News Articles

منع الاختلاط.. وتغطية الشمس بالغربال! -- أحمد الجار الله by Waleed Mahdi — last modified 2008-02-19 02:16

في الكويت ضجة حول قانون منع الاختلاط في الجامعة بعدما تصاعدت المطالبة بوقف العمل به, وأخذ المتمسكون بهذا القانون يتبارون في اطلاق التهديدات, واستحضار الحجج والمبررات والتحذير من إسقاطه بحجة أن ذلك سيجلب الانحرافات والفساد والانحطاط الخلقي داخل الحرم الجامعي, وكأن منع الاختلاط هو حامي الحمى والحصن الحصين والدرع الواقي من كل المشكلات الاجتماعية, لكن على ما يبدو إن الضجة حول هذا الموضوع دخلت طرفاً أساسياً في الاطار السياسي وابتعدت عن الجانب الخلقي والاجتماعي, لأن المتمسكين بمنع الاختلاط لم يكلفوا أنفسهم عناء مراجعة الاحصاءات الرسمية أو التي أجرتها مؤسسات المجتمع المدني.

The Two Faces of Saudi Arabia by: Mai Yamani by Anwar Ouassini — last modified 2008-03-12 02:45

An fascinating piece looking at the Saudi Arabian governments intent at attempting to maintian a strict interpretation of a "wahaabi inspired Islam" that generally recognizes a certain set of uniform interpretations of Islam and the pressures of modernization, which is forcing the Saudi government to become a pluralistic state wherein which sunnis and shiites of various theological and tribal backgrounds are recognized and acknowledged by the state.

Syria: a monopoly on democracy: By Samir Aita by Anwar Ouassini — last modified 2008-03-12 03:03

A piece on "Syrian democratic reform" and the implications of such reforms for major powers in the region.

Marriage Advertisements in Saudi Arabia: Loauy Bahry by Anwar Ouassini — last modified 2008-03-12 04:16

A insightful piece on how women in Saudi Arabia are challenging patriarchical institutions in Saudi Arabia including new avenues women are creating to choose their own husbands.

Prince Hassan receives 2008 Niwano Peace Prize by Marwan Hamdan - RIIFS — last modified 2008-05-13 05:23

 

Prince Hassan receives 2008 Niwano Peace Prize by Marwan Hamdan - RIIFS — last modified 2008-05-13 05:30

On Wednesday 7th May, the Niwano Peace Foundation awarded the 25th Niwano Peace Prize to HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan “for his tireless efforts toward building peace with justice in the Middle East”.

Fight Terror With YouTube by Karl Horak — last modified 2008-06-26 10:57

By DANIEL KIMMAGE. Published: June 26, 2008. Dateline: Baku, Azerbaijan.

Failed Responsibility: Iraqi Refugees in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon by Anwar Ouassini — last modified 2008-07-10 23:58

 

How public is public opinion? by Anwar Ouassini — last modified 2008-07-12 17:52

 

Riot at Syrian prison threatens to escalate by Anwar Ouassini — last modified 2008-07-12 17:54

 

Syrian Islamic leader permits female muftis by Anwar Ouassini — last modified 2008-07-12 18:12

 

New ICG Report: "Engaging Syria: U.S. Constraints and Opportunities" by Richard L Wood — last modified 2009-03-15 05:31

March 2009 analysis by International Crisis Group, on changing U.S. policy toward Syria (English version)

لحوار مع سورية؟ العوائق والفرص أمام الولايات المتحدة by Richard L Wood — last modified 2009-03-15 05:36

March 2009 International Crisis Group report on changing U.S. policy towards Syria (Arabic version).

2009: Engaging Syria? Lessons from the French Experience by Richard L Wood — last modified 2009-03-15 05:40

January 2009 International Crisis Group report on what U.S. and others can learn from French experience in engaging Syrian government.

التحاور مع دمشق؟ دروس التجربة الفرنسية by Richard L Wood — last modified 2009-03-15 05:42

January 2009 International Crisis Group report on lessons from French experience in engaging Syria (Arabic; French version also available here)

International Crisis Group on Arab-Israeli Conflict by Richard L Wood — last modified 2009-03-15 06:10

Excellent general resource on current analysis of dynamics, challenges, and opportunities in Arab-Israeli relations (English version).

نبذة حول كرايسز جروب by Richard L Wood — last modified 2009-03-15 06:13

International Crisis Group -- general resource on conflict situations worldwide (Arabic page)

Int'l Crisis Group releases new reports by Richard L Wood — last modified 2009-03-15 21:11

 

Syria trying new diplomatic role by Richard L Wood — last modified 2009-03-27 14:35

New York Times story on emerging changes in diplomatic relations in Middle East, featuring recent shifts in Syria's role.

Obama in Egypt: Analysis by NY Times by Richard L Wood — last modified 2009-05-12 04:10

New York Times pre-analysis of President Barack Hussein Obama's visit to Egypt, May 12, 2009

Obama in Egypt by Richard L Wood — last modified 2009-05-12 04:22

NY Times pre-analysis of visit to Egypt, address to Arab world

Water negotiations as way to peace by Richard L Wood — last modified 2009-09-26 17:52

Excellent radio show on negotiating water conflicts