The difference between peaceful and violent overthrow of regimes is now on display in Libya. Historically, the majority of countries emerging out of armed conflicts end up being divided along ethnic, religious, or ideological lines. Iraq, Somalia, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Sudan are recent cases of countries losing some control over parts of its territories. Libya Read more
Continue ReadingThe so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) announced on March 1stthat its members are withdrawing from the Homs neighborhood, Baba Amr, in a tactical retreat. They provided two explanations. First, they claimed that they are retreating to protect the remaining civilians still in the city. Second, some said that they are retreating because they ran out Read more
Continue Readingby Ahmed E. Souaiaia* For decades, Tunisian Islamists, like their brethren in the rest of the Arab world, have preached an economic, social, and educational policy rooted in religious ethics. They taught that adhering to the ideals of Islam would ensure economic and social prosperity. For them, giving up on religious values for economic gains Read more
Continue Readingby Ahmed E. Souaiaia* For the second time in several months, Russia and China have vetoed a UNSC resolution concerning Syria. The double veto last Saturday especially irritated U.S. and European leaders because they thought that the Arab League’s proposal was revised several times to meet Russia’s demands. Russia argued that Western states rushed the Read more
Continue Readingby Ahmed E. Souaiaia* I recognize that it is injudicious to make emphatic predictions like this one and it is especially impolitic to do so without access to all information. In this case however, all critical information is publicly available. The only important piece of information that we don’t know is whether or not Read more
Continue ReadingCost of War comments: Iraq has a history rich in contributions to various academic fields, and its universities were the envy of the Middle East thirty years ago. In the early years of Saddam Hussein’s regime, the education system in Iraq was well resourced, globally connected, secular and open to women. University education was free Read more
Continue Readingby Ahmed E. Souaiaia* Two days before the anniversary of the Egyptian revolution that forced Hosni Mubarak out on February 11, 2011, the newly elected members of the Egyptian parliament (Majlis al-sha`b) convened for the first time and endorsed a member of the Muslim Brethren as speaker. Saad al-Katatni was elected on Monday receiving 399 Read more
Continue ReadingWhen Romney resisted releasing his tax records unless he becomes the GOP nominee, the discussion that was started by the Occupy movement found new life. The fundamental issue is fairness in the U.S. economic system—not class warfare, as some would like to characterize it. Many in the Occupy movement believe that corporate influence in the Read more
Continue ReadingAll websites and Internet users could be affected by the recently proposed laws governing the Internet. Even if these bills were to be shelved this time around, it is likely that other laws will be proposed in the future. Jason Harvey posted a very good piece addressing the major issues of the current bills. We encourage Read more
Continue ReadingStrait of Hormuz International news has been dominated by the Iranian issue these days. Not only the nuclear dispute is present front and center, but military confrontation was moved from the threat level to active planning level. In return, Iran put its cards on the table. Any attack on its nuclear facility will force it Read more
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