The Wall St. protests are spreading, both in location and in numbers. Recently, over 1,000 people marched in Washington Square (financial district), and although police were trying to steer the crowds, the protestors did not follow them. The police did not resist, and the march remained conflict-free. This public movement against inequalities is truly growing.
This is a wonderful article! It is really great that this woman is getting acknowledged. It definitely makes a statement, and is encouraging for both women in the Middle East and for the Arab Spring. The support for these goals and for peace is a step in the right direction, and I think the article is right in saying that it leads to "hope in the West that Islamic movements might someday play a positive role in rebuilding Arab societies."
It is interesting how the occupiers are targeting Obama so much, despite his self-depiction as a "fervent defender of the middle class." This article really seems to emphasize how Obama's views and the occupiers' views are not radically different, making this protest seem strange.
Greece has been making structural reforms to try to address their debt, but Europe is also making them impose high taxes and cut social spending which is not helping to ease the problems. Hopefully, Greece will move towards liberalization of labor markets, cost-efficient public services, and more uniform taxes.
It is really incredible how a new generation can be so key in the progress of the Middle East, and how so much change can come from their efforts. It is also really interesting that the same sites that the younger generation is using in the United States as entertainment sources can create such an influential movement and be such a key method of communication.
Libya's leader Colonel Qaddafi has stepped down, which is monumental progress. Now, more leaders have fled to various other locations, including Niger. It is rumored that Qaddafi is traveling through Niger in a large convoy of 200 vehicles, but most think believe this to be untrue.