Lebanon has been outside of the wave of protests washing across the Middle East and North Africa. This is an interesting look at how life in Lebanon is dominated by which religious sect one belongs to. Laws regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, etc are all dependent on religion. A person can convert to a religion that has a more favorable inheritance law and switch back afterwards. Lebanon's confessional system was originally set up to ensure equitable representation of the 16 religions. The architects of this system thought it would encourage cross-sectarian cooperation, but in reality it has further entrenched the identification with coreligionists instead of a national identity. Tony Dauod is advocating for a laws that emphasize nationality.
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| Tony Daoud in Lebanon with a sign that reads “Square of Change.” Photograph by Matthew Cassel for The New York Times |
Blackwater Founder Builds Mideast Mercenary Army to Put Down Revolts | Danger Room | Wired.com
This is an older article, but it is a fascinating look at Erik Prince's efforts to build a private army of African and Latin American veterans to put down revolts in the Persian Gulf. Prince's comparison of Blackwater's relationship to the U.S. military and FedEx's to USPS is thought provoking to say the least, especially in light of the Navy Seal operation to kill Osama Bin Laden. Also, a foreign fighters that make up the domestic security force in Abu Dhabi would have fewer reservations about killing civilians that the mercenaries do not identify with.
Just in case you happen to hate your job today… – Chris Blattman
My Syria, Awake Again After 40 Years - NYTimes.com
The son of the Syrian president that preceded Hafez al-Assad comments on the regime's delusional belief that Syria can be quarantined from the rest of the world.
Legalizing Drugs Won't Stop Mexico's Brutal Cartels - By Elizabeth Dickinson | Foreign Policy
Elizabeth Dickinson explains that drug cartels in Mexico are expanding into other enterprises. I thought one of the more interesting ideas she mentions, but does not fully explore is that the global drug trade is a $320 billion industry, so perhaps the cartels are more desperate to hold on to their market share since the pie is getting smaller in their area.
Obama Can Stop the Killing in Syria - By Tony Badran | Foreign Policy
Tony Badran's suggestion that Syria could be brought to heel by the usual diplomatic actions that signal at the U.S.'s displeasure. Recalling ambassadors or ending diplomatic ties entirely will not work with a country that had scant relations with the U.S. to begin with. As long as Syria is supported financially by Iran and protected in the UN by a Russian veto.
Carne Ross, of Independent Diplomat, presents diplomatic options to address the crisis in Libya. He presents a range of options that should be considered part of a wider range of tools, not an exclusive course of action.
Here's a Map of the Humanitarian Crisis Hotspots in Libya (Don't Tell Gaddafi) | Fast Company
iRevolution | From innovation to Revolution
A blog that explores best practices for protesters.
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