Saturday, 25 December 2010
هل كل مافي بلاد العرب هو مؤامرة أميركية وصهيونية؟
هل كل مافي بلاد العرب هو مؤامرة أميركية وصهيونية؟: "هل كل مافي بلاد العرب هو مؤامرة أميركية وصهيونية؟"
Monday, 13 December 2010
الترويج للوطن البديل مرفوض أردنيا وفلسطينيا
الترويج للوطن البديل مرفوض أردنيا وفلسطينيا: "الترويج للوطن البديل مرفوض أردنيا وفلسطينيا"
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Monday, 22 November 2010
Thursday, 18 November 2010
الدكتوراه المزورة والدكتور الكاذب في عالمنا العربي
الدكتوراه المزورة والدكتور الكاذب في عالمنا العربي: "الدكتوراه المزورة والدكتور الكاذب في عالمنا العربي"
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
أين الدول العربية في قائمة أفضل واسوأ دول العالم؟
نهاد إسماعيل
GMT 5:28:00 2010 الثلائاء 31 أغسطس
نشرت مجلة نيوزويك الأميركية في عددها الاسبوعي بتاريخ 23 أغسطس آب 2010 قائمة بأفضل الدول للعيش وتم ادراج 100 دولة من اصل 195. يوجد في العالم 192 دولة تنتسب الى هيئة الأمم المتحدة و 3 دول صغيرة لها وضعها وترتيبها الخاص. ولكن ما يهمنا هو المئة دولة المصنفة كأفضل دول العالم للعيش واين موقع الدول العربية في القائمة.
يجب القول ان الدراسة للتوصل الى القائمة استغرقت عدة شهور من المقارانات والدراسات والتمحيص وقام بالمشروع مجموعة من الخبراء والاكاديميين والمختصين وعدد من الجامعات والمعاهد الأميركية والاوروبية والصينية ومراكز دراسات اقتصادية واجتماعية دولية وخبراء يختصوا بالمنطقة العربية.
أخذت الدراسة بعين الاعتبار العديد العوامل لتصنيف الدول والتمييز بينها ومن اهم هذه العوامل هو العامل الاقتصادي ومعدلات الدخل ونسب البطالة والفقر وكذلك استقرار الدولة واستتاب الأمن ومستوى الخدمات الصحية والتعليمية والضمان الاجتماعي وكذلك الحريات العامة وحريات الاعلام ونوعية القيادات التي تترأس هذه الدول ومدى شعور شعب تلك الدولة بالسعادة والرفاهية النسبية.
وافرزت الدراسة نتائج بعضها متوقع وبعضها غريب يمكن استهجانه ولا يمكن تصديقه كما نرى اثناء تسليط الضؤ على القائمة.
تصدرت فنلندا قائمة افضل دولة للعيش واحتلت سويسرا رقم 2 وتبعتها على التوالي السويد واستراليا ولوكسيمبرغ والنرويج وكندا وهولندا واليابان والدنمارك. اما الولايات المتحدة فقد احتلت رقم 11 والمانيا ونيوزيلاندا احتلتا المنزلة 12 و13 على التوالي بينما احتلت بريطانيا المنزلة رقم 14 وكوريا الجنوبية 15. فرنسا احتلت رقم 16 واسرائيل رقم 22 اي بعد اسبانيا 21 وقبل ايطاليا التي جاءت كرقم 23 في القائمة.
وأين الدول العربية:
الكويت احتلت المرتبة 40 والامارات 43 بينما احتلت الأردن المرتبة 53 اي بعد تركيا التي احتلت درجة 52 وقبل قطر 54. واحتلت سلطنة عمان المرتبة 60 اي درجة واحدة بعد الصين التي احتلت مرتبة 59 وقبل كازخستان التي جاءت بمرتبة 61.
اما المملكة العربية السعودية فأخذت مرتبة 64 اي بعد الفلبين 63 وقبل تونس التي احتلت مرتبة 65 بينما احتلت مراكش (المغرب) مرتبة 67 وجاءت مصر بمرتبة 74 بعد اندونيسيا وقبل نيكارراغوا التي اتت بمرتبة 75.
ومن المثير للاهتمام ان الهند وايران احتلتا مرتبتا 78 و 79 على التوالي ولكن سوريا ادرجت كرقم 83 والجزائر كرقم 85 أما اليمن جاءت كرقم 92 بعد السنغال وقبل تانزاينا.
أين الدول العربية الأخرى؟
حيث لم يتم ادراج لبنان في القائمة رغم انها في نظري ونظر الكثيرين افضل من دول كثيرة. ولعل السبب هو هشاشة النظام الطائفي وتواجد فئات مسلحة تهدد الأمن الداخلي وتشكل دولة داخل دولة.
واين السودان وليبيا والعراق والصومال وموريتانيا؟
استثنيت السودان بسبب غرقها في وحل الحروب مع الجنوب وارتكابها لجرائم حرب في دارفور وفشلها الاقتصادي ونظامها الدكتاتوري المتخلف. أما الثانية لأنها دولة دكتاتورية بامتياز ورغم انها غنية بالثروات الا ان شعبها فقير بسبب الفساد وسؤ الادارة وانعدام الحريات. وتم استثناء العراق من القائمة التي لا تزال ساحة للقتل المجاني من جهة وساحة للتنافس على المناصب والكراسي لخدمة الاشخاص وليس لخدمة الوطن من جهة اخرى وانظر الى ام كل المهازل حيث عقدت الانتخابات قبل 5 شهور وافرزت نتيجة لم يحبها نور المالكي لذا قرر التشبث بالسلطة بأظافره. الجدل لا يزال قائما والشعب العراقي يموت جوعا اوقتلا على يد الارهابيين. وتم استثناء الصومال لأنها فاشلة بكل المقاييس. وموريتانيا بسبب غياب الاستقرار السياسي والوضع والتخلف الاقتصادي.
باختصار تم استثناء الدول التي تفتقر للأمن والأمان والرخاء النسبي وتم استثناء الدول الدكتاتورية التسلطية الفاشلة. ويمكن ان نطمئن انفسنا انه من اصل 22 دولة عربية على الأقل تم ادراج 12 دولة عربية وهذا مشجع.
