Syria must avoid violence
Syria should not take Libya as a leading example because the bloodshed in the latter resulted in the killing of over 25,000 people and had led to the intervention of foreign powers which are now competing for rebuilding contracts in Libya.
Syria is bigger in size and plays a role in the peace process in the Middle East and hence, the Tunisian and Egyptian examples are far better for the country and the people. In both Tunisia and Egypt, the regimes were overthrown by the local people’s power without the intervention of any other country.
Also, the Syrian regime must avoid using violence against its people, because it is violence that forces people to seek external support to help them and free them.
There is no doubt that the killing of more Syrians and more internal destruction will give enough justification and legitimacy for international intervention, which we hope will happen with the full support and supervision of the United Nations.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/173174/reftab/73/t/Libya-should-not-be-example/Default.aspx
Sunday 28 August 2011
Lessons from Arab springs
Regimes meet people halfway
QUICK actions and implementation of reforms to meet the people’s demands were the positive factors in the Arab world springs that downplayed the effects of internal pressure and prevent further unrest or total collapse of the regimes.
The regimes in Morocco, Jordan and some countries in the Gulf are among a few of those who have embarked on an effective crisis-management mechanism. Openness and flexibility were required to defuse tension. These regimes were willing to meet their people halfway, instead of leaving them on the highway with their woes.
In the Jordanian and Moroccan examples, reforms were directed towards the constitution of a monarchy. In this manner, the people got more involved in the implementation of the amendments promised by the leaders of both countries. They have now a clear idea on when and how to achieve their goals, unlike in the past when it was almost impossible to see any change for decades.
This has also allowed the people on the streets to be involved in the democratic process, particularly the transformation into a constitutional monarchy. Opening the public elections and making the candidates busy with their respective campaigns allowed the people to heave a sigh of relief that they can finally enjoy their constitutional rights and liberties.
Moreover, we can deduce from the abovementioned examples that surrendering the crown is not a must. However, the televised or radio speeches or promises should be genuine. These promises must be seen in the eyes and felt in the heart of the nation, not just an illusion towards democratization.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal - Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172985/reftab/36/t/Lessons-from-Arab-springs/Default.aspx
QUICK actions and implementation of reforms to meet the people’s demands were the positive factors in the Arab world springs that downplayed the effects of internal pressure and prevent further unrest or total collapse of the regimes.
The regimes in Morocco, Jordan and some countries in the Gulf are among a few of those who have embarked on an effective crisis-management mechanism. Openness and flexibility were required to defuse tension. These regimes were willing to meet their people halfway, instead of leaving them on the highway with their woes.
In the Jordanian and Moroccan examples, reforms were directed towards the constitution of a monarchy. In this manner, the people got more involved in the implementation of the amendments promised by the leaders of both countries. They have now a clear idea on when and how to achieve their goals, unlike in the past when it was almost impossible to see any change for decades.
This has also allowed the people on the streets to be involved in the democratic process, particularly the transformation into a constitutional monarchy. Opening the public elections and making the candidates busy with their respective campaigns allowed the people to heave a sigh of relief that they can finally enjoy their constitutional rights and liberties.
Moreover, we can deduce from the abovementioned examples that surrendering the crown is not a must. However, the televised or radio speeches or promises should be genuine. These promises must be seen in the eyes and felt in the heart of the nation, not just an illusion towards democratization.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal - Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172985/reftab/36/t/Lessons-from-Arab-springs/Default.aspx
The Arab Spring in Israel
Call to solve financial crisis, ‘unemployment’
THE Arab Spring, which started on Dec 18, 2010 in Tunisia and led to street demonstrations to overthrow the regime, has spread to many other Arab countries like Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Algeria, Syria, Jordan, Oman, Lebanon and Mauritania.
