Search

This article is a symposium in which nine political activists on the Left expound on their stand regarding the planned United States' war against Iraq. Most of the members of the symposium argue against the war in light of current political conditions in the United States.

This article examines the victimhood and victimization that has characterized the Arab world since the end of the Ottoman Empire. The author, seeking to understand the September 11th attacks, discusses the history of war and politics in the Middle East and American involvement and argues Muslims and Arabs must not tolerate terrorism if they ever want peace.

An abridged version of the introduction of the new edition of the 'Republic of Fear,' is presented. Published by scholar Kanan Makiya, the Republic of Fear focuses on the tragedy that has befallen Iraq since the Persian Gulf War. It also discusses the various facets associated with Saddam Hussein's dictatorship, such as his cruelty, relentlessness to persecute his opponents and human rights violations.

The ideological structure of the politics of the Middle East has began to disintegrate following Iraq's defeat in the Gulf War. The failure of postcolonial nationalism proves that many Arabs are finding toleration to be an urgent necessity in their sociopolitical development. The Palestinian-Israeli accord of Sep 13, 1993, exemplifies the new mood of political realism in these countries.

The Arab feeling of shame associated with changing nationality reflects the degenerated intellectual debate in the Arab world and the West about the Arab search for identity. The emerging inward-looking sensibility faces resistance because even the Arab writers who live as naturalized citizens in the West lacked the conviction to decry Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The recognition and subsequent acceptance of human weakness is the first step to rediscovering Arab identity.

The opinion on the reconstitution of the Iraqi states as a federal and strongly liberal system and thoroughly demilitarized system is discussed. It is possible only if Iraq successfully democratizes and an inclusive democratic culture emerges.

Discusses how circumstances of war and irrational violence can actively engender acts of extreme cruelty and compassion among human beings. Examination of tolerance's ascendancy in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries; Contemporary parallels in Lebanon, Somalia and former Yugoslavia; Effect of Gulf War upon evolution of tolerance; Decline of ideologies obliterating distinctions between revolution and democracy.