ولكن هذا لا يعني ان جميع الدول المدرجة في قائمة المائة تستحق ان تصنف كأفضل الدول لا سيما الدول العربية التي حصلت على درجة 80 وما فوق مثل سوريا والجزائر واليمن ويمكن تفسير وجود هذه الدول في القائمة هي أن هذه الدول رغم كل النواقص والمساويء لا تزال أفضل من غيرها ولو بنسبة قليلة من غالبية الدول الفاشلة التي تم استثناءها.
وعلى الدول العربية التي استثنيت من القائمة ان تشعر بالخجل وتعترف بالفشل انها التحقت بنادي الدول الفاشلة كأعضاء فخريين في نادي المتخلفين والذي يشمل ايضا الكونغو وزيمبابوي وبورما وسيراليون وليبيريا وتشاد وافغانستان وبوروندي وافريقيا الوسطى وكامبدويا وقيرغيستان وكاميرون وغيرها من الدول البائسة.
– اعلامي عربي لندن
Friday, 27 August 2010
Media Myths: Does the US control the Arab Media?
Media Myths: Does the US control the Arab Media?
Nehad Ismail
Following the publication on July 21st of an interview about "Arab Satellite Television" that I gave to Elaph (the most influential Arabic News Website), I received a number of phone calls advising me that Aljazeera Programme "Opposite Direction" (A sort of "Cross-Fire" heated debate) would be hosting two guests to discuss the "Arab Satellite Media" on Tuesday July 27th. Here I focus on the conspiracy theory that was the main theme of the 56 minute Aljazeera Flagship Programme.
One of the guests insisted that the Arab Satellite media is an American imperialist conspiracy that aims to dominate the Arabic mind and cancel out the Arabic identity.
Familiar Platitudes
The conspiracy theorist adamantly adhered to his rigid view that the Arab Satellite media is an imperial conspiracy. He explained this by insisting that the role of the Satellite media is to distort the national identity and to obliterate the Arab culture. The Satellite media he argued is a weapon used against the Arab people and the increasing number of Satellite channels is not an innocent phenomenon. It is a kind of new imperialism that threatens our culture and civilization through the use of media power to serve American and Zionists interests.
This skewed thinking is not new. Haven't we heard such malicious accusations about Al-Arabiya and Aljazeera Channels? Objective observers of the Pan-Arab media scene know very well that the media is sometimes used to achieve certain political ends or to promote a particular viewpoint. The media is also used to incite against a minority or a religious group. The Iraqi arena is the most flagrant example of this. It can therefore be argued that certain satellite channels have their own agenda but to put the blame exclusively on America or any other state is gross over-simplification and is unfair. This is not to say that the US Administration is not interested in what the Arabic media is saying or doing, but this interest is due to geo-political and economic reasons and not the classic sort of conspiracy people talk about.
Why the US is interested in Arab media
As a major strategic player in the Middle East, the US Administration takes interest in the Middle East Media scene but it does not control it. We all reject channels and programmes that incite hatred or violence. We all welcome programmes that promote peace and democratic values. If the USA promotes such values, this does not make it wrong or a conspiracy of some sort.
The launching of Al Hurra Satellite TV Station in 2004 by the US Administration underlined the importance of the media in influencing Arab public opinion. The US Congress considered Al-Hurra as an extension of US Foreign Policy in the Middle East. The main purpose of Al-Hurra was to explain the American position, advance the US views and to improve its image in the Middle East. Nothing wrong with that I would say. There was no conspiracy, no secret funding or hidden agenda. However, despite an annual spend of 100 million US Dollars, it is widely recognized that it has not achieved its objectives.
But the idle talk of a conspiracy is yet another excuse by the Arabs to hide their own failure.
The Accusations Against Aljazeera for Example
Didn't we hear back in 2005 that Aljazeera was a CIA tool, an agent of Israel and other similar baseless exaggerations? At one time, the accusations reached the pinnacles of absurdity when Aljazeera was labelled as agent for the Al-Qaeda, the Iraqi Resistance, the CIA, the Mossad, Hezbollah and Hamas all at the same time. To be an agent for one party and its allies may be plausible, but to be an agent for 10 parties some of whom are at war with each other is ridiculous and lacks logic. It also demolishes the conspiratorial myth altogether. Besides Qatar does not need external funding.
In this respect it is appropriate to refer to Hugh Miles' book "Al-Jazeera, How Arab TV News challenged the world" 2006. In my review of the book in 2007 I explained how the author debunked the lies and myths woven around Al-Jazeera. The logical conclusion was that Al-Jazeera was not a tool of the CIA and the Mossad. Israel still holds the view that the Station is a mouth-piece for Arab terrorism. Didn't Tony Blair talk President Bush out of bombing Al-Jazeera HQ in friendly Qatar in the spring of 2004? Wasn't Al-Jazeera office in Kabul bombed in 2001 and the Baghdad offices in 2003?
This leads us to ask has the CIA or the Mossad any connection with Russia Today, France 24, and the BBC Arabic Service which are broadcasting to the Arab world via satellite. The religious stations and jihadist channels are not financed by the USA; they are locally funded and managed. The USA is naturally against any hostile news media that it consider harmful to US interest. What's wrong with this? Aren't we all against anything that is hostile and harmful to our interests?
What About Other Channels?
We often hear the accusation that this channel or that has a hidden agenda. It is not new to state that every newspaper and every TV channel has its own view and policy whether we are talking about CNN, Wall Street Journal, The Sunday Times, The Washington Post, the BBC or Aljazeera. I am for any agenda that aims to educate the viewer, to promote tolerance and moderation. Any agenda that exposes human rights abuses is to be welcomed. Only dictatorial tyrannical regime would oppose such agenda.
Entertainment, music, films and dramas were often criticised for polluting the mind of youths. I would say if such programmes succeed in keeping the youth away from the radicals who brainwash them into hating the West and committing suicide-bombing, I am for such programmes and the more the better.
We ought to welcome programmes that promote democratic principles, love and co-existence, the rejection of violence, the condemnation of terrorism, the respect of human and animal rights and exposing abuse of such rights. This is what we need in the Arab world. It is not a conspiracy.