For over a century, the Arab world has been known for importing everything in every sector like defense, health, security, transportation, education and finance, among several others, while it exports the least of its local products. However, the Middle Eastern countries have started exporting an important ‘product’ — the Arab Spring, which served as a model for many nations in Europe, such as Greece, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Surprisingly, a neighboring country (Israel), which was not expected to be involved in such activities, has also jumped on the bandwagon. Around 300,000 people have participated in demonstrations in Tel Aviv and many cities in Israel, following the Tharir Square example, considering the demands of the protesters. They have called on the government to effectively play its role in solving the financial crisis, as well as the unemployment and housing problems. They have also demanded for better medical and social services.
The impact of the global financial meltdown on Israel is somehow different from that of the Arab world or Europe, because this country totally depends on the support of global powers affected by the crisis.
A certain indicator has emerged to split the benefits coming from those areas as was evident in the division of Sudan into two and sharing projects with new major players in different forms like oil, gas, strategic alliance, uranium, military contracts and other raw materials.
Attempts to divide and reshape the Arab world, failure to grant financial support to many areas in the world, and inability to allocate enough funds for the costly military support might have a negative impact on the position of several countries in the Middle East including Israel!
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172844/reftab/96/t/The-Arab-Spring-in-Israel/Default.aspx
THE Arab Spring, which started on Dec 18, 2010 in Tunisia and led to street demonstrations to overthrow the regime, has spread to many other Arab countries like Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Algeria, Syria, Jordan, Oman, Lebanon and Mauritania.
For over a century, the Arab world has been known for importing everything in every sector like defense, health, security, transportation, education and finance, among several others, while it exports the least of its local products. However, the Middle Eastern countries have started exporting an important ‘product’ — the Arab Spring, which served as a model for many nations in Europe, such as Greece, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Surprisingly, a neighboring country (Israel), which was not expected to be involved in such activities, has also jumped on the bandwagon. Around 300,000 people have participated in demonstrations in Tel Aviv and many cities in Israel, following the Tharir Square example, considering the demands of the protesters. They have called on the government to effectively play its role in solving the financial crisis, as well as the unemployment and housing problems. They have also demanded for better medical and social services.
The impact of the global financial meltdown on Israel is somehow different from that of the Arab world or Europe, because this country totally depends on the support of global powers affected by the crisis.
A certain indicator has emerged to split the benefits coming from those areas as was evident in the division of Sudan into two and sharing projects with new major players in different forms like oil, gas, strategic alliance, uranium, military contracts and other raw materials.
Attempts to divide and reshape the Arab world, failure to grant financial support to many areas in the world, and inability to allocate enough funds for the costly military support might have a negative impact on the position of several countries in the Middle East including Israel!
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172844/reftab/96/t/The-Arab-Spring-in-Israel/Default.aspx
Sunday 21 August 2011
Social media between regulation, freedom
‘Double-edged sword’
THE social media is not just a way to find your classmates in high school 20 years ago or to share summer holiday or graduation pictures; it is also a tool for staging revolutions to demand changes in regimes and public policies.
The recent revolutions throughout the world were organized by the youths through various social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM).
In an unprecedented manner, the social media has become a tool for monitoring events and organizing demonstrations in several countries around the world, such as Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and Israel.
For instance, the recent riots in London were carried out by the youths, who coordinated their efforts through BBM. They used this advanced communication media to arrange the time and location for the protests, as well as exchange opinions on how to carry out the protest action.
Regulating the social networking sites has become a necessity due to these incidents. However, it remains hotly debated because the youths are more active and advanced than the state security and intelligence agents, so they can easily evade arrest.
Actually, this is a double-edged sword. We cannot deny the fact that the protesters have the right to overthrow the barbaric and corrupt regimes like those of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, Zine El-Abidine bin Ali in Tunisia and Hosni Mubarak in Egypt.
On the other hand, in cases like that of Norway, regulating the social media is a must because the murders and bombing were unjustified for the Labor Party members. This happened due to lenient immigration rules and the killings were considered, after debating on blogs and Facebook, a different manner of opposition and protesting.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172883/reftab/73/t/Social-media-between-regulation-freedom/Default.aspx
THE social media is not just a way to find your classmates in high school 20 years ago or to share summer holiday or graduation pictures; it is also a tool for staging revolutions to demand changes in regimes and public policies.
