The former Secretary Clinton's speech on foreign relations has caught the attention of global media. There are articles in Europe and Australia that I have seen today.
Asia doesn't seem to be interested, yet. It is rare that a Presidential candidate receives such far ranging interest.
Africa's media doesn't seem to be following American politics. The continent is busy with their own concerns. The West usually invests time and effort in Africa. The level of politics that brings 'influence' to a country or impact from such a speech is not the hemisphere of Africa's politics. Much of their relationships are surrounding help and support. That level of policy is still less influential globally to be aware of any impact on Africa. Africa is coming along. There was an interesting article about North Africa yesterday. I have to find it. It is about the politics and the promising balance it is achieving.
The "Chicago Tribune" has an interesting article about Tunisia. Americans in many ways don't understand why so much of the world is not like the USA. This article works to bring a picture of the struggle in North Africa in the first country that spawned "The Arab Spring."
No differently than the hatred and killing in northern Ireland for 800 years, the religious basis of governance divides the people in middle east. Governance by religious leaders transcends any conception of separating religion from government and upholding laws that protect and honors the individual. It is hard work. Unfortunately, that work results in armed conflict in the middle east. I think the Chicago Tribune is capturing the essence of that movement.
The people have to want it to step away from fear and embrace the possibilities. The leaders have to show them the way.
May 31, 2016
By Noah Feldman
In a major development (click here) for the history of democracy in the Muslim world, Tunisia's successful Islamic democratic party separated its political wing from it's social-religious movement last week. This isn't a move to securlarism, exactly. But it is a move in the direction of dividing the world into two spheres, one of politics, the order of faith.
The separation was partly good politics: By rebranding itself as a party of Muslim Democrats on the model of Europe's Christian Democrats, the party potentially expanded its base and differentiated itself from Islamist extremists. But the deeper significance of the move lies in the differentiated political activity from the goal of Islamizing society and social life.
To understand why the separation of party from movement is so important, you have to start with the history of the Islamic democratic movement. Until last Tuesday, the official name of the organization that participated centrally in the constitutional process was the Party and Movement of Ennahda, or Enlightenment....
Realizing how brutal change takes place in the middle east it is understandable why the United Nations' Small Arms Treaty (click here) is vital to the transition the people are embarking on.
It is also evident why placing USA troops that attract jihadists and violence is a huge error. I believe the Green on Blue attacks in Afghanistan is based in the tensions of change and the struggle with the leaders in the region. It is far easier to provide an alliance to God/Allah than it is to feel secure in pledging one's allegiance to a government far different than any tribal elder can possibly tolerate.
It is easy to defend God. It is difficult to defend a country not fully understood with a constitution written with help from The West. Further war by The West into North Africa and the middle east short of defending the homeland is a huge mistake.
Asia doesn't seem to be interested, yet. It is rare that a Presidential candidate receives such far ranging interest.
Africa's media doesn't seem to be following American politics. The continent is busy with their own concerns. The West usually invests time and effort in Africa. The level of politics that brings 'influence' to a country or impact from such a speech is not the hemisphere of Africa's politics. Much of their relationships are surrounding help and support. That level of policy is still less influential globally to be aware of any impact on Africa. Africa is coming along. There was an interesting article about North Africa yesterday. I have to find it. It is about the politics and the promising balance it is achieving.
The "Chicago Tribune" has an interesting article about Tunisia. Americans in many ways don't understand why so much of the world is not like the USA. This article works to bring a picture of the struggle in North Africa in the first country that spawned "The Arab Spring."
No differently than the hatred and killing in northern Ireland for 800 years, the religious basis of governance divides the people in middle east. Governance by religious leaders transcends any conception of separating religion from government and upholding laws that protect and honors the individual. It is hard work. Unfortunately, that work results in armed conflict in the middle east. I think the Chicago Tribune is capturing the essence of that movement.
The people have to want it to step away from fear and embrace the possibilities. The leaders have to show them the way.
May 31, 2016
By Noah Feldman
In a major development (click here) for the history of democracy in the Muslim world, Tunisia's successful Islamic democratic party separated its political wing from it's social-religious movement last week. This isn't a move to securlarism, exactly. But it is a move in the direction of dividing the world into two spheres, one of politics, the order of faith.
The separation was partly good politics: By rebranding itself as a party of Muslim Democrats on the model of Europe's Christian Democrats, the party potentially expanded its base and differentiated itself from Islamist extremists. But the deeper significance of the move lies in the differentiated political activity from the goal of Islamizing society and social life.
To understand why the separation of party from movement is so important, you have to start with the history of the Islamic democratic movement. Until last Tuesday, the official name of the organization that participated centrally in the constitutional process was the Party and Movement of Ennahda, or Enlightenment....
Realizing how brutal change takes place in the middle east it is understandable why the United Nations' Small Arms Treaty (click here) is vital to the transition the people are embarking on.
It is also evident why placing USA troops that attract jihadists and violence is a huge error. I believe the Green on Blue attacks in Afghanistan is based in the tensions of change and the struggle with the leaders in the region. It is far easier to provide an alliance to God/Allah than it is to feel secure in pledging one's allegiance to a government far different than any tribal elder can possibly tolerate.
It is easy to defend God. It is difficult to defend a country not fully understood with a constitution written with help from The West. Further war by The West into North Africa and the middle east short of defending the homeland is a huge mistake.
