Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs - The Dubai Initiative

Human Connections on a Crosstown Bus

Rami Khouri — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:58:31 -0400

The conversation and gestures of appreciation and acknowledgment lasted no more than 10 seconds. But packed into that moment was a whole universe of human connectedness and warmth, immense dignity and professionalism.

McNamara and a Lesson for Lebanon

Rami Khouri — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:55:34 -0400

"Remembering Robert McNamara's ways half a century ago, and watching Lebanese prime minister-designate Saad Hariri's deliberations today should remind us that military power, political legitimacy and national influence are three different things."

Hypocritical Kvetching

Rami Khouri — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:32:40 -0400

Negotiating with Iran cannot be any more difficult than it was with the Soviet Union. So why the hesitancy -- and the anguished, hypocritical debate in the West?

Three Cheers for Turkey

Rami Khouri — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:48:45 -0400

The most significant development in the Middle East? The continuing civilian control of the Turkish military -- the only instance where the power of military, police, and intelligence-security agencies is being checked by democratically-elected civilian authorities.

Why Do Arabs Not Revolt?

Rami Khouri — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:43:09 -0400

Why do the top-heavy, non-democratic political control and governance systems of the Arab world persist without any significant popular opposition or public challenge?

The Arabs' Forlorn Envy of Iranians

Rami Khouri — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:34:57 -0400

Broadly speaking, the Arab world has maneuvered itself into a lose-lose situation vis-à-vis developments in Iran -- despite different views of the Islamic Republic.

Iran Makes History Again

Rami Khouri — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:30:43 -0400

This is uncharted territory in the context of contemporary Iran -- since the 1979 Islamic revolution overthrew the Shah. But it's routine behavior in the wider context of human beings who do not like being treated like idiots by their own government.

Nothing New from Netanyahu

Rami Khouri — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:32:07 -0400

Netanyahu wants for the Israelis today what God promised the ancient Hebrews in Deuteronomy, Exodus and Numbers: eternal, exclusive, pure, powerful, secure statehood in a land owned by others that will be miraculously ethnically cleansed with Divine mandate and legitimacy.

What Comes Around Goes Around

Rami Khouri — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:28:07 -0400

Changes in American policies and rhetoric are already triggering intriguing responses from different parts of the Middle East, as we can see in four separate issues: Lebanon, Palestine-Israel, Iran, and American attitudes toward Islam and Muslims.

Obama’s Worthy Gesture

Rami Khouri — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:54:13 -0400

In his speech in Cairo, Barack Obama sought a new beginning, which we all badly need. So let's put away the Bible and Quran classes, hear from Arab, Iranian and Israeli leaders -- and get down to the tough business of forging better policies.

Obama Should Think Chicago

Rami Khouri — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:04:25 -0400

Obama should focus on three significant issues: 1- the Arab-Israeli conflict, 2- the "resistance front" headed by Syria, Iran, Hizbullah and Hamas, and 3- the lack of democratic, rule-of-law-based governance systems in most Arab countries. And he should tell us what America wants to do about these three issues.

The Significance of the Settlements

Rami Khouri — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:00:27 -0400

The Obama administration has put steel into American insistence that illegal Israeli settlements must be halted. It is the important kick start to progress towards peace making.

Economic Crisis as Catalyst

Rami Khouri — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:57:16 -0400

Will the Arab world change course, and aim to really develop our vast human talent, free the minds and spirits of our youth, and move us towards a path of sustainable economic growth?

Failing Arab Youth in the Middle East

Rami Khouri — Mon, 25 May 2009 11:54:06 -0400

Though it is true that the generations-old peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians is the most critical Arab issue in the Middle East, providing opportunity for educated young Arabs is equally critical.

Peacemaking Needs Two Sides

Rami Khouri — Wed, 13 May 2009 10:35:37 -0400

"The Arab world is once again correctly expressing its sincerity in negotiating a comprehensive peace agreement with Israel. But it should not repeat the mistakes of the past -- making continuous concessions before getting back concessions in return."

Five Markers to Watch in the Lebanon Election

Rami Khouri — Mon, 11 May 2009 10:49:26 -0400

"When the Lebanese people go to the polls on June 7, there are five dimensions by which the election results could shed light on pertinent national, regional and global issues."

