This week’s blogs offer a diverse range of perspectives on critical issues facing the Arab world and beyond. From the strategic importance of Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan to the plight of Gaza and Sudan, and a potential shift in American sentiment towards Israel, our contributors delve into complex realities.
Afghanistan’s Bagram Airfield: A Lingering Question. The debate surrounding the US presence in Afghanistan takes a dramatic turn as discussions arise concerning the potential return to Bagram Airfield. What strategic calculations are at play, considering regional dynamics involving China, Iran, and Pakistan?
Gaza and Sudan: Shared Wounds. The situations in Gaza and Sudan share a painful resemblance, marked by immense suffering and a deafening silence from the international community. A desperate plea rises from the ashes: when will the world finally take notice and act against these injustices?
A Change in American Sentiment? The election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City signals a potentially significant shift in American and particularly younger Jewish sentiment. This could reflect a weakening of Israeli influence within American liberal circles.
Syrian Cinema: A Pause for Reflection? Could the halt in Syrian film production, due to war and devastation, paradoxically be a blessing? Has this pause shielded Syrian society from the perceived artistic and moral decline plaguing other Arab cinemas?
Iraq’s Environmental Crisis: A Land Parched. Iraq faces a severe environmental crisis with the drying up of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and the desertification of the marshes. This threatens agriculture, livelihoods, and transforms the cradle of civilization into a thirsty land desperately seeking solutions.
Other topics explored include the power of Palestinian folktales, the security needs of Arab youth, the complexities of debt, and the observations of an Arab traveler in Tatarstan. These diverse perspectives offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the region.