Nehad Ismail is a writer and broadcaster, who writes about issues related to the Middle East from his home in London.
Nehad Ismail
Following the publication on July 21st of an interview about "Arab Satellite Television" that I gave to Elaph (the most influential Arabic News Website), I received a number of phone calls advising me that Aljazeera Programme "Opposite Direction" (A sort of "Cross-Fire" heated debate) would be hosting two guests to discuss the "Arab Satellite Media" on Tuesday July 27th. Here I focus on the conspiracy theory that was the main theme of the 56 minute Aljazeera Flagship Programme.
One of the guests insisted that the Arab Satellite media is an American imperialist conspiracy that aims to dominate the Arabic mind and cancel out the Arabic identity.
Familiar Platitudes
The conspiracy theorist adamantly adhered to his rigid view that the Arab Satellite media is an imperial conspiracy. He explained this by insisting that the role of the Satellite media is to distort the national identity and to obliterate the Arab culture. The Satellite media he argued is a weapon used against the Arab people and the increasing number of Satellite channels is not an innocent phenomenon. It is a kind of new imperialism that threatens our culture and civilization through the use of media power to serve American and Zionists interests.
This skewed thinking is not new. Haven't we heard such malicious accusations about Al-Arabiya and Aljazeera Channels? Objective observers of the Pan-Arab media scene know very well that the media is sometimes used to achieve certain political ends or to promote a particular viewpoint. The media is also used to incite against a minority or a religious group. The Iraqi arena is the most flagrant example of this. It can therefore be argued that certain satellite channels have their own agenda but to put the blame exclusively on America or any other state is gross over-simplification and is unfair. This is not to say that the US Administration is not interested in what the Arabic media is saying or doing, but this interest is due to geo-political and economic reasons and not the classic sort of conspiracy people talk about.
Why the US is interested in Arab media
As a major strategic player in the Middle East, the US Administration takes interest in the Middle East Media scene but it does not control it. We all reject channels and programmes that incite hatred or violence. We all welcome programmes that promote peace and democratic values. If the USA promotes such values, this does not make it wrong or a conspiracy of some sort.
The launching of Al Hurra Satellite TV Station in 2004 by the US Administration underlined the importance of the media in influencing Arab public opinion. The US Congress considered Al-Hurra as an extension of US Foreign Policy in the Middle East. The main purpose of Al-Hurra was to explain the American position, advance the US views and to improve its image in the Middle East. Nothing wrong with that I would say. There was no conspiracy, no secret funding or hidden agenda. However, despite an annual spend of 100 million US Dollars, it is widely recognized that it has not achieved its objectives.
But the idle talk of a conspiracy is yet another excuse by the Arabs to hide their own failure.
The Accusations Against Aljazeera for Example
Didn't we hear back in 2005 that Aljazeera was a CIA tool, an agent of Israel and other similar baseless exaggerations? At one time, the accusations reached the pinnacles of absurdity when Aljazeera was labelled as agent for the Al-Qaeda, the Iraqi Resistance, the CIA, the Mossad, Hezbollah and Hamas all at the same time. To be an agent for one party and its allies may be plausible, but to be an agent for 10 parties some of whom are at war with each other is ridiculous and lacks logic. It also demolishes the conspiratorial myth altogether. Besides Qatar does not need external funding.
In this respect it is appropriate to refer to Hugh Miles' book "Al-Jazeera, How Arab TV News challenged the world" 2006. In my review of the book in 2007 I explained how the author debunked the lies and myths woven around Al-Jazeera. The logical conclusion was that Al-Jazeera was not a tool of the CIA and the Mossad. Israel still holds the view that the Station is a mouth-piece for Arab terrorism. Didn't Tony Blair talk President Bush out of bombing Al-Jazeera HQ in friendly Qatar in the spring of 2004? Wasn't Al-Jazeera office in Kabul bombed in 2001 and the Baghdad offices in 2003?
This leads us to ask has the CIA or the Mossad any connection with Russia Today, France 24, and the BBC Arabic Service which are broadcasting to the Arab world via satellite. The religious stations and jihadist channels are not financed by the USA; they are locally funded and managed. The USA is naturally against any hostile news media that it consider harmful to US interest. What's wrong with this? Aren't we all against anything that is hostile and harmful to our interests?
What About Other Channels?
We often hear the accusation that this channel or that has a hidden agenda. It is not new to state that every newspaper and every TV channel has its own view and policy whether we are talking about CNN, Wall Street Journal, The Sunday Times, The Washington Post, the BBC or Aljazeera. I am for any agenda that aims to educate the viewer, to promote tolerance and moderation. Any agenda that exposes human rights abuses is to be welcomed. Only dictatorial tyrannical regime would oppose such agenda.
Entertainment, music, films and dramas were often criticised for polluting the mind of youths. I would say if such programmes succeed in keeping the youth away from the radicals who brainwash them into hating the West and committing suicide-bombing, I am for such programmes and the more the better.
We ought to welcome programmes that promote democratic principles, love and co-existence, the rejection of violence, the condemnation of terrorism, the respect of human and animal rights and exposing abuse of such rights. This is what we need in the Arab world. It is not a conspiracy.
Nehad Ismail is a writer and broadcaster, who writes about issues related to the Middle East from his home in London.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Muslims Don't Need a New Mosque
Muslims Don't Need a New Mosque
diggBy Nehad Ismail
I am a Muslim; I don't want a mosque in New York
President Obama, please get real. You are fighting the wrong battle.
President Obama is a well-meaning, nice man. He believes in inter-faith dialogue and peaceful co-existence between different ethnic and religious groups. He believes in promoting tolerance and mutual acceptance of different religions. He has said nice things about Muslims. For all that we commend him and support him.
But he is fighting the wrong battle. He stands to lose the next presidential election on this issue alone. He is alienating middle America and yet he has also failed to appease the Muslim World. Arabs and Muslims throughout the Middle East don't want and don't need another mosque. Certainly they don't want it anywhere near the scene of the most outrageous terrorist act committed by Islamists and terrorists operating under the cover of Islam on September 11th, 2001 killing some three thousand innocent people.