The Fruits of Peace and the Obama Blender

Rami Khouri — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:27:19 -0400

It is not clear how the Obama administration will address its strong ally, Israel -- nor how the greater Arab world will support US facilitation of a Middle East peace agreement. But the basic approach stops the settlements and the violence.

Will Arabs Keep Killing Each Other Forever?

Rami Khouri — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:29:16 -0400

The release of four Lebanese security services generals who had been held for four years on suspicion of involvement in the Rafik Hariri murder sends a shock through the country. Will anyone be brought to justice for the killing?

Ending Arab Corruption

Rami Khouri — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:36:33 -0400

The Arab Anti-Corruption Organization (AACO) is one of several institutions in the Arab world working to break through -- or at least chip away at -- the steel wall that protects the prevailing centralized, autocratic power structures.

Deceptive Calm in Gaza

Rami Khouri — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:33:03 -0400

Though Gaza appears quiet on the surface, the Palestinians are not passively watching their own dehumanization on television. And the International Crisis Group (ICG) reports that only quick action can avert another conflict.

A Useful Guide to Islamism's Essence

Rami Khouri — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:31:18 -0400

A new book cuts through much of the ideological venom, post-9/11 vengefulness, neo-Orientalist stereotyping -- or the mere simpletonian nonsense -- that characterize much of what is said and written about Islamist movements.

American-Israeli Moment of Reckoning?

Rami Khouri — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:22:31 -0400

The moment of reckoning in US-Israeli relations is approaching due to two related developments: the hardline position of the new Israeli government, and the linkages between progress in US-Iranian relations and progress in Arab-Israeli peace-making.

Listen to DI Seminar speaker Barbara Slavin on US-Iran relations

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:20:52 -0400

April 16, 2009

Highlighting the need to develop mutual respect between the U.S. and Iran, Barbara Slavin spoke about the two countries' often contentious relationship in a March 20 Dubai Initiative Seminar.

Iran Should Honor Obama's Courage

Rami Khouri — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:45:18 -0400

Barack Obama has initiated a courageous first step in diplomacy with Iran. Iran must do likewise. Courage and boldness on both sides can initiate serious diplomatic engagement, which in turn can lead to breakthroughs that transform the entire Middle East.

Listen to Emile Nakhleh Discuss America's Political Engagment with the Islamic World

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:03:37 -0400

April 10, 2009

In a Dubai Initiative Seminar on April 6, Dr. Emile Nakhleh argued that proper engagement with the Islamic world is a matter of U.S. national security and in its national interest.

Obama Gradually Changes Course

Rami Khouri — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:35:36 -0400

President Barack Obama's speech in Turkey gave vague hints couched in nice rhetoric -- intriguing hints that should be watched for signs of policies that affirm them. Large ships adjust their course slowly and incrementally, and Obama turned the wheel a few degrees.

Colonial Values Rule Again in Palestine

Rami Khouri — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:41:47 -0400

Colonialism is all about one law for white men, and a different, harsher set of rules for the native darker people. Such is the negotiating reality for Palestinians with Israel and the West.

Israel’s Choke-Hold on America Loosens

Rami Khouri — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:39:02 -0400

In the United States these days, there is a slow but steady erosion of the once absolute taboo to speak out about the excessive influence of pro-Israeli groups on the country.

Six Strands of Contemporary Islam

Rami Khouri — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:55:21 -0400

When I hear people speak about “what’s wrong with Islam” or “Islam and the West,” my immediate response is to remind them that there is no such thing as a single “Islam” that can be diagnosed, analyzed or engaged as a monolithic whole.

Is It Love or The Lobby? Explaining America's Special Relationship with Israel

John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:29:26 -0400

"In The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, we argued that the "special relationship" between the United States and Israel is due largely to the influence of a domestic interest group—comprised of Jews as well as non-Jews—and that this unusual situation is harmful to both the United States and Israel....[P]ublic opinion in the United States does not explain why the United States gives Israel such extensive and nearly unconditional backing. Although most Americans have a favorable image of Israel, surveys show that they also favor a more even-handed Middle East policy and a more normal relationship with Israel. Thus, the special relationship is due primarily to the lobby's influence, and not to the American people's enduring identification with the Jewish state."