tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40567219106073872922024-03-13T10:54:18.748-04:00Octavia Nasr | BlogAdministratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-46309813841697601752015-05-04T15:14:00.001-04:002015-05-04T15:14:27.164-04:00Syria and The New Regional Borders of Influence
After hosting Iran’s nuclear talks, Switzerland readies itself to serve as the main ground for Syria’s fresh round of UN-sponsored talks. Russia has just announced that it will be participating in the May 14 consultaions in the capital Geneva. The consultations will involve the Assad government, Syrian opposition, and other regional powers including Iran.
Now that all the major players have Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-25263664343677176632015-04-27T15:00:00.003-04:002015-04-27T16:10:23.114-04:00Why Nepal?
Only a few days prior to the devastating earthquake, a friend was telling me that she would rather live in Nepal even if the country is sitting on a known fault line and prone to earthquakes including a big one that can hit any time.
When the devastating earthquake hit Nepal and its aftershocks reached India, I was sad for the wonderful people, many of whom I have come to know over the years. Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-19709500209074518122015-04-20T14:32:00.002-04:002015-04-20T14:32:39.622-04:00Iran: The New Power Center of The Middle East
Dissecting Iran’s message written by its Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif addressing U.S. decision-makers gives many clues about Iran’s vision for the futue, at least in rhetoric.
First off, Zarif describes the crisis over the nuclear deal as “manufactured,” and calls for its end immediately through diplomacy to reach a solution fair for all.
For decades Israel was the U.S.’ Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-81609782212048344562015-04-13T13:39:00.002-04:002015-04-13T13:41:44.389-04:00Russia Reaps Early Benefits of Iran Nuclear Deal
While the U.S. was busy reacting to Hillary Clinton’s bid for the presidency in 2016, Russia has announced that it is lifting its ban on missile system deliveries to Iran and that the two countries have already embarked on an oil-for-goods swap under a barter agreement.
The mainly Republican U.S. senators determined to scrap the Iran deal were probably busy focusing on assassinating Clinton’sAdministratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-63261957647294970832015-04-06T13:40:00.003-04:002015-04-13T13:38:48.612-04:00Iran Nuclear Deal: The Region’s Latest Pacifier
Amid the announcements and reactions, there is analysis, prediction and spin. The camps of those opposing the deal are the most vocal but least effective.
Predictably, Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out that a deal “based on this framework would threaten the survival of Israel.” The six countries involved in the negotiations have heard many versions of that claim earlier and they must have Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-35491337633162478912015-03-30T13:35:00.002-04:002015-03-30T13:35:19.752-04:00The Middle East Beyond ‘Decisive Storm’
The sudden Arab coalition operation to crush out the Houthi rebels in Yemen was shocking and seemed almost out of a Hollywood script; but it is absolutely necessary just as a ground incursion might prove timely and crucial to finish the job properly.
Any all-Arab action against terrorism, extremism, fanaticism and all forms of fundamentalism that plague the region is welcome, as long asAdministratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-35951224110687465702015-03-23T14:33:00.002-04:002015-03-23T14:33:44.409-04:00Netanyahu’s Racism Wins Him Israeli Elections
It has finally dawned on President Barak Obama that Netanyahu and those who elected him have no interest in making peace with the Palestinians. What the US would have considered campaign rhetoric in the past, is aggressively criticizing as a policy reversal vis-à-vis peace and co-existence between Israelis and Palestinians. This will likely translate into less of the usual blind support at the Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-581574012616199572015-03-16T12:09:00.002-04:002015-03-16T12:09:22.115-04:00March 14th Is Only A Date Again
It was born a legitimate grassroot movement from the people, for freedom and for “The Truth.” For those of us who witnessed and reported on that glorious March 14th day in Martyr’s Square ten years ago, the date means as much as the emotions that flowed from the varied groups of people from all walks of life demanding “The Truth.”
