Joe P

Comment on Why What Worked in Egypt, Will Not Trip Up Iran by Joe P

One more reason to be suspicious of the success of “revolutions” in Arab lands is the character of these uprisings. All of them have just kicked out a single guy or family while the whole system of the previous regime remains intact. That is hardly a revolution. And neither it is looking good on democracy front. In Libya the protesters are waving the previous flag, of the Kingdom of Libya. Hardly any democracy there. Replacing an autocratic dictator with a dictator king.

 Omar al-Issawi

Stalemate Threatens Redrawing of Libya Map

Stalemate Threatens Redrawing of Libya Map

OMAR AL-ISSAWI: We are potentially looking at a redrawing of the map of Libya, perhaps even the map of the Middle East.

 Juan Cole

Why What Worked in Egypt, Will Not Trip Up Iran

Why What Worked in Egypt, Will Not Trip Up Iran

KUSHA SEFAT, INFORMED COMMENT: The international conditions for revolution were ripe in Tunisia and Egypt. This is simply not the case in Iran.

 Common Ground News Service

Tawakkul Karman: The Woman Leading Yemen’s Protests

Tawakkul Karman: The Woman Leading Yemen’s Protests

ALICE HACKMAN: She has been profiled by leading international publications but long before the world discovered Tawakkul Karman she was battling fearlessly in support of human rights.

 American Bedu

Now More Than Ever, It’s Time to ‘Reach Out’

Now More Than Ever, It’s Time to ‘Reach Out’

AMERICAN BEDU: With regimes falling, and a new order being created out of disorder, there has never been a better time to promote better understanding across faiths.

 Steve Royston

In the Call to be Heard, Millions are Ignored

In the Call to be Heard, Millions are Ignored

STEVE ROYSTON: Many, if they looked into their hearts, would admit that they take those workers for granted, and could do more…

 Mishaal Al Gergawi

How Reform Fever is Revealing the Differences Between Gulf Nations

How Reform Fever is Revealing the Differences Between Gulf Nations

MISHAAL AL GERGAWI: The different characteristics of Gulf countries are being revealed in how demands for reform are being made, and in the reaction.

 Juan Cole

MidEast Protesters Target Unfinished Business

MidEast Protesters Target Unfinished Business

JUAN COLE: Progress has been made, but across the Middle East protesters are pushing for governments to follow through on the demands they have made.

 David Roberts

A Symbol of Freedom – Libya’s New Flag?

A Symbol of Freedom – Libya’s New Flag?

DAVID ROBERTS: The red band on this flag, as ever, signals the blood of those who fought for freedom. The black band is thought to refer back to an older flag, the green band is for prosperity…

 James M. Dorsey

Gadaffi Son a Study in using Sport for Politics

Gadaffi Son a Study in using Sport for Politics

JAMES M. DORSEY: Gadaffi’s controversial soccer-playing son, Saadi, offers a study in the use of soccer by authoritarian Arab regimes to distract attention from real issues.

 Steve Royston

What’s Needed for Democracy in the GCC

What’s Needed for Democracy in the GCC

STEVE ROYSTON: This post is more than a five-minute read. I apologise, but I don’t apologise: Sometimes you need more than a few hundred words.

 Michael J. Totten

Libya: People are People, Even When World’s Apart

Libya: People are People, Even When World’s Apart

MICHAEL J. TOTTEN: Two years ago I spent time in Libya. It seems like a good time to revisit my experience of a kind people but an overarching, clamping presence.

 Omar al-Issawi

Why Gaddafi Should be Fearful of History

Why Gaddafi Should be Fearful of History

OMAR AL-ISSAWI: Omar al-Mukhtar was the leader of resistance to colonial rule in Libya eight decades ago. Born in eastern Libya, the heart of current resistance today, his words resonate strongly.

 James M. Dorsey

New Libyan Stadium Sets Stage for Confrontation

New Libyan Stadium Sets Stage for Confrontation

JAMES DORSEY: Gaddafi intends the opening of the Benghazi stadium to be a show of popular support, but activists fear it could become the setting for clashes.

 James M. Dorsey

Libya, Algeria Cut Football to Thwart Protests

Libya, Algeria Cut Football to Thwart Protests

JAMES DORSEY: Oil-rich Libya and gas-rich Algeria have indefinitely extended their suspension of all soccer matches with anti-government demonstrations looming.

 Omar al-Issawi

The End of the Age of Mediocrity, the Rise of the Age of the People

The End of the Age of Mediocrity, the Rise of the Age of the People

OMAR AL-ISSAWI: For years I’ve observed with great sadness Arabs who glorified the achievements of a distant past while offering nothing for the future.

 James M. Dorsey

Soccer: A Potential Flashpoint for Jordanian Society

Soccer: A Potential Flashpoint for Jordanian Society

JAMES M. DORSEY: Mounting tension in Jordan is unlikely to produce the same result as protests in Tunisia, but promises to make soccer an increasing flashpoint…

 Zeinobia

Tunis: Going, Going Gone, All the President’s Men

Tunis: Going, Going Gone, All the President’s Men

ZEINOBIA: Egyptian Chronicles reports on the fate of the “regime men”, Ben Ali’s right arms in the former Tunisian government.

 Hisham Wyne

Tunisia is a Wake Up Call, but for the Pundits

Tunisia is a Wake Up Call, but for the Pundits

HISHAM WYNE: Tunisa’s revolution has little to do with the ideals of democracy. It’s a simple cry for better quality of life.

 James M. Dorsey

Protests & Cessation Threats Set Stage for Change

Protests & Cessation Threats Set Stage for Change

JAMES M. DORSEY: A wave of protests across the Arab world sets the stage for the redrawing of the political map of the Mideast and North Africa.