The recent revolutions throughout the world were organized by the youths through various social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM).
In an unprecedented manner, the social media has become a tool for monitoring events and organizing demonstrations in several countries around the world, such as Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and Israel.
For instance, the recent riots in London were carried out by the youths, who coordinated their efforts through BBM. They used this advanced communication media to arrange the time and location for the protests, as well as exchange opinions on how to carry out the protest action.
Regulating the social networking sites has become a necessity due to these incidents. However, it remains hotly debated because the youths are more active and advanced than the state security and intelligence agents, so they can easily evade arrest.
Actually, this is a double-edged sword. We cannot deny the fact that the protesters have the right to overthrow the barbaric and corrupt regimes like those of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, Zine El-Abidine bin Ali in Tunisia and Hosni Mubarak in Egypt.
On the other hand, in cases like that of Norway, regulating the social media is a must because the murders and bombing were unjustified for the Labor Party members. This happened due to lenient immigration rules and the killings were considered, after debating on blogs and Facebook, a different manner of opposition and protesting.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172883/reftab/73/t/Social-media-between-regulation-freedom/Default.aspx
Sunday 14 August 2011
The unrest in London
Need quick realistic programs
SURPRISINGLY, the Arab springs which started in Tunisia and spread to Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Bahrain have been replicated in other parts of the world like Spain, Italy, Norway, United Kingdom and Israel.
Demands presented by the participants in these springs are all the same — relief and reform. The fatal shooting of Mark Duggan, a 29-year-old member of a Jamaican criminal gang in Tottenham Hale, triggered riots in London.
Duggan was killed Saturday while the riots started on Thursday and spread to other cities a few days later.
This incident is considered the worst in decades; hence, the need to pause for a moment to analyze the situation.
Some young gangsters carried out violent acts on Monday. The burning of cars and looting were regarded a hidden snow ball that started from London and headed towards other cities, such as Oxford, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, among others.
It was a combination of anger, outrage and fear that should be given proper attention to bring back peace and order in the society.
The outbreaks have gone beyond the cultural norms of the British society, clearly showing the public lacks understanding of many issues like the changes promised by the candidates in their campaigns, law and order, policing especially the relations between the police officers and youngsters, racism, asylum, immigration rules and other concerns.
Obviously, the unrest is related to the financial crisis, which forced the concerned authorities to make budgetary cuts in social services, health programs, police and military institutions.
This has increased the burdens of the middle and low income citizens and has taken a toll on the general level of homeland security.
In all the cases mentioned above, the youths used social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) to express their anger.
They have resorted to violence to air their grievances.
The government’s announcement of its intention to use an iron fist in dealing with the issue is not the only option, especially since it has been proven futile in the Arab and world springs. The tough cuts should not be brought back as in the 1980s during the tenure of Thatcher, because we are in the middle of an international financial meltdown.
In fact, the best and only solution is to quickly come up with realistic programs to satiate the hunger and thirst of the people, no matter if we are facing blacks, whites or Asians.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172605/reftab/73/t/The-unrest-in-London/Default.aspx
SURPRISINGLY, the Arab springs which started in Tunisia and spread to Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Bahrain have been replicated in other parts of the world like Spain, Italy, Norway, United Kingdom and Israel.
Demands presented by the participants in these springs are all the same — relief and reform. The fatal shooting of Mark Duggan, a 29-year-old member of a Jamaican criminal gang in Tottenham Hale, triggered riots in London.
Duggan was killed Saturday while the riots started on Thursday and spread to other cities a few days later.
This incident is considered the worst in decades; hence, the need to pause for a moment to analyze the situation.
Some young gangsters carried out violent acts on Monday. The burning of cars and looting were regarded a hidden snow ball that started from London and headed towards other cities, such as Oxford, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, among others.