What Arabs and Muslims worldwide want from Mr. Obama is to put more effort into bringing real peace between Israelis and Palestinians based on the two-state solution which was supported by various Presidents since the 1991 Oslo Accord and the Quartet (USA, EU, Russia and the UN) and based on the relevant United Nation Resolutions. This is the real issue that Muslims and Arabs care about, not another mosque in the heart of New York. Ending the longest occupation in modern history must be the top priority. Pandering to Muslim hardliners who exploit the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the siege of Gaza to further their odious agenda is counter-productive. Even Iran uses this issue to garner support in the Arab street for its nuclear program.
Global security demands urgent action on this long-festering problem. More mosques will not do. A peaceful Middle East will be good for America, Israel and the World.
Cosmetic gestures will not work.
Nehad Ismail is a writer and broadcaster, who writes about issues related to the Middle East from his home in London.
diggBy Nehad Ismail
I am a Muslim; I don't want a mosque in New York
President Obama, please get real. You are fighting the wrong battle.
President Obama is a well-meaning, nice man. He believes in inter-faith dialogue and peaceful co-existence between different ethnic and religious groups. He believes in promoting tolerance and mutual acceptance of different religions. He has said nice things about Muslims. For all that we commend him and support him.
But he is fighting the wrong battle. He stands to lose the next presidential election on this issue alone. He is alienating middle America and yet he has also failed to appease the Muslim World. Arabs and Muslims throughout the Middle East don't want and don't need another mosque. Certainly they don't want it anywhere near the scene of the most outrageous terrorist act committed by Islamists and terrorists operating under the cover of Islam on September 11th, 2001 killing some three thousand innocent people.
What Arabs and Muslims worldwide want from Mr. Obama is to put more effort into bringing real peace between Israelis and Palestinians based on the two-state solution which was supported by various Presidents since the 1991 Oslo Accord and the Quartet (USA, EU, Russia and the UN) and based on the relevant United Nation Resolutions. This is the real issue that Muslims and Arabs care about, not another mosque in the heart of New York. Ending the longest occupation in modern history must be the top priority. Pandering to Muslim hardliners who exploit the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the siege of Gaza to further their odious agenda is counter-productive. Even Iran uses this issue to garner support in the Arab street for its nuclear program.
Global security demands urgent action on this long-festering problem. More mosques will not do. A peaceful Middle East will be good for America, Israel and the World.
Cosmetic gestures will not work.
Nehad Ismail is a writer and broadcaster, who writes about issues related to the Middle East from his home in London.
Saturday, 7 August 2010
الاعلام الفضائي العربي وتهمة المؤامرة الاميركية
الاعلام الفضائي العربي وتهمة المؤامرة الاميركية: "الاعلام الفضائي العربي وتهمة المؤامرة الاميركية"
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
The Syrian Regime is Not About to Collapse
Published: July 31, 2010
The Syrian Regime is Not About to Collapse
By Nehad Ismail
The Syrian regime has not collapsed and is unlikely to in the foreseeable future.
Despite the urgent need for reforms, most Syrians have no stomach for regime change, Nehad Ismail explains why.
I wrote about this subject over four years ago, on 31st March 2006. Having revisited the subject and reviewed the latest developments, I am convinced nothing has changed.
There had been a plethora of headlines recently about the imminent collapse of the Syrian regime. The brutal fact, however, is that the Syrian opposition is too weak to topple the Assad regime. It is fragmented and divided. It has no coherent strategy to achieve common objectives. There is no co-ordination and no workable program unifying the fractious factions.
There exist in Syria more than 20 political parties, groupings and coalitions of all sorts each with a different program and agenda. The disunity is emphasized by the conflicting and contradictory statements emanating periodically from various factions. The opposition suffers from fundamental shortcomings. They don't consult with each other. They don't see eye to eye on many issues. They accuse each other of treachery and reliance on foreign money.
The Muslim Brotherhood has been accused of plotting to use the democratic process to seize power and turn the country into an Islamic caliphate state.
The common factor that unites them is opposition to the Assad regime. The problem is they don't know how to go about it. Many of them rely on fiery statements and slogans but nothing else. With the exception of one or two groupings which have a pragmatic workable program to rescue Syria and transform it into a democracy by peaceful means, the majority lack a coherent strategy and a workable program of action. The much vaunted Damascus Declaration was so full of contradictions that many parties refused to subscribe to it.
Two figures featured prominently in recent years as opposition figures. Mr. Ali Sadruddin Bayanouni, Syrian leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, and Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam and others have set up a "National Salvation Front" in Belgium. Mr. Bayanouni insists that his movement is moderate and has no plans to turn Syria into a state governed by Sharia law convinced though that it would be successful in case of elections. He also said in recent interviews "the Islamic tide is spreading and the secular movements have failed". Both figures lack credibility in the street and their impact is negligible.
The other groupings is the Washington based Reform Party of Syria, led by Farid Ghadry, who had been described by Syrians as "the Syrian version of Ahmed Chalabi" in reference to Mr. Chalabi an Iraqi opposition figure who played a significant part in persuading the US Administration to invade Iraq.
By far the biggest grouping and the most dynamic is the United National Alliance headed by former Assad regime strong man Rifaat Al-Assad, the former Vice President, and brother of former President Hafez Al-Assad. Rifaat left Syria in 1984, apparently because of differences with his brother Hafez Al-Assad. He now heads the United National Alliance (UNA), an umbrella organization that welcomes all opposition parties and groups that are interested in reforming Syria by non-violent means.
The UNA introduced a program for reform and salvation of Syria with a simple message and objective; that is, to transform Syria from a dictatorship into a democracy by peaceful means, through a program of gradual reforms and change. This program is gaining momentum and support in Syria and outside. Rifaat Al-Assad has launched "The National Reconciliation Initiative". The UNA is now the only credible opposition with the means to make real change and make the regime uncomfortable.
