Political freedom, accountability, corruption, and economic justice are at the center of democratic protests. Turkey’s record on these issues has drawn the notice of many in the Islamic world. But Turkey’s experience with electoral politics and market economics is unique, a response to the specifics of Turkish history and culture. The example therefore may not be replicable.
Palestine: the Logical Locus of Les Onzards
Palestinians need to mobilize around a liberation strategy that appeals to the widest possible base.
Responsibility to Protect Gives Way to Targeted Assassination and Regime Change in Libya
The messaging used to sell the invasion of Libya to the American people — that NATO was taking up the ‘responsibility to protect’ — painted a thin veneer over lurking geopolitical motives.
Has Tunisia’s March Towards Democracy Been Halted in Its Tracks?
The signs of increased activity by the Tunisian old guard are multiplying, confirming that while President Ben Ali has been deposed, the system he helped put in place still fights to maintain its power and privileges.
Bin Laden’s Killing Used to Rationalize Guantanamo Detention
Neocons would have us believe that Osama bin Laden’s death was facilitated by their legal rulings.
Don’t Count Bashar Out
Bashar’s crackdown on protesters has severely hurt the prospects of renewed U.S.-Syrian ties, at least in the near future. Therefore, the Obama administration is currently on the horns of a dilemma. It has condemned Assad’s crackdown on protestors. But the administration is not sure it should alienate him entirely.
Microcredit on Trial: The Sacking of Muhammad Yunus
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has become the fall guy for microcredit’s abuses by major banks.
Could the Death of bin Laden Become a Cornerstone of Peace in Afghanistan?
If getting the Afghanistan peace process going involved taking out Osama bin Laden, well, in the cynical world of the “Great Game,” to make an omelet, you have to break eggs.
WikiLeaks: Gitmo Guards’ Rewards System for Detainees Backfires
Young Guantanamo detainee Yasser Talal Al Zahrani took advantage of guards relaxing the rules to commit suicide.
A Bin Laden Trial a “Circus”? Who Doesn’t Like a Circus?
The SEAL who killed bin Laden, justified or not, may have deprived the world of a font of information about terrorism.