Message for Yemen, Syria
THE fall of Gaddafi’s regime after a long battle with the fighters of the ruling transitional council that is supported by NATO will definitely affect the springs in Yemen and Syria.
The death of Gaddafi will recharge the movement in both countries and strengthen the resolve of protesters to oust the tyrannical regimes.The two remaining tyrants must understand the message, especially since the fate of the ex-general in Libya was too humiliating and drastic for someone who considered himself a revolutionary leader.
The two rulers must give up like Zine Al-Abidine bin Ali of Tunisia or resign like Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, because the revolutionists will continue pushing for their ouster.
The fall of the Libyan regime was the outcome of the people’s revenge, since he killed over 300,000 citizens just to remain in power for 40 years, during which he practiced tyranny and dictatorship.
There are many options for the ex-rulers and there are good lessons for those who are still in power. Apparently, the remaining tyrants will not leave without bloodshed and massive losses.
It is easier to resign or move away with a little dignity, because this step requires only a pen and a piece of paper.
Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/175334/reftab/36/t/Death-of-Gaddafi-to-recharge-Spring/Default.aspx
Monday, 24 October 2011
Monday, 17 October 2011
Does Egypt need one more spring?
Brotherhood voice growing
THE recent changes in the position of the Egyptian Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which did not fire at the demonstrators when the spring started on Jan 25, 2011; but resorted to shooting at Christian protesters lately, clearly indicate that the council is the new political rival.
The new scenario includes two extra players — the young Egyptians, who were behind the spring, and the Islamic Brotherhood, which was passive then but it is now active, particularly in looking back to power.
The Brotherhood has started warning the Army rulers not to interfere in the drafting of the new constitution.The step was taken at a time the election, which will take place before the end of this year, is fast approaching, and the large religious group mentioned above will most likely dominate the polls. The group will definitely have a huge influence on the committee tasked to draft the new constitution, which will shape the future of the country.The steps taken by the Army and the Islamic group entail going back to zero.
Most of the deposed regimes like those in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya had previously won the support of certain parties in an attempt to prevent the Islamic extreme groups from gaining control.
However, it looks like the young, nationalistic, multi-faith defenders and moderate Egyptians, who dream of a bright future, freedom and democracy, need to get out of the emerging ‘typhoon’.
They need to revive efforts to move towards another spring.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/175076/reftab/36/t/Does-Egypt-need-one-more-spring/Default.aspx
THE recent changes in the position of the Egyptian Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which did not fire at the demonstrators when the spring started on Jan 25, 2011; but resorted to shooting at Christian protesters lately, clearly indicate that the council is the new political rival.
The new scenario includes two extra players — the young Egyptians, who were behind the spring, and the Islamic Brotherhood, which was passive then but it is now active, particularly in looking back to power.
The Brotherhood has started warning the Army rulers not to interfere in the drafting of the new constitution.The step was taken at a time the election, which will take place before the end of this year, is fast approaching, and the large religious group mentioned above will most likely dominate the polls. The group will definitely have a huge influence on the committee tasked to draft the new constitution, which will shape the future of the country.The steps taken by the Army and the Islamic group entail going back to zero.
Most of the deposed regimes like those in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya had previously won the support of certain parties in an attempt to prevent the Islamic extreme groups from gaining control.
However, it looks like the young, nationalistic, multi-faith defenders and moderate Egyptians, who dream of a bright future, freedom and democracy, need to get out of the emerging ‘typhoon’.
They need to revive efforts to move towards another spring.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/175076/reftab/36/t/Does-Egypt-need-one-more-spring/Default.aspx
Monday, 10 October 2011
Need to examine trust levels of Palestine, Israel leaders
Two parties need to come together, talk
IN SPITE of the suggestions, strategies and time tables set for the Palestinians and Israelis, one can see that the two parties have never intentionally or unemotionally tried to come together, talk, listen or act to make things happen.
All decisions concerning the future should be thoroughly tested to examine the trust levels and honesty of leaders of both sides, especially when planning so that the future generations of both sides can live without war, bloodshed and sorrow.
These ingredients are necessary when thinking of a real transformation in relations between people living together or near each other in peace and without battles.
Any engagement or supervision from any other country or body like USA or Europe in the peace process must come after the previous step.
At the United Nations, many member states supported the new state, but everyone is waiting for the decision of the Security Council.
President Obama earlier mentioned that he will broker peace in the region, but it is possible only when both parties involved in the dispute agree in advance to truly engage in the peace process.
If Israel, as an existing country, wants to make peace with its neighbors, it should take a more independent role in decision-making in this important issue without any intervention or involvement of others.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/174784/reftab/36/t/Need-to-examine-trust-levels-of-Palestine-Israel-leaders/Default.aspx
IN SPITE of the suggestions, strategies and time tables set for the Palestinians and Israelis, one can see that the two parties have never intentionally or unemotionally tried to come together, talk, listen or act to make things happen.
