Posts About Middle East
The ABCs of Iraqi Education
Funding American-style universities in the Middle East would go a long way toward improving U.S. relations there. This university in northern Iraq is just one example.
Assassination Is A Two-Edged Sword
Assassinating terrorist leaders often backfires and strengthens their cause. Just ask Israel.
Report Could Derail Mideast Peace Process
Today’s report on the Israel-Lebanon war will sound the death knell for Olmert and Middle East peace.
Time to Redefine “Leftist”
Thank you, Venezuelans, for showing the world that the poor aren’t stupid.
Track Record Doesn't Inspire Confidence
In 1892, the writer of the Pledge of Allegiance decided against including "equality" along with "liberty and justice for all." In today's post-9/11 world, have we still failed to grasp what this concept means? I have watched some of the most patriotic Middle Eastern immigrants I know wrongly accused of crimes -- later shrugged off as intelligence "mistakes."
Mideast Needs Consensus Islamists
There is nowhere in the world where the victory of a moderate Islamic party is more important for us than in the Middle East. Numerous Arab columnists have already written calls for Islamists to learn from the lessons of Erdogan and his party. The first lesson is that Islamists must accept and play by the democratic rules of the 21st century.
Men Die for Other Men, Not for God
Hard as it may seem, I can understand people rejecting change and determined to continue to live as the Prophet lived in the 14th century. But what I cannot understand is how they are able to twist the words and actions of the Prophet, in whom they so vehemently believe, and commit such inhuman crimes in his name.
Not Roman Military, but Same Arrogance
There are many ways in which America does resemble Rome: increasing mistrust of government, fear of immigrants, even Paris Hilton would fit right in among the decadent Roman elite. But one particularly worrisome similarity came through in a recent presidential debate: a striking lack of humility.
Western Tranquility Won’t Last
The bombs in London make me no less and no more safe where I live. We have had enough violence and bloodshed not to be moved by the discovery of what appear to be amateurish attempts at bomb-making. I am afraid that the tranquility the West has enjoyed will not remain a permanent condition.
Stick to Basics: Arab-Israeli Coexistence
Given his role in taking Britain into war in Iraq and Afghanistan, it will be a tough job for Tony Blair to play the role of a peacemaker in the Middle East. However, he should lose no time trying to mediate the current factional fighting between Hamas and Fatah. He can't do this himself, and will need to get the Arab states more involved.
Being a Bargaining Chip May Mean Survival
Western reporters long ago lost their "white flag" of neutrality. My own concern, however, is as much for local reporters in crisis countries, whose fates rarely get written up. While captured Western journalists are valued prizes to be bartered for political gain, local reporters lack such value and are quickly killed.
Self-Righteous Obsession Dehumanizes
The tragedy of Alan Johnston and other journalists who were kidnapped or slaughtered in cold blood is not about journalistic objectivity; it is about people living in religious obsession losing their minds. People who live with an obsessive feeling of victimization and believe they speak on behalf of God do not follow the rules of humanity.
In Lawless Gaza, Neutrality Doesn't Matter
Alan Johnston's situation has nothing to do with his neutrality but with the lawlessness in Gaza. When I visited Ramallah on a delegation from the International Press Institute, Hamas ministers and President Abbas all told us they were against his abduction and praised his work. But there is no enforceable law that protects him.
Don't Blame West, Blame Islamists
All wars are brutal, but even Mao Zedong recognized journalists as independent and useful to both sides, seeking to exploit them but not physically harm them. Alan Johnston's captors have not objected to any of his professional activities, demonstrating purely political motives. They play by very different rules.
Takes a Beast to Know One
Given what Great Britain has done in the Middle East under his leadership, I don't know how he speaks with a straight face or a clean conscience about morality or decency. Blair is right about the British media's excesses -- but then it takes a beast to know a beast.
Richard Gere Attracts Israelis & Palestinians
Richard Gere came to visit the Middle East a few years ago and attracted more attention than most politicians. He was also careful to say that he was coming to listen, rather than to make statements. Mr. Gere listened to everyone, from Hamas supporters to Jewish settlers, and in turn all sides flocked to see him.
Competing for Influence, Not Freeing Iraq
While it is good that the U.S. is opting -- for the time being at least -- for talks rather than war with Iran, it is unlikely that a democratic and independent future for Iraq will be on the agenda....
Can't Dominate Arabs, Or Each Other
Mutual respect would be a good starting point for the focus of the next U.S.-Iran talks. Abiding by international law and political consensus would be another one. The two sides should consider creating a Helsinki-like approach to the issues that divide them, grounded in recognition of what they can and cannot achieve.
