Thursday, March 26, 2009

A Last Chance for Two States Solution

Roger Cohen, in NY Times, writes about proposal on Mideast peace to President Obama that signed by 10 former senior officials in US.
There are four core items in the proposal:
"The first is clear U.S. endorsement of a two-state solution based on the lines of June 4, 1967, with minor, reciprocal, agreed land swaps where necessary. That means removing all West Bank settlements except in some heavily populated areas abutting Jerusalem — and, of course, halting the unacceptable ongoing construction of new ones.
The second is establishing Jerusalem as home to the Israeli and Palestinian capitals. Jewish neighborhoods would be under Israeli sovereignty and Arab neighborhoods under Palestinian sovereignty, with special arrangements for the Old City providing unimpeded access to holy sites for all communities.
The third is major financial compensation and resettlement assistance in a Palestinian state for refugees, coupled with some formal Israeli acknowledgment of responsibility for the problem, but no generalized right of return.
The fourth is the creation of an American-led, U.N.-mandated multinational force for a transitional period of up to 15 years leading to full Palestinian control of their security".
They call the proposal as "a last chance for a two-state Israel-Palestine agreement.”
It sounds realistic for President Obama if his Administration gives serious efforts to mediate lasting peace between Palestine and Israel.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Prof. Juan Cole on Engaging The Muslim World

Prof. Juan Cole lauched his new book: "Engaging The Muslim World". He appeared in Asia Soceity to talk about it.
"Beginning with a detailed slide presentation, Cole argued that the Muslim world, far from being a single monolithic entity, is actually far more heterogeneous than most people in the West (particularly Americans) commonly suppose. Cole went on to explain how changing demographics and patterns of energy consumption mean that America's relationship with the countries in question will only become more important further into the 21st century. In the end, he concluded, "dialogue, compromise, and engagement" will be crucial for the US to maintain (and in some cases establish) better relations with the Islamic world.", wrote Asia Soceity.
Watch full presentation here.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Decreasing Tension

Political tension on international affairs seems to be decrease in near future. Yesterday, Riyad of Saudi Arabia hosted summit of four heads of states: Saudi Arabia, Suriah, Egypt and Kuwait. They worked to prepare real reconcilation among arab countries in dealing with their common interest.
Meanwhile, US in its way to talk with Suriah and Iran: two countries that often referred as resistance forces against US and its allies hegemony. US Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton recently visited China to strengthen cooperations between the two countries. She also met Russia Foreign Minister, Mr. Sergey Lavrov to talk about key issues on missile defence and nuclear arm reduction.
I think that the more diplomatic ways are used to look for solution in hot issues of international affairs the more beneficial out put can be reached in term of peace and reducting conflicts.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Instable Sudan: Justice or Peace?

ICC (International Criminal Court) issued warrant to arrest President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir in suspection of war crime and crime againts humanity in Darfur, but Mr. President defies. These days, He is in rally to gain people of Sudan support against the warrant in all over Sudan.
300.000 people have been killed in Darfur. 2.7 million people are now displaced. Their basic needs to food, water and medicines are much supplied by international NGOs, but several days ago, they were forced to leave Sudan. Darfur is still field of human disaster.
Some peace agreements between Sudan government and opposition forces in South and North of Sudan have been signed, but stability remains fragile. International communities are now under examination to chose justice or peace as priority.
The paradox is that big countries in UN Security Council such as America, China and Russia are among the countries that didn't sign Rome Treaty that set up the court. In fact, it is really difficult to avoid political intervention in law enforcement process. The countries with strong power often use double standard in dealing with international affairs especially those relate with instable countries.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Morocco Vs Iran: Cut The Relation

There are three reasons of the decision: First, the tension between the two countries after Morocco's solidarity to Bahrain that recently claimed by an adviser of Iran supreme leader as part of Iran. Second, support of Iran to Polysario that tried to separate from Morocco. Third, threat of spreading of Shia in Morocco that based regiously on sunni (malikian in fiqh).