The Shredded Tapestry: The State of Syria Today

Written on: September 1, 2012
Updated and finalized on: September 11, 2012

The Shredded Tapestry: The State of Syria Today

A Trip Report (Turkey, August 10-30)

Background

The trip was arranged for the purpose of helping an independent American film company do a documentary on the Syrian Revolution. Khawla Yusuf and I were invited as advisers and interview subjects. But while the film crew made their rounds, Khawla and I had ample time and opportunity to meet with important activists and conduct our own interviews. Continue reading “The Shredded Tapestry: The State of Syria Today” →

Top Five Myths Guiding American Foreign Policy in the Broader Middle East & North Africa Region

January 2010

Despite occasional calibrations reflecting changes in administration, America’s policy towards the Broader Middle East and North Africa region remains highly influenced by a set of misperceptions and ideological stances more related to America’s internal politics than regional realities. This situation has constantly undermined America’s efforts and, occasionally, desire at playing a positive role in the region, and served to transform her into a convenient scapegoat upon which ruling regimes heap blame for all regional woes.

Continue reading “Top Five Myths Guiding American Foreign Policy in the Broader Middle East & North Africa Region” →

The Global Middle Class & Global Power Politics

Few observations tweeted on June 2, 2009 regarding a favorite topic of mine: the slow and necessary emergence of a global middle class.

An empowered and well-informed Global Middle Class can help open up the decision-making processes within the power elites.

An empowered well-informed Global Middle Class can help check conflicts of interests between power elites through the democratic processes.

The continuing prevalence of violent conflicts today results in part from the unawareness of the Global Middle Class of its own existence. Continue reading “The Global Middle Class & Global Power Politics” →

Tharwa Founder Testifies Before Congressional Human Rights Caucus

September 2008

On September 24, the Congressional Human Rights Caucus hosted an event entitled “Syrian Human Rights Policies in Syria and Toward Lebanese”. The event, moderated by Congressional Human Rights Caucus Executive Director Hans Hogrefe, featured testimony from Ali Abou Dehn, a Lebanese political detainee, Kamal El Batal, the Director of Human Rights for the World Council of the Cedars Revolution and Ammar Abdulhamid, Executive Director of the Tharwa Foundation. Continue reading “Tharwa Founder Testifies Before Congressional Human Rights Caucus” →