At the center of war, the economy, and politics are people. How they are affected should drive the way we understand the contemporary world. Our writers take an interdisciplinary perspective here to address issues from development to education and beyond.
Some of the most ambitious clean energy projects in the world are taking place in the Gulf. Capital that Europeans can only dream of is being ploughed into “green” cities and centers for low-carbon innovation. Gulf governments are declaring themselves “global leaders in sustainability.” Does this signal the end of the petro-state, or is it mere greenwash and vanity projects?
The recent case of Sakina Mohammadi Ashtiani, the Iranian woman who has been sentenced to death by stoning for having allegedly cheated on her husband, is just but one example of a rampant global problem: gender-based violence in the forms of honor killings. These attacks on women are not limited to particular cultures or religions, but can be found throughout the globe. Reforms need to be put in place to pursue those responsible for the insecurity women face regularly.
Middle Eastern states are major investors in agricultural land in developing countries, and the nature of this type of investment has raised ethical concerns. These investments pose particular threats to local communities, especially with regards to food and water security. What kind of responsibilities then do investors have given the potential impact of their investments abroad?
Aid flows from Arab countries to the developing world are minimal, although for several decades there has been a major exception to this: Kuwait. Like all government based development agencies, the Kuwait Fund both expands economic, political opportunities and influence for Kuwait through its development efforts while simultaneously improving welfare and capacity building of developing countries. The Kuwait Fund represents a model which other Gulf States can draw on. Its record as a pioneer in the Arab world should be acknowledged.
Energy shortages, much like any widespread natural disaster, affect everyone within a given geographic range. Unlike any controversial government mandate, or newly passed legislation, Pakistan’s power cuts do not discriminate. When the population at large is deprived of something widely considered to be a publicly provided good, a common, anti-government animosity can easily fester, transcending social, political or ethnic boundaries.
Somali piracy has opened the doors to great power competition off the Horn of Africa. Military clashes between the navies present in the waters in and around the Gulf of Aden are almost unthinkable. In fact, coordination among them has been remarkably smooth. Operating independently, they are obtaining valuable war-like experience far away from their waters. Maritime power is one of the essential elements for any country harboring great power ambitions. The Gulf of Aden is the first scenario where a new geopolitical game is being played out.
Facebook's decision to censor its 'Draw Mohammed' page for users within Pakistan has drawn the ire of many Westerners, who view the move as a clear setback to free speech advocacy efforts. A closer, more contextualized examination of the entire issue, however, would reveal that the controversy has absolutely nothing to do with free speech, and absolutely everything to do with hate speech.
While processing claims of asylum seekers is undoubtedly a complicated process, and the UK should do its best to provide a thorough assessment of these claims, the way this process is currently being carried out merits intense critique. Instead of protecting their borders, the flaws in the process do more to undermine the cohesion of British society. Having recently elected a new government, the UK finds itself at an opportune moment to revaluate the way it approaches its commitment to the UN Refugee Convention, by putting the reform of asylum processing on the agenda.
The renewal of economic sanctions against Syria has cast doubt on the possibility of a rapprochement between the US and Syria. But Obama insists that isolation only breeds insecurity. The American president faces difficult choices moving forward. The future of their relations will largely depend on how Washington engages Damascus. Bashar Al-Asad presently views his state in a stronger position in the region vis-à-vis the US, and will not easily make concessions. The US will have to make the next step and offer a substantive package of incentives to bring Syria into partnership with the US. Anything less will lead to a stalemate between the two sides.
The Arab world has a rich biodiversity, yet it does not come to mind as being in need of nature conservation. Jordan, however, has been an innovator in environmental conservation by merging pragmatism and principle. It does not prioritize environmental wellbeing over human welfare. Instead, it successfully integrates the two. The progressive, balanced and culturally sensitive way in which Jordan pursues environmental conservation is a model from which other Arab countries can draw important lessons.
Sectarian tension in Egypt has been on the rise, creating an internal challenge to the peace and security of Egyptian society. Not only does it present an internal obstacle, however, it also stands to be exploited by radical forces in the region, particularly Iran, vying to elevate their status.
As time runs out on the US effort to talk Iran out of acquiring nuclear weapons, attention has shifted to the UN Security Council’s attempts to impose sanctions on Iran. Will sanctions be approved? If so, will they be effective? Russia and China’s reluctance to impose sanctions implies the necessity of substantial bargaining. Moreover, historically speaking, sanctions are likely to prove ineffective, especially in Iran’s case where time is on their side.
A global survey shows a steep decline in US approval ratings in Muslim countries
As many regional variables begin to play into the future defi nition of Saudi-US ties, the formula that was once used to characterize their rapport no longer applies writes Caryle Murphy
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A brilliantly well-measured piece of thought-provoking reflection which should merit the attention a ...
Dr. Kwaku Asante-Darko at Aug 18, 2010 5:36 PM
I believe that egypt has to
1. Free its dependency on US for aid.
2. Have an assertive pol
...
Mike Edwards at Aug 10, 2010 6:16 PM
thanks for great informations It's a wonderful
finance personal software at Aug 10, 2010 6:10 PM
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