In The News

Our Failure in Somalia

John Prendergast June 20, 2006
Rather than help root out terrorists finding refuge in war-torn Somalia, the US support of warlords against Islamist militias has created what analyst and former US National Security Council official John Prendergast calls “an al-Qaeda recruiter’s dream.” The Islamists have gained control of the capital, and the relative security that their rule promises has swung Somalia public opinion in their...

Holocaust Memories Hover Over Refugees

Peter Hirschberg June 20, 2006
Sudanese refugees who have illegally crossed the border into Israel are either forced back into Egypt or arrested and detained. Some of those arrested are released by the courts and taken in by kibbutzim, while others remain in prison waiting to be charged. The refugees pose a moral dilemma to the citizens and government of Israel; the chairman of Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust museum, wrote in...

Diaspora – Selective Immigration Policies and the Brain Drain

Bathseba H. Belai June 19, 2006
In an age of rapid information and globalization, developing countries need an educated workforce more than ever. However, the wealthiest nations entice the most talented workers with high wages – creating a void of intellectual capital in the most impoverished countries. As the populations of wealthy nations age, many governments have increased incentives for specialists to immigrate, although...

Washington’s Tactical Error in Somalia

Jen Alic June 17, 2006
Naivité is not particularly helpful in the war on terror. When Somali warlords extended the tempting offer of capturing several fugitive Al Qaeda operatives suspected of hiding in Somalia, the US government funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to the cause. The cause turned out to be bloody conflict with Islamic militias who have emerged victorious, controlling Somalia and riding a wave of...

Move Over, Barbie

Amany Abdel-Moneim June 12, 2006
With Muslim women’s ever-growing adherence to traditional dress code, it is no wonder that a new doll, Fulla, is becoming popular in Egyptian and Middle Eastern markets. The doll’s physique and large assortment of accessories, from lace underwear to prayer mat, place her in the Barbie genre, but many young Egyptian girls feel more connected with Fulla’s dark hair, hazel eyes and ankle-length...

Death in Darfur

Mohamed Buisier June 9, 2006
The Arab League’s response, or lack thereof, to the massacres in Darfur signals a leadership problem that must be confronted. Political activist Mohamed Buisier opposes the culture of fear that supports Arab leaders as well as the crimes committed by leaders against their own people – and urges reexamination of leadership and government’s legitimacy in the Arab world. The Arab League’s denial of...

Islamic Militia Ends Somali Warlords’ Rule

Xan Rice June 6, 2006
After 15 years of battles between warlords and the Union of Islamic Courts, an Islamic militia has secured full control over the Somalian capital of Mogadishu. Some of the city’s citizens expect the Union to create and maintain a stable administration capable of improving conditions in a country that has lacked effective government since the overthrow of Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. However,...