Despite two invasions and numerous air strikes against targets in other countries, and despite security cooperation with several states across the Middle East and North Africa, the United States still finds itself unable to make serious progress in its global “war on terror.” Even though the United States has imbued its policies with militarism and pragmatism, Al-Qaeda remains an elusive target as it continues to inspire surrogates and attract converts or wannabes even on American soil.
Tag: United States
For America there is no way out
Despite occasional calibrations reflecting changes in administration, the policy of the United States toward the broader Middle East and North Africa region remains highly influenced by a set of misperceptions and ideological stances more related to American domestic politics than to regional realities. This situation has constantly undermined Washington’s efforts and, occasionally, its desire to play a positive role in the region, serving to transform the US into a convenient scapegoat upon which ruling regimes heap blame for all regional woes.
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.
Syrian Novelist Talks About Impediments to Greater Democracy in the Arab World
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 