Washington Watch Articles From 2006
FEINGOLD'S PRINCIPLED CHALLENGE
Last week, Russell Feingold, Democratic Senator from Wisconsin, gave Democrats an opportunity to challenge Republicans on principle. Most of his colleagues, however, appear eager to pass up the chance.
FEAR WINS FAKE PORTS DEBATE
Hostility towards Arabs and Muslims is more widespread than it was the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001.
FEAR WINS FAKE PORTS DEBATE
Hostility towards Arabs and Muslims is more widespread than it was the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001. This negative animus both provided the tinder for the “Dubai port controversy” and was in turn, fueled by the shameful way this issue was debated.
GULF BUSINESS LEADERS: OPTIMISTIC BUT CONCERNED
Despite conflicts and political developments brewing just beyond their borders, Arab business leaders in the Gulf are confident that their current economic boom is sustainable and will help accelerate progressive changes taking place within their countries.
HARBORING PREJUDICE AND POLITICS:THE "DUBAI PORTS" DEBATE
During the past week we witnessed a virtual frenzy with Senators, Congressmen, and then Governors jumping over each other to take the lead in bashing the "Dubai port deal," the United Arab Emirates, or the Bush Administration.
US DEBATE OVER HAMAS: MAKING A BAD SITUATION WORSE
An internal debate is brewing within the Administration and Congress as to how to deal with the Hamas victory in recent Palestinian elections.
PRESS MISSES POINT IN CARTOON CONTROVERSY
US press coverage of the “cartoon controversy” has followed a predictable course. It has been event-driven and, for the most part, devoid of context and understanding of its principal subject matter.
THE STATE OF THE UNION: A CLOSER LOOK
President Bush delivered his fifth State of the Union address last week against the backdrop of low approval ratings, new setbacks for US policy in the Middle East and a series of scandals that have damaged public trust in his party and Administration.
STUBBORN REALITIES AND THE PALESTINIAN ELECTIONS
While there was euphoria in some quarters and the gnashing of teeth in others, the more appropriate response to the recent Palestinian elections requires thoughtful assessment.
PALESTINIAN VOTERS: ENGAGED BUT REALISTIC
A recent poll of Palestinians establishes a clear picture of the concerns on the minds of voters in the lead up to the January 25th national parliamentary elections. Conducted on the second week of January by Zogby International, the poll found Fateh holding a lead over Hamas’ “List for Reform and Change.”
SHARON’S LAST ACT, PALESTINE’S LAST CHANCE
The situation unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank is, in some significant ways, an inevitable consequence of factors beyond the control of the Palestinians. The lawlessness, the intra-Palestinian violence and the general social unrest, were all predictable.
END THE SHAME OF NSEERS
Three years ago this week, thousands of Arab and Muslim men were called to report to local immigration offices across the US to be registered, fingerprinted, photographed, and interrogated.
GOOD NEWS IN SAUDI ARABIA AND LEBANON
Significant changes are taking place in public opinion in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. Despite regional and domestic concerns specific to their countries, Saudis and Lebanese are more optimistic about their futures, more satisfied with their present circumstances, more focused on specific problems that must be solved, and more strongly identified with their countries than when we last polled in 2002.