Word: arabism
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...democratization in the region. The U.S. has thus put forth a “social engineering project” which reflects its unique vision for a more democratic Middle East. This “project” is indicative of American muscular unilateralism in promoting reform in the Arab World. As a result of American “gunpoint democracy,” Arab governments have been brought to their knees...
...Arab countries have always walked a fine line between politically and socially liberalizing, and being seen as American collaborators or puppets. Many Arab leaders have precariously preserved this balance in the past by partially cooperating with the U.S., but still appearing strong, Arab, and Islamic before their citizens. Due to the Iraq War, and unabated support for Israel’s oppressive occupation in Palestine, anti-American sentiment has skyrocketed in the Arab World. As a result, Arab leaders are very wary of appearing “too friendly” with the Americans. At the same time...
...weakening of Arab leadership has captured the attention of militant groups, opposition organizations, and religious fundamentalists who want to garner power in the Arab states. From the proliferating militants in Iraq, to the Kurdish demonstrations in Syria, to the Islamic jihadists in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman, anti-government violence is rampant in the Arab World. Worst of all, Arab governments seem unable to respond with anything but more violence, or empty rhetoric. The American cowboy, if you will, has compelled the militant sheikh...
...most important lesson we should learn from Hariri’s assassination, however, is that American efforts in the region are not only failing, but degenerating civil stability in the Middle East. Instead of American gunpoint democracy, or unilateral arrogance, we need to engage the Arab World. While I am the first to support political reform in the Arab World, emboldening militants, fundamentalists, and separation groups is undoubtedly counterproductive to meaningful liberalization. Rather, building our trust within Arab societies will allow us to more effectively carry our message of liberty, justice, and democracy. Instead of rebuking Syria, we should negotiate...
...renowned work, Orientalism, the scholar Edward Saïd proclaims, “the Orient was almost a Western invention.” Saïd illustrates that the misconceptions the West created about the Middle East degraded Arab society into an “other;” a diametrically opposed stranger. Presently, we seem to have many strangers in the Middle East and far fewer friends. While U.S. goals to steer Arab states towards democracy may be noble, perhaps respectfully reengaging the Arabs would heed better results than last week’s tragedy...