In The News

The Arab World Must Participate in Global Affairs and Not Follow

Najla Al Rostamani November 1, 2002
The first conference hosted by the Arab Thought Institute, a new pan-Arab organization founded by a Saudi prince, emphasized both greater intra-regional communication and increased Arab participation in international arenas. Despite the departure of European colonial powers, the West is seen by many Arabs as a constant oppressor of national freedoms. Noting that while some have characterized...

Unmanned U.S. Planes Comb Arabian Desert for Suspects

Neil MacFarquhar October 23, 2002
The war on terror has extended to a new geographic location - the Empty Quarter, or the Rub al-Khali in Arabic, in Yemen. Pilotless American surveillance planes have been flying over the soaring dunes and craggy valleys that extend for some 900 miles from the frontier of Yemen to the foothills of Oman, and 500 miles northward into central Saudi Arabia. The spy planes are scouring the ground for...

Don't Rock the Boat

Nayan Chanda October 23, 2002
When George W. Bush meets Jiang Zemin in Texas this Friday, he is likely to find a skeptical but polite interlocutor who will make sure that Iraq does not get in the way of an improving relationship between China and the United States. This will reflect China's cold calculus of its immediate interests in a U.S.-dominated world. For both economic and political reasons, China's leaders...

US Takes Place of Saddam as Saudi 'Threat'

Roula Khalaf October 20, 2002
As the US moves toward military action against Iraq, many people in Saudi Arabia are adamantly opposed to Saudi assistance of the US. Dismissing the idea that the US wishes to spread democracy, ordinary Saudis see an anti-Muslim and pro-Israel agenda in America's every move in the region. Indeed, some would rather see a Middle East with Saddam Hussein in power than an American "puppet...

War on Iraq Could Be Disastrous for Philippines

Al Labita October 7, 2002
If conflict breaks out in Iraq, a million Filipino workers living in the Middle East may have problems trying to send money back home. Foreign exchange remittances from overseas workers bring almost US$10 billion into the Philippines each year, and the country's economy might be devastated if that flow is suddenly halted. The Philippine government must also prepare to call in favors from...

Anger at U.S. Said to be at New High

Jane Perlez September 11, 2002
In contrast to the perceptions of many Americans after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Arabs have generally felt a close affinity to America, according to journalist and analyst for the International Crisis Group, Rami G. Khouri. However, with plans to attack Iraq traveling rapidly across the international newswires, this affinity for America has transformed into a highly politicized critique...

Study Warns of Stagnation in Arab Societies

Barbara Crossette July 2, 2002
Arab intellectuals specializing in sociology, economics, and cultural life have compiled the Arab Human Development Report 2002 which uncovers the obstacles to development in the Middle East. The report, which is the result of a year of planning, was initiated by Rima Khalaf Hunaidi, director of the United Nations Development Program's Arab regional bureau. Ms. Khalaf Hunaidi put the...