Rifaat Assad is generally known as the first Arab leader to face Islamic extremism. He succeeded in defeating the Muslim Brotherhood. Dr. Rifaat Al-Assad was the first leader in the Arab World to face the serious threat of Islamic inspired terrorism. He bravely stood up to them and rooted them out. The decisive action against terror, helped maintain the cohesion of Syrian Society, the territorial integrity of Syria and keep the country united.
Many Syrians were indeed relieved to be rid of the violent depredations of the Muslim Brotherhood, and Rifaat's record in acting against them may be what earned him respect in the Middle East and beyond.
Some change must occur in Syria. The regime is still refusing to heed the call for national dialogue. It continues interfering in Lebanon and meddling in Iraqi and Palestinian affairs. This behaviour has alienated neighbouring countries as well as the US and France. Internally, the repressive regime still acts as Saddam did in the years before the collapse of Baghdad exactly some seven years ago. Arbitrary arrests, abuse of human rights, torture, and corruption are rife in Syria. This regime will not be saved by its close alliances with Turkey and Iran.
The only alternative for Syria is a comprehensive national reconciliation initiative as demanded by Rifaat al-Assad, followed by a series of drastic reforms to allow the formation of political parties and free elections. Many of the provisions of the constitution are out of date and are not suitable for the 21st century. Emergency Law and martial courts need to be repealed.
New laws allowing the free formation of political parties and election are urgently needed.
The Islamic threat still exists and the Jihadists might make a move when they feel the time has come, especially if there is no reform. Unfortunately the regime is not listening and it is playing politics with the future of the Syrian people. No one in Syria would like to see a repeat of the disastrous Iraqi experience. However, the regime's behaviour is not serving the interests of the Syrian people who deserve freedom and democracy, but without the upheaval and the violence.
The latest interesting development is the emergence of Rifaat al-Assad's son Ribal Al-Assad as a reformer. Through his Organization for Democracy and Freedom in Syria (ODFS) www.odf-syria.orghe is demanding reform and respect of human rights in Syria and his message is gaining worldwide support.
Nehad Ismail is a writer and broadcaster, who writes about issues related to the Middle East from his home in London
The Syrian Regime is Not About to Collapse
By Nehad Ismail
The Syrian regime has not collapsed and is unlikely to in the foreseeable future.
Despite the urgent need for reforms, most Syrians have no stomach for regime change, Nehad Ismail explains why.
I wrote about this subject over four years ago, on 31st March 2006. Having revisited the subject and reviewed the latest developments, I am convinced nothing has changed.
There had been a plethora of headlines recently about the imminent collapse of the Syrian regime. The brutal fact, however, is that the Syrian opposition is too weak to topple the Assad regime. It is fragmented and divided. It has no coherent strategy to achieve common objectives. There is no co-ordination and no workable program unifying the fractious factions.
There exist in Syria more than 20 political parties, groupings and coalitions of all sorts each with a different program and agenda. The disunity is emphasized by the conflicting and contradictory statements emanating periodically from various factions. The opposition suffers from fundamental shortcomings. They don't consult with each other. They don't see eye to eye on many issues. They accuse each other of treachery and reliance on foreign money.
The Muslim Brotherhood has been accused of plotting to use the democratic process to seize power and turn the country into an Islamic caliphate state.
The common factor that unites them is opposition to the Assad regime. The problem is they don't know how to go about it. Many of them rely on fiery statements and slogans but nothing else. With the exception of one or two groupings which have a pragmatic workable program to rescue Syria and transform it into a democracy by peaceful means, the majority lack a coherent strategy and a workable program of action. The much vaunted Damascus Declaration was so full of contradictions that many parties refused to subscribe to it.
Two figures featured prominently in recent years as opposition figures. Mr. Ali Sadruddin Bayanouni, Syrian leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, and Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam and others have set up a "National Salvation Front" in Belgium. Mr. Bayanouni insists that his movement is moderate and has no plans to turn Syria into a state governed by Sharia law convinced though that it would be successful in case of elections. He also said in recent interviews "the Islamic tide is spreading and the secular movements have failed". Both figures lack credibility in the street and their impact is negligible.
The other groupings is the Washington based Reform Party of Syria, led by Farid Ghadry, who had been described by Syrians as "the Syrian version of Ahmed Chalabi" in reference to Mr. Chalabi an Iraqi opposition figure who played a significant part in persuading the US Administration to invade Iraq.
By far the biggest grouping and the most dynamic is the United National Alliance headed by former Assad regime strong man Rifaat Al-Assad, the former Vice President, and brother of former President Hafez Al-Assad. Rifaat left Syria in 1984, apparently because of differences with his brother Hafez Al-Assad. He now heads the United National Alliance (UNA), an umbrella organization that welcomes all opposition parties and groups that are interested in reforming Syria by non-violent means.
The UNA introduced a program for reform and salvation of Syria with a simple message and objective; that is, to transform Syria from a dictatorship into a democracy by peaceful means, through a program of gradual reforms and change. This program is gaining momentum and support in Syria and outside. Rifaat Al-Assad has launched "The National Reconciliation Initiative". The UNA is now the only credible opposition with the means to make real change and make the regime uncomfortable.
Rifaat Assad is generally known as the first Arab leader to face Islamic extremism. He succeeded in defeating the Muslim Brotherhood. Dr. Rifaat Al-Assad was the first leader in the Arab World to face the serious threat of Islamic inspired terrorism. He bravely stood up to them and rooted them out. The decisive action against terror, helped maintain the cohesion of Syrian Society, the territorial integrity of Syria and keep the country united.
Many Syrians were indeed relieved to be rid of the violent depredations of the Muslim Brotherhood, and Rifaat's record in acting against them may be what earned him respect in the Middle East and beyond.
Some change must occur in Syria. The regime is still refusing to heed the call for national dialogue. It continues interfering in Lebanon and meddling in Iraqi and Palestinian affairs. This behaviour has alienated neighbouring countries as well as the US and France. Internally, the repressive regime still acts as Saddam did in the years before the collapse of Baghdad exactly some seven years ago. Arbitrary arrests, abuse of human rights, torture, and corruption are rife in Syria. This regime will not be saved by its close alliances with Turkey and Iran.
