What’s better than to learn about world issues and events from those directly or indirectly involved with them. This section aims to provide our readers with sometimes alternative and definitely more comprehensive interpretations of a wide range of issues.
Five months after the Iraqi parliamentary elections, which produced no clear victor, the formation of an Iraqi government remains at a standstill. Ongoing negotiations between the different Iraqi coalitions, the June ratification of election results by the Supreme Court, followed by the opening of a new parliament have done nothing to resolve the situation. In this interview, President Jalal Talibani speaks to The Majalla about the complexities of the ongoing political stalemate, his lack of constitutional power to force a resolution, and the prospects of remaining president for another term.
Professor Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu, secretary general of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, spoke with The Majalla about the main concerns of the organization, and how his leadership has advanced the interests of the international Muslim community. His unanimous re-election as the secretary general, he argues, speaks to the successes of the OIC and its move towards modernization under his leadership.
The balance of power in the Middle East is shifting. With the United States withdrawing from Iraq and Iran’s attempts to strengthen its reach across the region, there is uncertainty about who will shape future events. The recent flotilla incident underscored Turkey’s changing role and rising influence. In a video Q&A, Paul Salem analyzes Turkey’s position in the Middle East and what it means for the region and the West.
In this interview with The Majalla, Ismail Kara, professor of Turkish intellectual history, speaks about Islam’s relationship with modernity and the state. Professor Kara discusses, among other things, political Islamism and its origins, and the increasing visibility of Islam in Turkey.
President Obama met with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia on his recent trip to the US. Saudi Arabia plays a key role in many issues of critical interest to the United States—including terrorism, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the Middle East peace process, and Afghanistan. In a Q and A with Christopher Boucek of the Carnegie Endowment, he examines the US–Saudi relationship and joint counterterrorism efforts, the internal climate within the Kingdom, and the role Saudi Arabia plays in the Middle East.
In this interview with The Majalla, Jeremy Ben-Ami, the founder of J Street, speaks about the rise of the religious right in both Israel and the Jewish community in America, and the consequences of not acting aggressively to forge a peace deal while moderates in both camps still have a stake in Israel’s survival.
Nawshirwan Mustafa, prominent Kurdish politician and current leader of the opposition party Goran, speaks with The Majalla about the outcome of Iraq's recent elections. This opposition leader also brings to light the objectives of Goran, and explains how it aims to differentiate itself from other opposition parties.
In this interview with The Majalla, US Ambassador to Riyadh James B. Smith speaks about what is one of the most important bilateral relations for the US. Ambassador Smith discusses several dimensions of the ties between the US and Saudi Arabia, namely how 9/11 impacted this relationship; the challenges to both sides concerning Iran’s nuclear program; how the bilateral ties extend beyond oil and security, and what they might look like in the future.
In a Q&A Marina Ottaway analyzes US ties with the Middle East and what steps President Obama should take moving forward. Ottaway says that while Obama's words created fresh hope for better relations, the results are not apparent on the ground. Theres is evidence that President Obama is becoming more personally involved but "we haven't seen results or the emergence of a clear policy."
Othman Al-Omeir is a Saudi journalist and editor, who has revolutionized the role of media in the Middle East. This media mogul is not only known for his professional accomplishments, he is also a vocal liberal in an otherwise conservative country.
Professor Elham Manea discusses the problems Yemen has faced in resolving the northern and southern conflicts. Arguing that absence of a strong state is responsible for many of the grievances that have motivated the conflict, Manea also suggests the Sultanate of Oman as an example of a country that overcame similar obstacles. Although she provides a bleak diagnosis for Yemen, her insight on the possible options available for strengthening security in the country, and the Gulf region more broadly, are promising.
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
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