Politics
Damascus and Doha, the surprisingly close siblings
Qatari and Syrian relations are probably stronger than any other connection in the Middle East. What makes them so, especially considering the differing relations they both have with the US and Israel?
From an outside perspective, it seems fair to say that Syrian-Qatari relations suit both sides to a tee, and that these relations could be a standard example for what the terms between Arab states should be. The format of this close alliance stays in doubt, however, and doesn’t really function generally for all Arabs, as this relationship is based on the conflicting interests of the Arab states in general.
Ambassador Walles or Khury to Damascus?
As the year comes to an end, two new names are floating in the air—leaked to us by our sources in Damascus and Washington, on who the new US ambassador to Syria will be. This comes after the State Department reportedly sent its recommendation to the White House for approval. One is Jacob Walles, the former US consul general in Jerusalem, and Nabil Khury, a veteran of the Foreign Service, of Lebanese origins, who rose to fame in the Arab world for serving as liaison officer between the US and Arab media during the Iraq war in 2003.
The aftermath of Iran’s presidential election
As the dust settles in Iran and international media attention dries up, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is expected to be sworn in soon for a second term as Iran’s president, following one of the most contentious and attention grabbing elections the region has seen for several years – but who decided that? Was Iran right to accuse foreign states of “meddling?”
June’s presidential election in Iran was controversial for various reasons including an apparent 600 irregularities in the electoral process in addition to the result itself, delivered just 15 minutes after polling booths closed. These factors, coupled with demonstrations across several major cities, saw Iran’s election rise to the top of international news attention overnight.
Still, it appears international media outlets took it upon themselves to offer a very one-sided view of the aftermath, with round the clock coverage of demonstrations (the same week a nuclear North Korea was launching several missiles, threatening the entire Pacific region). Indeed, what was rarely pointed out was that counting of votes had been ongoing throughout the polling day and, as such, a result could have been reached quicker than perhaps expected. When interviewed by a Lebanese newspaper in June, the Iranian envoy to Lebanon said the demonstrations and public protest, although suppressed using heavy-handed tactics, were "a shining example of political democracy and freedom."
The Tunisian Ambassador’s new start on old territory
New year, new job, new Damascus. This is how Tunisian Ambassador Mohammad Oweiti felt at the beginning of 2009, when he started his new job in the Syrian capital. Much had changed in Damascus, a city he knew 15-years ago when serving as a consultant at the Tunisian Embassy in Syria. Much, however, has remained exactly the same. Although busy preparing for the Arab Summit in Doha, Ambassador Oweiti found the time to talk to Forward Magazine, expressing how good it was to be back in Syria.
Ticking together like a swiss watch
Martin Aeschbacher, the Swiss Ambassador to Syria, was accredited to Damascus in 2007, but had first come to Syria as a student to study Arabic in 1978-1980. He divided his time between Damascus and Aleppo, never imagining—not in his wildest dreams—that he would one day return as ambassador for his country to Syria.
Tangoing with Nigerians
At only 18 months, Nigeria has one of the youngest diplomatic missions in Syria. The charge d’affaires, Hassan Mohammed Hassan, arrived in Damascus in June 2007, and the embassy was opened on July 1, with temporary premises at the Four Seasons Hotel in the heart of the Syrian capital. Forward spoke to the Nigerian diplomat in Syria, who has served previously as his country’s envoy to Pakistan and the New York Office of the United Nations.
Obama's Message to the Muslim World
On January 20, I was one of the over 1.8 million people that came to Washington to witness the swearing in of Barack Obama as the first African American President of the United States. In his historic speech President Obama made it clear that he is ready to open a new chapter in the United States' relations with the Muslim world. His mention of Muslims was the first time a United States President has referenced Muslims in an inaugural speech and his first actions as President of the United States indicated that he is serious in his desire to change America's image abroad, specifically in the Muslim world.
The Syrian European Honeymoon
The European Union and Syria have been working together for over 30 years. Since 1995 the relationship has developed within the context of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership through the Barcelona process.
Recent regional developments with regard to Lebanon, Iraq and the Syria-Israeli peace track brought both Syria and the EU closer. They should be further developed to stir stability in the region. The EU has praised Syria's regional commitment and recognised Syria's legitimate interests and her potential constructive role to play in the Middle East peace process.
Welcoming Obama with a grain of salt
“Well,” my friend, Ahmed, said on the phone, “I guess you were right. Mabruk!” It was around noon on November 5, just hours after I watched Barack Obama give his historic acceptance speech in Chicago. I had stayed up all night to watch the election results. Now, my phone was ringing off the hook with calls and messages from Syrian friends, many of whom seemed entirely shocked that Obama had actually been elected.
... But can they really?
In America, custom dictates that you don’t spend election night at home alone fixed to your TV, while one state after another declares its victor. One is usually invited to dozens of get-together parties to watch with friends and neighbors the results as they are announced, exalt on the outcome, or offer a comforting shoulder to whoever needs one to lean on and cry.
Thus, just as I did four years ago, I spent the evening on November 4 watching the elections with friends – but what a difference between these two nights. America is a vast country, spanning three time zones between the East coast and the West coast.