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Compiled by faculty members at the German University in Cairo, this working paper series addresses the effect that watsa has on competence and morality in Middle Eastern economics and society. The authors define watsa as, "the intervention of a patron in favor of a client to obtain benefits and/or resources from a third party." In simpler terms it is a system of social networking in Arab culture in which family and social ties play a significant role in the attainment of economic advantages and resources, largely in the hiring process in businesses and organizations. A person applying for a job seeks out watsa to increase their chances of getting hired. Comparable to nepotism and cronyism, but is not restricted to friends and associates, watsa can also involve strangers linked through some social web of people. Watsa runs somewhat parallel to a Chinese concept of guanxi, based on Confucian ethics and focusing on strong collective ties. While guanxi is a part of Chinese ethics it actually defies Muslim ethical values, which advocates hiring the person most capable. In a Jordanian survey, 87% of respondents want watsa eradicated. While we know that unemployment in the Arab region is widespread, we can assume that this motivates people to do anything they can to improve their chances of obtaining a job. However, the practice of watsa as a whole is actually degrading the economic systems in the Arab sates even further. The article explains the linkage between watsa and poor job performance, economic decline, and the festering of injustice and frustration among the masses in Arab countries.

This looks super interesting, but I can't get the link to open. Thanks for writing a thorough summary of it!

A huge attack was planned against ISIS but America was not involved but Iran was involved in this attack against ISIS.

A huge attack was planned against ISIS but America was not involved but Iran was involved in this attack against ISIS.

The UN is pushing for sanctions to put pressure on Libyan factions and militias to take part in political negotiations. These sanctions would target individual groups rather than the foreign backers involved in the proxy war and would freeze their assets and impose travel bans. US officials have introduced the possibility of using their own sanctions separate from the UN for a few reasons: UN sanctions move slowly if not at all, Washington could impose them whenever they wish. The US places more emphasis on the importance on external actors in the conflict than domestic groups, explaining that these countries are actually intensifying the conflict. 

The public stoning involved a couple in their 20s. The woman was wearing a full face veil.

The public stoning involved a couple in their 20s. The woman was wearing a full face veil.

The public stoning involved a couple in their 20s. The woman was wearing a full face veil.

One of the things I personally didn't know about Al Qaeda was that some of the people involved are very smart people. The way they use their intelligence is different from how we would use them. I found this interesting because being an explosives expert sounds like it involves a lot of skill and knowledge.

Dr. Khelife Hanouti is accused of running an illegal abortion clinic in Algeria. He is also involved in falsifying "disclaimer" documents signed by single mothers and illegally transferring children abroad. He is also involved in kidnapping twin girls and selling them to a couple in France.

" Hezbollah captives held in Syria by the al-Qaida affiliated organization, Jabhat al-Nusra, have spoken against Hezbollah's involvement in the military conflict in Syria, claiming that it is not clear why the organization takes part in a war that has nothing to do with Lebanon."

Not much to do with my topic but an interesting piece on western perspective. Disclosing information on the constant involvement the U.S. has on other countries that aren't asking for help.

Women involved in Isis. Women leaving their families in order to join ISIS.

Women's rights are still on the path to improvement. Many wonder what will happen. In this article this is discussed along with other important points about women being involved in the Arab Spring and still not given equality.

Women's rights are still on the path to improvement. Many wonder what will happen. In this article this is discussed along with other important points about women being involved in the Arab Spring and still not given equality.

Conflict broke out in the Libyan capital Tripoli forcing Mitiga airport, primary airport since Tripoli International was closed due to damages, to close down worsening the bloody proxy war thus escalating the crisis. Egypt and UAE have been aiding the Islamic opposition, helping to fight against the Islamic militants backed by Turkey and Qatar. Apparently Qatar's involvement in Libya goes back to the revolution that ousted Gaddafi, contributing $2 billion in support of the Islamic movements as a part of its vision to establish an Arab regime ruling through Sharia Law. As of now, no players are willing to compromise in this "state of war." 

Something I was suggesting yesterday during class; the idea of involving NATO w/Middle Eastern affairs would be much more efficient than the stand-alone efforts we have been taking. Poland is taking this step, but in response to Russia's support for armed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Poland hopes NATO will agree at the Warsaw summit in July to send more troops to former communist eastern Europe.

"Conventional wisdom that Syria will turn out to be "Hezbollah's mini-Vietnam", and that the Iranian backed Lebanese armed group could encounter its gradual collapse in the conflict, is proving to be misguided three years into its involvement. While Hezbollah is losing manpower and assets in Syria, it is also expanding its foothold and leverage across the country and gaining military expertise."

This article gives in depth explanations of the intricate networks involved in the Muslim Brotherhood. The spread of the organization in America is also discussed.

This is a big deal because it is the highest level of involvement by the US in Syria to this date. A US attack killed Abd al-Rahman Mustafa al Qaduli, a high placed member of ISIS.

This article comments on the growing US involvement in Syria. It refers to a remote airstrip in a Kurdish-controlled town, with American planes arriving and leaving often.

This article references the current situation in seeking peace talks. The situation isn't going well, as only 3 of 15 groups were available to meet with the UN envoy. Moreover, the rebel groups want a cessation to the ceasefire so that they can retaliate against government forces. Their plan on doing so involves attacks in Hama and Latakia.

More successful attempts to disrupt the established territories of ISIS. This is news that another prominent member of the group was killed. Again, this was a US airstrike, showing that US involvement in the area is becoming more effective.

Assad is pointing the finger at Turkey and Saudi Arabia. He claims that Erdogan's forces are heavily involved in Syria, and that they are "crossing a red line." I will be curious to follow the relations between these two countries.