In The News

Ya Hussein

Omayma Abdel-Latif April 24, 2003
While the US envisions a secular government for reconstructed Iraq, Iraq’s two Islamic sects – Shi’a and Sunni – have called for an 'Islamic state'. Moreover, hundreds of thousands of Shi’a Muslims assembled in Karbala recently to demonstrate their faith and condemn the American presence in Iraq. Tension between the Iraqi religious establishment and the occupation forces is high; Sunni...

'Worse than 1967'

Amira Howeidy April 23, 2003
Twenty-nine Egyptian intellectuals have protested Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s statement that Saddam Hussein was the cause of the American invasion of Iraq. Instead, this disparate group of thinkers have offered other reasons for the war—the inherent weakness of authoritarian governments, the need for political liberalization in some Arab states, or even the ‘fall’ of Arab power after the...

Garner’s Challenge

April 22, 2003
Iraq’s post-war administration, led by former American General Jay Garner, faces difficult domestic and international political challenges as Iraq begins to rebuild. In addition to handling immediate problems such as providing basic services and keeping order, the administration must address potential religious conflict between Sunni Muslims and the Shia majority, as well as international...

The Perils of Empire

Paul Kennedy April 20, 2003
Historian Paul Kennedy argues that the perception of the United States as the world leader is borne out by its current economic, military and political strength and influence. At this historical juncture, the United States can use its military success in Iraq to push for democratic reforms in Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia. The United States also aspires to positively affect the conflict between...

Annan Implores Europeans to Forge Pact on Rebuilding Iraq

Frank Bruni April 17, 2003
The months before the US-led war in Iraq showed deep fractures in the EU, and according to this report on the first EU meeting since the war began, the divisions still linger. Aside from welcoming new and prospective EU members, two statements were passed at this meeting. The statement on Iraq, although “vague” and “brief,” held coalition forces responsible for restoring security in Iraq first...

Democracy Group Looks to Aid Iraq

April 17, 2003
Can Taiwan teach Iraq lessons in democracy? Taiwanese officials think post-Saddam Iraq can learn much from its “young democracy”, since Iraq has before it a road Taiwan has already taken – from authoritarianism to modern democracy. So while many countries are still bidding for economic contracts, Taiwan is one among the few to actively concern itself with the country's transformation to...

US retailers back import ban on Burma

Edward Alden April 15, 2003
International agencies such as the International Labor Organization have long advocated sanctions against Burma to protest its record of human rights violations and "disregard for democracy." In spite of a United States government ban on US investments in Burma, the US remains one of the country’s largest trading partners. However, US clothing manufacturers and retailers recently...