohannad Saaed

I believe the most important difference is economical. Egypt received economical aid from the US and Libya and Iran do not receive aid from US. Also. we are not the only supper power any more. It is like we are a powerful man and do not have money any …

 Mondoweiss

Why Hillary Clinton Has Become an Al Jazeera Fan

Why Hillary Clinton Has Become an Al Jazeera Fan

ISSA KHALAF, MONDOWEISS: Satellite and cable owners refuse to carry Al Jazeera for something other than the false explanation of competition, and that is fear of “real news” about Israel.

 Andrew Mackay

Rebuilding Business Confidence the Next Battleground

Rebuilding Business Confidence the Next Battleground

ANDREW MACKAY: Countries across the Middle East and Africa need to examine the damage done to their reputations, and rebuild vital revenue streams from inward investment and tourism.

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

Dictatorship: The Ultimate ‘Boys Only’ Club

Dictatorship: The Ultimate ‘Boys Only’ Club

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: Adeptness in brutal suppression and torture are characteristics demanded of all dictators. One other vital characteristic is also required – maleness.