Like any other spontaneous demonstration or uprising, when Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-13947795759226547042015-03-09T08:58:00.002-04:002015-03-09T08:58:25.969-04:00In March We Remember The Sweet Taste of Freedom
Today I remember a few glorious days ten years ago. It is hard to believe ten years have passed already. The only measurements we have are the voids we feel for all those who are no longer with us. The hopeful moments vanished quickly and deception replaced them.
The memory is bittersweet: A mega assassination prompting historic demonstrations that led to the unimaginable withdrawal of SyrianAdministratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-16653283782575384852015-03-02T09:21:00.000-05:002015-03-02T09:21:03.753-05:00The Same Old Price of Opposition in Russia
The headline might as well have read, “Boris Nemstov has committed suicide” by taking four bullets in the back as he crossed a bridge in plain sight in Moscow. It’s a heinous senseless assassination, one that will never be solved and for which no one is likely to be punished. It sinks Russia deeper in conspiracy theories and mysteries fit for fiction books. However, they keep finding their way Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-78369206939998616522015-02-23T12:30:00.002-05:002015-02-23T12:31:58.450-05:00Can Palestine Win in the US-Israeli Rift Over Iran?I am reminded often of Palestine and the plight of the Palestinian people and their suffering at the hands of the Israeli occupation or how Palestinians in Israel are treated as second-class citizens, or their much worse treatment as neglected and abused refugees in Arab nations lacking basic rights and opportunities to live in dignity and prosper.
I'm talking about those forgotten by Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-17459016445977614372015-02-16T13:13:00.000-05:002015-02-23T12:30:28.634-05:00ISIS Distracts and The World Reacts
(modified and updated for the new publishing date)
The Islamic State continues to capture the world media headlines with senseless beheadings of any victims they lay their hands on, pushing horrific mass murders out of sight and out of mind. The ISIS cruelty and barbaric acts are desperate attempts to attract attention and spread fear. They mask the terror group’s substantive expansion and Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-86202572899639361542015-02-09T13:14:00.000-05:002015-02-16T15:02:57.056-05:00ISIS Distracts and The World Reacts
The Islamic State and other extremist groups continue to capture the world media headlines pushing horrific mass murders out of sight and out of mind. The ISIS cruelty and barbaric acts are desperate attempts to attract attention and spread fear. They mask the terror group’s substantive expansion and drive us to ignore real crimes committed by sitting tyrants.
World-class murderers and mobsAdministratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-90627092520540345162015-02-02T22:57:00.001-05:002015-02-03T00:16:20.044-05:00Journalism Today: More Trouble, Less Power
My mentor, Doyen of Arab journalism, the late Ghassan Tuneni has always said, being a journalist was his favorite and most precious title. His version of journalism is fast disappearing. He could respect all opinions even if he disagreed with them. He was a journalist’s journalist and a role model in the practice of this sacred profession, that has earned itself the distinctions “troublesome”Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-42156251072991541792015-01-26T17:49:00.001-05:002015-02-03T00:20:08.555-05:00The Throes of an Arab Spring
My mentor, Doyen of Arab journalism, the late Ghassan Tuneni has always said, being a journalist was his favorite and most precious title. His version of journalism is fast disappearing. He could respect all opinions even if he disagreed with them. He was a journalist’s journalist and a role model in the practice of this sacred profession, that has earned itself the distinctions “troublesome” Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-54062270255963978432015-01-19T13:07:00.001-05:002015-01-19T13:07:04.526-05:00If I Were Muslim
If I were Muslim, I would be practicing my religion and not preaching it. I would be humble in my dress, actions and speech. I would quietly help the needy, protect my world and make it safer for future generations. I would fast to cleanse body and soul of negative thoughts and vibes. I would surrender by giving myself wholly and unconditionally to the creator and the sole judge of my actions Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-23755326169465484962015-01-12T15:00:00.000-05:002015-01-12T15:00:02.408-05:00Charlie Hebdo Tests Our Value of Life
Journalists seek the truth and believe in its sacred mission to know, speak and report. We usually band together like a cult and stand in solidarity when our freedom is compromised.
