Because you see. Mr. President, the world is not exactly standing still while you revel in “thy golden slumber,” and it does not stand still while your learn your way around. Realities in that little piece of dysfunctional paradise, AKA, the Middle East, continue to shift, and guess what? As they do so, they make a mockery out of the very principles you espouse.
Engagement you say? “Engage this!” they say. Continue reading “Are you awake yet Mr. President?”
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.
By Douglas Schuette, Arab America – Washington
Washington-based democracy activist Ammar Abdulhamid says virtually no progress has been made in opening up the political system in his native Syria since he fled the country more than five years ago. He and his family were forced into exile in 2005 because of his outspoken criticism of the regime.
Abdulhamid says the situation has instead grown “increasingly dismal,” with more crackdowns on political opponents than ever before. Continue reading “Syrian Novelist Talks About Impediments to Greater Democracy in the Arab World”
The Ammar Abdulhamid Archive 