Group items tagged

This is an article published in The New Republic, an American left-leaning political magazine, in which the author, Bernard Henri-Levy, argues that the PKK should no longer be considered a terrorist organization. He cites four "factors" as evidence. First, that though the PKK committed terrorist acts in the 1970's, the organization renounced violence in 1999, and secondly, that it has transformed since then into an entity that advocates for the Kurdish State with "dialogue and confederation". Henri-Levy also claims that the PKK should not be considered a terrorist group because they have acted so effectively in the coalition against the Islamic State. Lastly, he argues that the organizations Marxist-Leninist roots have made it a strong supporter of moderate Islam, secularism, and gender equality, and that in order to support the spread of those ideals in the Middle East, Western powers should support the PKK.

This is an article published in The New Republic, an American left-leaning political magazine, in which the author, Bernard Henri-Levy, argues that the PKK should no longer be considered a terrorist organization. He cites four "factors" as evidence. First, that though the PKK committed terrorist acts in the 1970's, the organization renounced violence in 1999, and secondly, that it has transformed since then into an entity that advocates for the Kurdish State with "dialogue and confederation". Henri-Levy also claims that the PKK should not be considered a terrorist group because they have acted so effectively in the coalition against the Islamic State. Lastly, he argues that the organizations Marxist-Leninist roots have made it a strong supporter of moderate Islam, secularism, and gender equality, and that in order to support the spread of those ideals in the Middle East, Western powers should support the PKK.

Activists who led the 2011 revolt reflect on growing disillusionment with prospects for positive social change. A vast majority of the youth have become apathetic toward any political policies. In the vote for the constitutional referendum, the youth mainly acted in boycott and did not participate in the voting. In addition, the Egyptian media outlets have been accused of participating in a smear campaign against the activists that led the 2011 revolution. Wael Ghonim, for example, has had to handle his public image as he has been accused of benefiting from the revolt that he helped to orchestrate. A blogger, who goes by the name "Sandmonkey" accused the older generations of resisting change. He claims they act on their own accord even when they have no plausible or other alternative solutions. He points out that the youth represents 70% of the population but receives no official representation and only pity from the older generation who continues to make decisions on their behalf.

This article discusses the way the revolutionary uprisings from January 25th have shaped the art community. It focuses not just on street art (which is used as an act of defiance), but also on film, literature (mainly non-fiction works, but poetry as well). Lindsey discusses how the uprisings have shaped all of the art forms that "demonstrate a support for the uprising through cultural activism."

This author gives an analysis of where the Egyptian youth failed and succeeded in their revolution. He applauds their original motivation: overthrowing the oppressive regime and seeking political freedom. However, he criticizes the movement for not having organized goals with practical implications. Their focus was so set on overthrowing Mubarak that they did not have a plan once that was achieved. As a result, the youth allowed the military to become politicized and enforce their political ideas. The author claims this move set a dangerous precedent for the future and took away the attention of the military from places it was needed. The author claims that by endorsing the army to act militarily against the first civilian elected president of the country, the youth is undermining their original goals. He goes on to explain his suggestions for the Egyptian youth to get back on track and follow through in the remaining phases of the revolution.

This is a response by several groups about Obamas adress regarding the attacks on ISIS within Syria. Damascus and the Assad regime and the Coalition of Syria are fighting for control of Syria and are at odds with the Presidents words. Also a Russian minister accused these proposed atatcks of being "an act of agression" and would violate international law. Yes, because Russia ALWAYS abides by international law

This article states that if Bashar al Assad's use of chemical weapons in a suburb is true then why isn't the United States acting to protect the Syrian civilians. This article, contrary to the one I posted earlier, says that Syria is legally at fault in regards to chemical warfare because they signed the Geneva Convention.

What is Syria? Why the civil war? How did it all go so wrong compared to other countries of the Arab Spring? Why do Russia and Iran still like Syria so much? Why hasn't the US gotten involved? Why are chemical weapons being so heavily differentiated from other regime violent acts?

An overview of the violent acts the Assad regime (Hafez and Bashar) has committed against its own people.

Suleiman al-Hout was refused a license for his food cart in 2007. In retaliation, Hout acted the opposite of Mohammed Bouazizi in Tunisia. He went directly to Mubarak's former party headquarters and told them they had an opportunity to gain his vote by helping him on his food cart license. Since then, Hout was a proud supporter of the National Democratic Party and spent many years growing his business network and promoting the party. Through these tactics, Hout gained political clout and support. He did not benefit from the youth revolution because he was still unable to gain employment and a livelihood. The way Hout runs his political campaign is similar to Mubarak-era tactics. Although Hout was an early supporter of Sisi, he quickly changed his position when he was not given a job in the regime and did not gain any other employment. Now he is running for a seat in parliament, and because of his business connections, he may be successful.

When we think of domestic abuse or abuse in general we often think at home situations involving a man and woman. In Saudi Arabia, and surely other parts of the world, maids are frequently subjected to abuse. This article is one example of a maid that was severely abused for the simple act of bringing coffee too late. Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia are often abused by their employers.

This Palestinian news paper says that the Palestinians would reduce anti-semitism is Israel did not call itself a Jewish state. They call Israel criminals and think they are acting on behalf of all Jewish people.

The Nusra Front has been broadenings its borders but also beginning to lose trust/likings of the public. Kidnappings and public killings have been seen more although Nusra does not publicize its acts the way ISIS does

A women tells her story of women genital mutilation in Egypt. She recalls how painful it was and will be ending the tradition. This tradition has become less popular but is still going on.

Certain things like genital mutilation are common practice based on tradition. With no laws discouraging these types of acts, there is almost a sense of encouragement, which for women who no longer want to participate in these traditions serves as a up hill battle.

This article compares human trafficking to slavery and gives a stance not typical to my other articles. The author supports the notion of "guest workers" and says if it were known as slavery, then the host country and the respective home country would both be an accomplice to the crime. 

Russia air force killed hundred of civilian in Aleppo. that kind of act opposite the goal which attacking ISIS in syria war .

More information on the Za'arari camp that our speaker was discussing with our class yesterday. I found it interesting that Jennie Corbett, a policy analyst for Europe's RAND Research Institute, described the "acts of resilience and entrepreneurship" as "more poignant and impressive" vs. our speaker yesterday who said NGOS/UN groups should not use the term "resilient" so robustly.