Al-Jazeera: the Famous channel in the Middle East
This article traces the rise of Al-Jazeera and discusses some of the controversy that surrounds it.
An Opinion About Everything: A Conversation with Sabria Jawhar
Sabria Jawhar is an outspoken and influential Saudi journalist perhaps best known for her passionate contention that human rights for Muslim women should be sought within the Islamic tradition. In this interview, Sabria speaks with Rob Wagner about her life and work, the friction and cohesion of cultural values, and the power of Saudi writers to overcome prejudices and set the record straight.
And You thought the War On Terror was over? Not for François Hollande…
Victoria Fontan and Adolphe Kilomba discuss the context and motivations behind France’s intervention in Mali, as well as some of the legal arguments used to justify it.
Arabic Awakening: Human Dignity and Democracy in Question
A new order is taking shape from North Africa to the Middle East; but as the dust settles down, will the quest for human dignity and democracy continue? Patrick Mugo Mugo analyzes what kind of governance system will win the hearts and minds of millions of the Arabic people: a Western based concept, or Turkish, Korean, Bangladesh or Indonesian models?
Mali Conflict: Causes and Effects
Journalist Lawal Tsalha traces the history and context of the Mali conflict, clarifying the motivations and relationships between various parties, and offering some insight into the present situation.
Interview with Professor Amr Abdalla
Amr Abdalla talks to Joseph Schumacher about conflict resolution and prevention, the world of Islam and the problems of the Middle East.
The Wholesaling of Political Islam
“Political Islam” is a term often used to mask over many shades of political and Islamic opinion as well as their interactions. Abukar Arman unmasks the term and discusses its complexity in light of Egypt’s ongoing political crisis.
Discerning for Peace in Africa: The Sudan Civil Wars and Peace Processes 1955-2013
Separation of the Sudan into the Republic of Sudan (North) and the Republic of Southern Sudan (South) was globally extolled as the long-lasting solution to one of the longest civil wars in post-Colonial Africa. However, recent developments in Sudan: continued clashes between north and south, crises in the contested areas and tribal civil wars have uncovered that: separation without addressing the principal root causes of the conflicts is not the panacea to prone and protracted civil wars. Taking a historical analysis framework, the paper attempts to tackle issues of causes, opportunities and challenges for peace in Sudan.
Keywords: Sudan; conflicts; civil wars; peace; CPA; referendum; secession; Abyei.
Afghanistan after the US withdrawl
This paper analyses the role of Afghanistan’s regional neighbours in securing it’s recovery and stability, as well as the wider implications of America’s strategic policies in the region. Will things fall apart or hold together in Afghanistan after December 2014?
Obstacles Likely to Remain in Voting Rights for Saudi Women
Journalist Rob L. Wagner examines the feminist movement’s gains in Saudi Arabia and whether King Abdullah’s royal decree granting women voting rights can remain intact without alterations in 2015. Granting women the right to vote, run for local elections, and take seats in Saudi Arabia’s quasi-legislative Shoura Council came at a time when Saudi voter interest has declined due to the ineffective role municipal councils plays in shaping the future of local government.