The only alternative for Syria is a comprehensive national reconciliation initiative as demanded by Rifaat al-Assad, followed by a series of drastic reforms to allow the formation of political parties and free elections. Many of the provisions of the constitution are out of date and are not suitable for the 21st century. Emergency Law and martial courts need to be repealed.
New laws allowing the free formation of political parties and election are urgently needed.
The Islamic threat still exists and the Jihadists might make a move when they feel the time has come, especially if there is no reform. Unfortunately the regime is not listening and it is playing politics with the future of the Syrian people. No one in Syria would like to see a repeat of the disastrous Iraqi experience. However, the regime's behaviour is not serving the interests of the Syrian people who deserve freedom and democracy, but without the upheaval and the violence.
The latest interesting development is the emergence of Rifaat al-Assad's son Ribal Al-Assad as a reformer. Through his Organization for Democracy and Freedom in Syria (ODFS) www.odf-syria.orghe is demanding reform and respect of human rights in Syria and his message is gaining worldwide support.
Nehad Ismail is a writer and broadcaster, who writes about issues related to the Middle East from his home in London
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Arab Satellite Broadcasting: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Published: July 24, 2010 Send to a friend
Op-Ed Contributor
Arab Satellite Broadcasting: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
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The Arabic satellite media scene is chaotic and over-crowded. The latest statistics indicate that there are 620 channels. It is a known fact that a large number of such stations are owned and run by people who don't have a clue how to run a TV station. We have a multiplicity of channels at the mercy of governments, political factions, commercial interests or religious sects. Many such channels serve narrow sectional interests and do not offer a general service to the public. We have many religious stations offering fatwas (religious edicts) willy-nilly, some are busy brain-washing the young and the naive. We have stations that analyse dreams, medical advice and the promotion of pornography with the sole aim of making money.
The Arab League did try to introduce a regulatory frame work for the media industry based on what is called "code of ethics and standards". This was largely ignored. On the other hand there is a large number of sport, music and film channels as well as locally produced drama and imported drama that cater for the market. There are also a small number of responsible and professional news channels such as Al-Arabiya, Al-Jazeera, ANN (Arab News Network), ANB, and the Lebanese New TV, and LBC, BBC Arabic and the Saudi Al-Ikhbariya.
For many years before the advent of Satellite TV the Arab media was controlled by governments. The viewer had to accept what was on offer. This is no longer possible. The internet has opened new horizons for the consumer (receiver of the media message) whether he is a viewer, a listener or a reader. Discussion and debate programmes allowed the viewer or listener to listen to different points of view and sometimes viewers are allowed to participate with their opinions.
The current trends: First: The media is the delivery of a message to the consumer. This message may be political, educational, religious or just entertainment etc. The method of delivering the message could be through TV, Newspaper, Radio, and internet or even through cell/mobile phone technology. Second: over 65% of the Arab population are young people below the age of 35 years. The media message must cater for this huge group. Recent trends indicate that the young are not interested in the heavy political content of programmes. In the last two years light news and talk shows are becoming more popular and have gained ground at the expense of the very serious hot political stuff. Soft-content and music is the sort of fare on offer by MTV, MBC and Rotana which are particularly popular. Thirdly: the most interesting development is the emergence of what is known as multi-media co-ordination and integration. The rapid technological advances in the field of communications enabled the media industry to exploit this development by introducing interactivity.
Media a tool of foreign policy The Middle East is a rich dynamic place. Not only four fifths of the world oil and gas reserves are in the Middle East, it is also a hot spot where regional interests are inter-mingled with international interests. The USA is spending some 100 million US Dollars per annum on Al-Hurra satellite channel which broadcasts in Arabic from a base near Washington. Despite the expense and the slick operation, it has failed to have an impact and it has been dismissed as an expensive PR tool for the State Department. The BBC Arabic has been more successful and it costs the British tax-payer some £32 million (45 m USD) a year. Russia Today, France 24 also joined the bandwagon.
Rapid economic growth makes the Middle East attractive to advertisers. Therefore we shall see more investment in the media sector by international players. BskyB which is 39% owned by News Corporation is currently in talks with a private Abu Dhabi investor to launch a 24 hour Arabic language news channel under the Sky-News brand name.
The most influential players are Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
To begin with Egypt is by far the biggest Arab country in terms of population and number of viewers. Light entertainment, talk and chat shows are popular. In the last year or so "90 minutes" on the Private Al-Mehwar was gaining popularity and also "Sabaya" which literally means young ladies and deals with women and family issues is also popular. Drama is popular among women and here there are a variety of channels like Drama 1, Drama 2, and Oscar Drama. Sport and football channel are mainly followed by Egyptian men. Film Channels occupy a prominent role so here we have Nile Films, Panorama Films, Rotana Films and all these can be picked up free. Orbit and Art films remain encrypted. Another group of channels which is doing well in Egypt is The Dream Channels which is owned by the Egyptian businessman Ahmad Bahjat. Dream 1 offers varieties, women programmes, Dream 2 offers news, politics and TV series, and Dream sport etc.
Saudi Arabia The Saudi media scene had witnessed rapid expansion in recent years and to understand the complexities of the Saudi satellite media, it is desirable to take a look at the three main media group in Saudi Arabia.
First MBC (Middle East Broadcasting) was the first Pan Arab Satellite Channel to be established in London in 1991 by Sheikh Waleed Al-Ibrahimi. In 2003 MBC2 was launched offering foreign films mainly American movies with Arabic subtitles. In 2004 MBC3 was launched and in 2005 MBC4 which has been showing mainly foreign imported programs and MBC Action for male viewers mainly the young.
The most interesting development came in 2003 when the MBC group launched Al-Arabiya news channel to break the monopoly of Al-Jazeera. It is worth noting that al-Arabiya focuses more on business news in the Gulf Region and in addition to international and Arab news it offers a blend of light news which gives it an edge over Al-Jazeera among the younger viewers. Second ART Group (Arab Radio and Television) was launched in 1993 by the Saudi businessman Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel. ART Channels offering entertainment, variety shows, films, music and sport though most of its sport channels were sold to Al-Jazeera.