This notion is new to the Arab world where competition, ad sales, personal vendettas, and political agendas remain the driving force behind reporting, altering how news is witnessed and dictated to the masses.
Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-41688322918984221442015-01-05T14:19:00.000-05:002015-01-05T14:00:55.070-05:00Women's Affairs Reflect Society
My message is addressed to women and men equally because they are equal in their responsibilities and duties as well as in their roles in building or destroying any society.
I was hoping to report some good news about societies embracing women and advancing them to leadership roles or at least allowing them to express their individuality anyway they choose, but reality is far from that.
A Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-10970527230386749012014-12-29T14:02:00.000-05:002015-01-05T14:02:19.475-05:00New Year Seeks Fresh Heroes
As we welcome 2015, I wish that the trials and errors of the previous years have taught us some lessons and prepared us for what is coming.
It is a serious and urgent wish as I am quickly reminded that “hope” has become people’s false safety net. Increasingly, people spend more time hoping for change and easily giving up rather than working hard or fighting for what they believe in.
This Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-64586567672373549032014-12-22T13:31:00.002-05:002014-12-22T13:31:42.944-05:00Christmas: Holiday of All Holidays
Christmas is nowhere a larger holy day than in the Middle East and for a good reason. Nazareth where Jesus and his Mother Mary hail from is in Palestine or modern-day Israel, considered as an enemy and occupier by most Arabs. Bethlehem, site of the nativity is in the Occupied Palestinian West Bank, not accessible to most.
Centuries of conflicts that started with the biblical myths of Abraham, Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-7386467244202097992014-12-15T12:53:00.002-05:002014-12-15T12:53:58.258-05:00Torture As A Human Characteristic
Have you read the CIA torture report in some of its most gruesome details? Has the cruelty of Islamist groups made you sick? Have you been repulsed by the silence or justification given to cover up the bestiality every time it occurs?
We know how we became “human” whether you subscribe to the evolution theory or creationism stories. Either way, it is hard to find a unified definition or ethos Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-8786502505582388772014-12-01T10:47:00.003-05:002014-12-01T10:47:29.905-05:00I Survived Their Lebanon
My latest trip to Lebanon began in a difficult place as the negativity emanating from Beirut continues to build up thanks to an internal political impasse heightened by regional threats of a bloody spillover.
Things changed as if by divine intervention to restore some faith in the country and the few good people remaining in it.
Maybe I must credit the Beirut sun and moon for shining upon me Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-48326522772865671222014-11-24T13:50:00.004-05:002014-11-24T13:50:28.502-05:00Underneath All The Bad News Lies Even Worse News
They do not know any better than the streets they roam and live in. They are abused, trafficked, forced into a life of drugs and prostitution; they are made to do things no child should be exposed to. Yet, they are out of our sight. During the day they are busy surviving the many challenges thrown at them, and at night they find shelter under a bridge or in the shadows of a run-down building. AAdministratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-30731597882841868062014-11-17T12:05:00.002-05:002014-11-17T12:05:20.523-05:00'Jihadi John' A Bad Case of Western-Fed Narcissism
Legend has it that the British press gave him the nickname “Jihadi John” after none other than the Beatles star John Lennon. As if straight out of a James Bond movie, the British Premier has ordered his top security and intelligence agencies to track him down and capture him. All media near and far, headline him and his heinous acts. His despicable videos compete with the Kardashian posterior Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056721910607387292.post-54686570327513647232014-11-10T15:48:00.001-05:002014-11-10T15:48:31.936-05:00Islamic Atheism Way Before ISIS
Some would like us to believe that ISIS is to blame for Muslims flocking to atheism in droves. It would be a credible charge had we not been witnesses to a shift in Islamic rhetoric and behavior that began almost a century ago with the Wahhabi movement and the Muslim Brotherhood. Under the guise of western inequality, the creation of Israel and what it ensued of injustice against Palestinians, Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16283336019791692089noreply@blogger.com0