All decisions concerning the future should be thoroughly tested to examine the trust levels and honesty of leaders of both sides, especially when planning so that the future generations of both sides can live without war, bloodshed and sorrow.
These ingredients are necessary when thinking of a real transformation in relations between people living together or near each other in peace and without battles.
Any engagement or supervision from any other country or body like USA or Europe in the peace process must come after the previous step.
At the United Nations, many member states supported the new state, but everyone is waiting for the decision of the Security Council.
President Obama earlier mentioned that he will broker peace in the region, but it is possible only when both parties involved in the dispute agree in advance to truly engage in the peace process.
If Israel, as an existing country, wants to make peace with its neighbors, it should take a more independent role in decision-making in this important issue without any intervention or involvement of others.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/174784/reftab/36/t/Need-to-examine-trust-levels-of-Palestine-Israel-leaders/Default.aspx
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Statehood request for Palestinians in the UN
Right to existence vital
MANY member states of the UN suggested that negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis be restarted after the Palestinians submitted a statehood request to the General Assembly. This was like coming back to square one. The Palestine-Israel saga has been going on for over six decades in front of the eyes of the international community without any real solution or remedy.
In order to find a solution, the parties involved must go back to the 1967 borders, swap lands to gain the lost territories and then start fixing security, refugees and settlement matters as the next step. All the previous delays in sorting out this issue were due to loss of momentum, doubts about achieving real peace, absence of support from the international powers and the correlation of the situation with interests beyond time and place.
In fact, there can be security and everlasting peace in the region only when the Palestinians, the Israelis and the world community accept the right to existence of both Palestine and Israel and both these countries recognize each other in a genuine way.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/174428/reftab/73/t/Statehood-request-for-Palestinians-in-the-UN/Default.aspx
MANY member states of the UN suggested that negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis be restarted after the Palestinians submitted a statehood request to the General Assembly. This was like coming back to square one. The Palestine-Israel saga has been going on for over six decades in front of the eyes of the international community without any real solution or remedy.
In order to find a solution, the parties involved must go back to the 1967 borders, swap lands to gain the lost territories and then start fixing security, refugees and settlement matters as the next step. All the previous delays in sorting out this issue were due to loss of momentum, doubts about achieving real peace, absence of support from the international powers and the correlation of the situation with interests beyond time and place.
In fact, there can be security and everlasting peace in the region only when the Palestinians, the Israelis and the world community accept the right to existence of both Palestine and Israel and both these countries recognize each other in a genuine way.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/174428/reftab/73/t/Statehood-request-for-Palestinians-in-the-UN/Default.aspx
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Egypt-Israel relations in the post Mubarak era
Attack on embassy sends strong signal
AFTER THE ouster of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, relations between Israel and Egypt became tense, particularly after the attack on the Israeli embassy last Friday. The images of protesters breaking into the embassy, tearing down a cement/metal barrier, trapping six staff members, dumping Hebrew documents and pulling down the Israeli flag and replacing it with the Egyptian one sent a strong signal. These should be taken into consideration while determining the type of future relations that need to be forged between the two countries and the new nature of the peace process in the Middle East.
The Arab Spring revolutions were against totalitarian regimes which caused political, economic and cultural decline in their countries. Protesters, who felt the need for change, blamed their leaders for all the problems and held resentment towards the West and Israel which, according to them, has been orchestrating the unstable and drastic situation in the Middle East since over a century.
Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/174272/reftab/36/t/Egypt-Israel-relations-in-the-post-Mubarak-era/Default.aspx
AFTER THE ouster of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, relations between Israel and Egypt became tense, particularly after the attack on the Israeli embassy last Friday. The images of protesters breaking into the embassy, tearing down a cement/metal barrier, trapping six staff members, dumping Hebrew documents and pulling down the Israeli flag and replacing it with the Egyptian one sent a strong signal. These should be taken into consideration while determining the type of future relations that need to be forged between the two countries and the new nature of the peace process in the Middle East.
The Arab Spring revolutions were against totalitarian regimes which caused political, economic and cultural decline in their countries. Protesters, who felt the need for change, blamed their leaders for all the problems and held resentment towards the West and Israel which, according to them, has been orchestrating the unstable and drastic situation in the Middle East since over a century.
Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/174272/reftab/36/t/Egypt-Israel-relations-in-the-post-Mubarak-era/Default.aspx
Friday, 23 September 2011
UN role vital in bid to counter terrorism
Criminals go hi-tech
TERRORIST attacks happen every time a group of criminals want to actualize their political goals or convey certain messages to various countries. They usually break the peace in these countries, bomb public buildings and jeopardize national interests.