Third and most exciting is The Rotana Group. It began its operations in the late 1980s producing music records and by the beginning of the 21st Century it was transformed into an entertainment media empire. It boasts music and film channels such as Rotana Cinema, Rotana Zaman, Rotana Music, Rotana Tarab, Rotana Khalijia to mention just a few. Its success attracted Rupert Murdoch News Corporation to acquire a 9% stake in the group. Rotana is expanding and it has formed strategic alliances with Fox International Channels (FIC) and with Disney/Pixar animation studios.
In partnership with Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, Rotana is set to launch an Arabic language news channel to compete head-on with Al-Jazeera and al-Arabiya.
Nehad Ismail is a writer and broadcaster, who writes about issues related to the Middle East from his home in London.
Op-Ed Contributor
Arab Satellite Broadcasting: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
vote
nowBuzz up!
0
diggs
diggBy Nehad Ismail
The Arabic satellite media scene is chaotic and over-crowded. The latest statistics indicate that there are 620 channels. It is a known fact that a large number of such stations are owned and run by people who don't have a clue how to run a TV station. We have a multiplicity of channels at the mercy of governments, political factions, commercial interests or religious sects. Many such channels serve narrow sectional interests and do not offer a general service to the public. We have many religious stations offering fatwas (religious edicts) willy-nilly, some are busy brain-washing the young and the naive. We have stations that analyse dreams, medical advice and the promotion of pornography with the sole aim of making money.
The Arab League did try to introduce a regulatory frame work for the media industry based on what is called "code of ethics and standards". This was largely ignored. On the other hand there is a large number of sport, music and film channels as well as locally produced drama and imported drama that cater for the market. There are also a small number of responsible and professional news channels such as Al-Arabiya, Al-Jazeera, ANN (Arab News Network), ANB, and the Lebanese New TV, and LBC, BBC Arabic and the Saudi Al-Ikhbariya.
For many years before the advent of Satellite TV the Arab media was controlled by governments. The viewer had to accept what was on offer. This is no longer possible. The internet has opened new horizons for the consumer (receiver of the media message) whether he is a viewer, a listener or a reader. Discussion and debate programmes allowed the viewer or listener to listen to different points of view and sometimes viewers are allowed to participate with their opinions.
The current trends: First: The media is the delivery of a message to the consumer. This message may be political, educational, religious or just entertainment etc. The method of delivering the message could be through TV, Newspaper, Radio, and internet or even through cell/mobile phone technology. Second: over 65% of the Arab population are young people below the age of 35 years. The media message must cater for this huge group. Recent trends indicate that the young are not interested in the heavy political content of programmes. In the last two years light news and talk shows are becoming more popular and have gained ground at the expense of the very serious hot political stuff. Soft-content and music is the sort of fare on offer by MTV, MBC and Rotana which are particularly popular. Thirdly: the most interesting development is the emergence of what is known as multi-media co-ordination and integration. The rapid technological advances in the field of communications enabled the media industry to exploit this development by introducing interactivity.
Media a tool of foreign policy The Middle East is a rich dynamic place. Not only four fifths of the world oil and gas reserves are in the Middle East, it is also a hot spot where regional interests are inter-mingled with international interests. The USA is spending some 100 million US Dollars per annum on Al-Hurra satellite channel which broadcasts in Arabic from a base near Washington. Despite the expense and the slick operation, it has failed to have an impact and it has been dismissed as an expensive PR tool for the State Department. The BBC Arabic has been more successful and it costs the British tax-payer some £32 million (45 m USD) a year. Russia Today, France 24 also joined the bandwagon.
Rapid economic growth makes the Middle East attractive to advertisers. Therefore we shall see more investment in the media sector by international players. BskyB which is 39% owned by News Corporation is currently in talks with a private Abu Dhabi investor to launch a 24 hour Arabic language news channel under the Sky-News brand name.
The most influential players are Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
To begin with Egypt is by far the biggest Arab country in terms of population and number of viewers. Light entertainment, talk and chat shows are popular. In the last year or so "90 minutes" on the Private Al-Mehwar was gaining popularity and also "Sabaya" which literally means young ladies and deals with women and family issues is also popular. Drama is popular among women and here there are a variety of channels like Drama 1, Drama 2, and Oscar Drama. Sport and football channel are mainly followed by Egyptian men. Film Channels occupy a prominent role so here we have Nile Films, Panorama Films, Rotana Films and all these can be picked up free. Orbit and Art films remain encrypted. Another group of channels which is doing well in Egypt is The Dream Channels which is owned by the Egyptian businessman Ahmad Bahjat. Dream 1 offers varieties, women programmes, Dream 2 offers news, politics and TV series, and Dream sport etc.
Saudi Arabia The Saudi media scene had witnessed rapid expansion in recent years and to understand the complexities of the Saudi satellite media, it is desirable to take a look at the three main media group in Saudi Arabia.
First MBC (Middle East Broadcasting) was the first Pan Arab Satellite Channel to be established in London in 1991 by Sheikh Waleed Al-Ibrahimi. In 2003 MBC2 was launched offering foreign films mainly American movies with Arabic subtitles. In 2004 MBC3 was launched and in 2005 MBC4 which has been showing mainly foreign imported programs and MBC Action for male viewers mainly the young.
The most interesting development came in 2003 when the MBC group launched Al-Arabiya news channel to break the monopoly of Al-Jazeera. It is worth noting that al-Arabiya focuses more on business news in the Gulf Region and in addition to international and Arab news it offers a blend of light news which gives it an edge over Al-Jazeera among the younger viewers. Second ART Group (Arab Radio and Television) was launched in 1993 by the Saudi businessman Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel. ART Channels offering entertainment, variety shows, films, music and sport though most of its sport channels were sold to Al-Jazeera.
Third and most exciting is The Rotana Group. It began its operations in the late 1980s producing music records and by the beginning of the 21st Century it was transformed into an entertainment media empire. It boasts music and film channels such as Rotana Cinema, Rotana Zaman, Rotana Music, Rotana Tarab, Rotana Khalijia to mention just a few. Its success attracted Rupert Murdoch News Corporation to acquire a 9% stake in the group. Rotana is expanding and it has formed strategic alliances with Fox International Channels (FIC) and with Disney/Pixar animation studios.