It was a combination of anger, outrage and fear that should be given proper attention to bring back peace and order in the society.
The outbreaks have gone beyond the cultural norms of the British society, clearly showing the public lacks understanding of many issues like the changes promised by the candidates in their campaigns, law and order, policing especially the relations between the police officers and youngsters, racism, asylum, immigration rules and other concerns.
Obviously, the unrest is related to the financial crisis, which forced the concerned authorities to make budgetary cuts in social services, health programs, police and military institutions.
This has increased the burdens of the middle and low income citizens and has taken a toll on the general level of homeland security.
In all the cases mentioned above, the youths used social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) to express their anger.
They have resorted to violence to air their grievances.
The government’s announcement of its intention to use an iron fist in dealing with the issue is not the only option, especially since it has been proven futile in the Arab and world springs. The tough cuts should not be brought back as in the 1980s during the tenure of Thatcher, because we are in the middle of an international financial meltdown.
In fact, the best and only solution is to quickly come up with realistic programs to satiate the hunger and thirst of the people, no matter if we are facing blacks, whites or Asians.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172605/reftab/73/t/The-unrest-in-London/Default.aspx
Bahrain and the new Arab stability
More rights for Shiites
BAHRAIN is one of the GCC countries which gained independence in the 1970s. Since then, it has become an international financial center and it served as an active military base earlier than the others. In its recent ‘spring’, tension escalated in the country due to growing demands for reform and democracy. The main goal was to grant more rights to the Shiites of Bahrain, particularly after some groups complained about the alleged spread of discrimination and marginalization.
The King and the young Crown Prince of the Kingdom immediately took concrete steps to avoid sectarian violence, promote democracy, grant equal rights to the people, and initiate dialogue with the public without the intervention of any foreign power. The current situation in the Gulf, in which the common ruling system is tribal monarchy, cannot be compared with the other ‘springs’ in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia or Yemen, simply because these countries are republics that had been transformed into personal and family business empires whose main goal is to give severe poverty, corruption, injustice and unemployment to the people!
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172494/reftab/73/t/Bahrain-and-the-new-Arab-stability/Default.aspx
BAHRAIN is one of the GCC countries which gained independence in the 1970s. Since then, it has become an international financial center and it served as an active military base earlier than the others. In its recent ‘spring’, tension escalated in the country due to growing demands for reform and democracy. The main goal was to grant more rights to the Shiites of Bahrain, particularly after some groups complained about the alleged spread of discrimination and marginalization.
The King and the young Crown Prince of the Kingdom immediately took concrete steps to avoid sectarian violence, promote democracy, grant equal rights to the people, and initiate dialogue with the public without the intervention of any foreign power. The current situation in the Gulf, in which the common ruling system is tribal monarchy, cannot be compared with the other ‘springs’ in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia or Yemen, simply because these countries are republics that had been transformed into personal and family business empires whose main goal is to give severe poverty, corruption, injustice and unemployment to the people!
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172494/reftab/73/t/Bahrain-and-the-new-Arab-stability/Default.aspx
Sunday 7 August 2011
Leaders at point of no return
Seeking ‘justice’ after ME springs
THE 83-year-old former Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, was put on trial Wednesday, along with his two sons, his former minister and six security officers.
The ex-president and his cohorts were charged with causing the death of 800 protesters during the uprising in January and corruption for providing Israel with natural gas below the market prices. The revolution, which led to the ouster of Mubarak, is considered the first in the history of this part of the world, which regards the rulers and their families as untouchables and above the law.
Undoubtedly, the trial is considered one of its kind in Arab history. The people have put their ex-president on trial without the help of foreign powers, unlike the fall of Saddam Hussein in Iraq.
They have staged a peaceful revolution in a democratic way and exercised their freedom of expression without resorting to violence or force.
One can clearly see that the Egyptians opted to get justice in a civilized manner after the emergence of huge corruption scandals in their country. Billions of dollars of public money have been squandered, while the poverty and unemployment rates have continued to rise for the last three decades under the leadership of Mubarak.
