February 2012 – Issue VII
Editorial
In spite of bloodshed, Arab revolts are good
The Arab revolts are and will continue to be painful, but the advances being made far outweigh any alternatives.
Iraq
Is a Democratic, Unified Iraq viable?
Feisal al-Istrabadi, a co-drafter of Iraq’s interim constitution, offers a unique and fascinating insight into Iraq’s constitution-making process and tells us of the irony of present-day Iraqi politics.
Israel
Why Mossad and the CIA Don’t Want to Bomb Iran – Today
Many Israeli politicians are crying out for a pre-emptive strike on Iraq. But the country’s security apparatus, along with the CIA, are balking. Paul Mutter tells us why.
Lebanon
Turmoil at the borders: The Syrian crisis and Lebanon
Syria’s revolt is threatening to spread over its western border. In such a highly-fuelled political climate, how are Lebanon’s politicians keeping calm across the country, and among themselves?
Palestine
Palestine’s Bid for UN Membership
Palestine has played its political hand with its declaration of statehood, now it and other states must suffer the consequences of America’s withdrawal of funding from UN organisations.
Syria
The Role of the Mosque in the Syrian Revolution
Syria’s mosques are the only public site people can legally gather en masse. Thomas Pierret of the University of Edinburgh examines their role in the revolt.
Turkey
Turkey and the struggle for Syria: Time for accountability
Ankara’s ‘no problems with neighbours’ strategy is up in smoke, and its dealings with Syria present far more headaches than simple policy making.
Interview
Ahdaf Soueif: The Next Steps for Arab Societies
The acclaimed author and activist Ahdaf Soueif speaks to Near East Quarterly about where Arab literature and Arab societies go from here.
Culture
Art and revolution: The case of Syria
Amelie Rives writes compellingly about the role of art in Syria’s revolt.
Review
Uniting Contemporary Art and Islamic Traditions: The Jameel Prize
Amelie Rives reflects upon the influence of Islamic traditions in Middle Eastern contemporary art through the works of the ten finalists of the 2011 Jameel Prize.
Photo Essay
Gary Fox visits Beirut and finds the city’s old and new are still competing for space and attention.
