August 2011 – Issue V
Editorial
Foreign intervention in the Middle East today
A perennial question for the region: when should states intervene and on whose terms?
Iraq
Reasons to keep our word – US withdrawal from Iraq
Lawrence Korb and Alexander Rothman of the Center for American Progress tell us why taking US troops out of Iraq is better for all concerned.
Israel
The UN Vote on Statehood: What it means for Israel and Palestine
Diplomatic efforts on both sides are frantically trying to influence the proposed vote at the UN on a future Palestine state. Alan Craig looks at the implications including an under-discussed consequence for Israel and the International Criminal Court.
Lebanon
On Consociationalism and Confessionalism in Lebanon
Ziad Majed discusses the details behind Lebanon’s intricate political representational system and tells us why reform of the country’s electoral law would benefit all.
Palestine
Matthew Duss argues that in spite of the attention accorded to recent uprisings, the Palestinian cause remains high on the list of the Arab street’s priorities.
Syria
Eid prayer without the Baathists
Journalist and author Sami Moubayed recounts recent changes in the high echelons of the Syrian government. But are they enough?
Turkey
‘Arab Spring’ or ‘Turkish Winter’?
Burak Bilgehan Özpek outlines Turkey’s position on the Arab Awakening and believes these changes may force Ankara to alter its regional foreign policy positions.
Interview
Rami Khouri – Is a democratic Middle East inevitable?
Renowned Middle East expert Rami Khouri talks to NEQ about the potential for democratic progress as Arab populations continue to call for liberty.
Culture
Reclaiming Muslim Space in 21st Century Turkey
The confrontation in Turkey between Kemalists and Islamists over the headscarf is well known, but what is less frequently discussed is the shift in dialogue that has happened over the past decade. Kelly Pemberton of George Washington University discusses why.
Review
“Of Course You’re Human”: Orhan Kemal on Nazim Hikmet in Prison
Poet and writer Jennifer Mackenzie charts the close and fascinating relationship between two of Turkey’s leading 20th century literary figures when reviewing Orhan Kemal’s memoir.
Photo essay
Dalia Khamissy’s haunting images from south Lebanon after the July 2006 war show us how war hits home.