Furthermore, the court appearance of Mubarak should serve as a good example and a practical lesson for other dictatorial regimes in the Arab region, such as those in Libya, Yemen and Syria. They should learn from the experience of Mubarak, especially after the brutal killing and torture of their own people. These leaders are now on the verge of collapse due to their cruel acts. They are at the point of no return because of their excessive tyranny.Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172319/reftab/96/t/Leaders-at-point-of-no-return/Default.aspx
THE 83-year-old former Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, was put on trial Wednesday, along with his two sons, his former minister and six security officers.
The ex-president and his cohorts were charged with causing the death of 800 protesters during the uprising in January and corruption for providing Israel with natural gas below the market prices. The revolution, which led to the ouster of Mubarak, is considered the first in the history of this part of the world, which regards the rulers and their families as untouchables and above the law.
Undoubtedly, the trial is considered one of its kind in Arab history. The people have put their ex-president on trial without the help of foreign powers, unlike the fall of Saddam Hussein in Iraq.
They have staged a peaceful revolution in a democratic way and exercised their freedom of expression without resorting to violence or force.
One can clearly see that the Egyptians opted to get justice in a civilized manner after the emergence of huge corruption scandals in their country. Billions of dollars of public money have been squandered, while the poverty and unemployment rates have continued to rise for the last three decades under the leadership of Mubarak.
Furthermore, the court appearance of Mubarak should serve as a good example and a practical lesson for other dictatorial regimes in the Arab region, such as those in Libya, Yemen and Syria. They should learn from the experience of Mubarak, especially after the brutal killing and torture of their own people. These leaders are now on the verge of collapse due to their cruel acts. They are at the point of no return because of their excessive tyranny.Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172319/reftab/96/t/Leaders-at-point-of-no-return/Default.aspx
Somalia and the worst humanitarian disaster
Quick intervention vital
THE famine in Somalia is considered one of the worst disasters in the Horn of Africa, which includes Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti.
All of these nations are currently facing similar environmental challenges.
The most dangerous aspect of the crisis is the radical groups that use natural disasters like drought to their advantage.
These groups have prevented the starving people from traveling to neighboring countries, up to the extent of imprisoning anyone who tries to flee from their homeland.
They have also blocked the entry of relief goods, including medicine and water, from the West.
The situation has continued to deteriorate. Over 500,000 children are on the brink of starvation and thousands have already died in a situation that is worse than Iraq and Afghanistan.
Due to their anti-Western beliefs, the Al-Shabab group members, who regard themselves as part of al-Qaeda, have rejected anything western, including support or aid for the starving people.
The acts of radical groups can be considered crimes against humanity like genocide; hence, the need for the quick intervention of the international community to break through the blockade and save a large number of dying children and elderly. These groups must be punished according to the law.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172228/reftab/73/t/Somalia-and-the-worst-humanitarian-disaster/Default.aspx
THE famine in Somalia is considered one of the worst disasters in the Horn of Africa, which includes Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti.
All of these nations are currently facing similar environmental challenges.
The most dangerous aspect of the crisis is the radical groups that use natural disasters like drought to their advantage.
These groups have prevented the starving people from traveling to neighboring countries, up to the extent of imprisoning anyone who tries to flee from their homeland.
They have also blocked the entry of relief goods, including medicine and water, from the West.
The situation has continued to deteriorate. Over 500,000 children are on the brink of starvation and thousands have already died in a situation that is worse than Iraq and Afghanistan.
Due to their anti-Western beliefs, the Al-Shabab group members, who regard themselves as part of al-Qaeda, have rejected anything western, including support or aid for the starving people.
The acts of radical groups can be considered crimes against humanity like genocide; hence, the need for the quick intervention of the international community to break through the blockade and save a large number of dying children and elderly. These groups must be punished according to the law.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/172228/reftab/73/t/Somalia-and-the-worst-humanitarian-disaster/Default.aspx
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