In the old times, the attacks were carried out within the scope of the country, so the security and intelligence units easily controlled the situation to determine the internal and external factors behind such acts.
Nowadays, the situation has gone out of control. Terrorism has become a tool for serving the interests of a few. Some countries have reached the point of ignoring terrorist acts if the target is a nation they consider an adversary.
Furthermore, the latest technological developments also changed the form of terrorism. Groups engaged in terrorist activities are now using satellite channels, blogs, social networking sites, smart phones and other advanced gadgets, which are not well-monitored by governments, to carry out their destructive plans.
Apart from this, some retired army or security personnel collaborate with their counterparts, not only in their country but also in other parts of the world, to use their vast military experience and training to establish companies specialized in illegal and undercover paid services to organize terrorist activities.
One cannot deny the fact that the first step towards countering terrorism is working together globally. This requires the active role of the United Nations (UN) to lay down the rules and regulations that will serve as a safety valve for the entire world, maintain peace and order, and protect the innocent.
Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/174113/reftab/73/t/UN-role-vital-in-bid-to-counter-terrorism/Default.aspx
TERRORIST attacks happen every time a group of criminals want to actualize their political goals or convey certain messages to various countries. They usually break the peace in these countries, bomb public buildings and jeopardize national interests.
In the old times, the attacks were carried out within the scope of the country, so the security and intelligence units easily controlled the situation to determine the internal and external factors behind such acts.
Nowadays, the situation has gone out of control. Terrorism has become a tool for serving the interests of a few. Some countries have reached the point of ignoring terrorist acts if the target is a nation they consider an adversary.
Furthermore, the latest technological developments also changed the form of terrorism. Groups engaged in terrorist activities are now using satellite channels, blogs, social networking sites, smart phones and other advanced gadgets, which are not well-monitored by governments, to carry out their destructive plans.
Apart from this, some retired army or security personnel collaborate with their counterparts, not only in their country but also in other parts of the world, to use their vast military experience and training to establish companies specialized in illegal and undercover paid services to organize terrorist activities.
One cannot deny the fact that the first step towards countering terrorism is working together globally. This requires the active role of the United Nations (UN) to lay down the rules and regulations that will serve as a safety valve for the entire world, maintain peace and order, and protect the innocent.
Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/174113/reftab/73/t/UN-role-vital-in-bid-to-counter-terrorism/Default.aspx
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Turbulence in ME
Like a castle in the air
THE Middle East has been witnessing tremendous changes since December 2010. Regimes in several countries have been collapsing one after the other like domino pieces. It all started in Tunisia, followed by Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Syria. Maybe a few more will soon meet the same fate.
So far, the changes took place in large Middle Eastern countries, which are expected to be divided into two or three in the new Arab world order. Sudan is an example as it has been divided into two — the North and the South.
The support of many international powers in the military operations in Libya might not happen in the case of Syria. The latter is far from air strikes in targeted countries, as a way to form alliances with the new regime after the collapse of its predecessor and participate in the rebuilding process.
It is also a way to get some gains in these critical times when the whole world is grappling with the financial meltdown.
Moreover, the new Arab world map published on the Internet shows many small Gulf countries have remained the same, while the large ones got smaller.
Sadly, the Middle East now looks like a castle in the air and several questions linger in our minds. How much the Middle Eastern countries, including the Arabian Gulf, can do for their future? Will they be active or passive as usual, especially since the winds and waves of change are dramatically coming their way?
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/173713/reftab/36/t/Turbulence-in-ME/Default.aspx
THE Middle East has been witnessing tremendous changes since December 2010. Regimes in several countries have been collapsing one after the other like domino pieces. It all started in Tunisia, followed by Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Syria. Maybe a few more will soon meet the same fate.
So far, the changes took place in large Middle Eastern countries, which are expected to be divided into two or three in the new Arab world order. Sudan is an example as it has been divided into two — the North and the South.
The support of many international powers in the military operations in Libya might not happen in the case of Syria. The latter is far from air strikes in targeted countries, as a way to form alliances with the new regime after the collapse of its predecessor and participate in the rebuilding process.
It is also a way to get some gains in these critical times when the whole world is grappling with the financial meltdown.
Moreover, the new Arab world map published on the Internet shows many small Gulf countries have remained the same, while the large ones got smaller.
Sadly, the Middle East now looks like a castle in the air and several questions linger in our minds. How much the Middle Eastern countries, including the Arabian Gulf, can do for their future? Will they be active or passive as usual, especially since the winds and waves of change are dramatically coming their way?
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/173713/reftab/36/t/Turbulence-in-ME/Default.aspx
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