In partnership with Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, Rotana is set to launch an Arabic language news channel to compete head-on with Al-Jazeera and al-Arabiya.
Nehad Ismail is a writer and broadcaster, who writes about issues related to the Middle East from his home in London.
Monday, 19 July 2010
الاعلام الفضائي بين المهنية والمسؤولية من جهة والانفلات والفوضى من جهة اخرى
مقابلة حصرية مع ايلاف
التقت ايلاف الاعلامي العربي نهاد اسماعيل وطرحت عليه الاسئلة التالية
التقت ايلاف الاعلامي العربي نهاد اسماعيل وطرحت عليه الاسئلة التالية
سؤال: كيف تصف الجو الاعلامي الفضائي بشكل عام؟
جواب:
من المؤسف ان ابدأ الاجابة بالقول ان الساحة الاعلامية الفضائية العربية يعمها الفوضى والهزلية والازدحام. آخر الاحصاءات تشير ان هناك أكثر من 620 محطة فضائية ولا يمر يوم او اسبوع دون ان نسمع عن ظهور محطة فضائية جديدة وعدد كبير منها يمتلكها ويديرها اشخاص لا يفهموا معنى المسؤولية والمصلحة العامة. ليس من المبالغة القول انها تتوالد مثل الارانب والنتيجة اعلام هابط المستوى بعضه يخضع لرحمة الحكومات او الاحزاب او مصالح تجارية او مؤسسات عقائدية دينية.
اذا كنت بسؤالك تشير الى الاعلام الفضائي بالتحديد اقول لك ان الساحة مكتظة ومزدحمة. وربما عدد هائل من هذه المحطات تخدم اجندات معينة ضيقة لا تؤدي خدمة عامة للمشاهد فهناك محطات دينية بعضها يبث الفتاوي العشوائية على الهواء مباشرة وبعضها يغسل ادمغة الساذجين. فوضى البرامج الدينية والفتاوي الغريبة وتفسير الاحلام تأتي جميعها في اطار ما يسمى بالانفلات الديني الذي اساء للاسلام والمسلمين. ولا يقتصر الأمر على ذلك فهناك قنوات السحر والشعوذة وقنوات الطب وقنوات لتشجيع الدعارة والهدف هو كسب المال بأي طريقة كانت.
هناك أيضا محطات لقراءة الحظ والبخت ومحطات لابتزاز المال من خلال مسابقات وهمية. وعلى مستوى آخر هناك قنوات سياسية ولكنها تتسم بالطائفية والمذهبية والحزبية وخير مثال على ذلك ساحة الاعلام العراقية.
سؤال الا يعني ذلك اننا بحاجة لنظام رقابة يشرف على الفضائيات وينظم عملها؟
جواب: كان هناك محاولات من الجامعة العربية لوضع ما يسمى ميثاق شرف للاعلام والاعلاميين اي المهنية والمسؤولية وهذه المحاولات فشلت لسببين. الأول لم يأبه لها احد ولم يلتزم بها أحد والثاني رأى الكثيرون انها محاولة لتقييد حرية الاعلام اي نوع من التدخل البوليسي لصالح الأنظمة.
سؤال: ولكن ليس كل الاعلام سيء لهذه الدرجة؟
جواب :
لم أقل ذلك ولكنني وصفت لك الناحية السلبية الفوضوية. لا شك ان هناك عدد كبير من المحطات الرياضية والموسيقية ومحطات افلام ودراما عربية ودراما مستوردة تلبي حاجة في السوق. وهناك محطات اخبارية مسؤولة ولكن عددها قليل ربما ما لا يزيد عن 10 محطات أو 15 محطة تعتبر جادة تطرح وتعالج قضايا الأمة مثل العربية والجزيرة والايه ان ان (شبكة الاخبار العربيةANN ) والحوار و ايه ن بي ANB ونيو تي في و ال بي سي اللبنانيتين هذا ناهيك عن البي بي سي الناطقة باللغة العربية ومحطة الاخبارية السعودية وغيرها. وهناك مشاريع لمحطة سعودية اخبارية جديدة وفضائية اخبارية ناطقة بالعربية لشركة بي سكاي بي العملاقة.
سؤال :ألا تعتقد ان الفضائيات ساهمت في التوعية وزرع بذور الديمقراطية في المنطقة العربية؟
جواب :
سؤال :ألا تعتقد ان الفضائيات ساهمت في التوعية وزرع بذور الديمقراطية في المنطقة العربية؟
جواب :
لسنوات طويلة قبل ظهور الفضائيات خضع الاعلام لسيطرة الدولة والرقيب وتم تغذية المشاهد بالوجبات التي تطبخها الحكومات ولم يكن هناك خيار امام المشاهد او المستمع او القاريء سوى تناول ما يتم تقديمه له. ولكن هذا لم يعد ممكنا حيث انكسرت الحواجز وانفتحت ابواب الاعلام على مصراعيها وحتى الدول الدكتاتورية لم تعد قادرة على منع المواطن العربي من التقاط عدد كبير من المحطات. اضف الى ذلك ثورة المعلومات التي نتج عنها انتشار الشبكة العنكبوتية والتي أعطت المواطن الفرصة ان يحصل على المعلومة في ثواني معدودة. هذا رغم ان بعض الانظمة تحجب المواقع واحيانا تحاول التشويش على البث الفضائي الا ان كل هذه المحاولات في نهاية المطاف تبؤ بالفشل.
البرامج الحوارية تسمح للمشاهد بسماع اراء مختلفة وبعض البرامج تسمح للمشاهد بالمشاركة برأيه ومن هذا المنطلق يمكن القول ان الفضائيات المسؤولة عززت مفهوم حرية الرأي والاعلام.
مما لا شك فيه ان الفضائيات ساهمت في فتح آفاق جديدة امام المشاهد العربي حيث ارتفعت سقوف حرية التعبير وفتح مواضيع اعتبرت محرمة وخط أحمر حتى نهاية القرن الماضي. ولا بد من الاشارة الى تطور سلبي يسعى لكتم الاصوات وتقييد حرية التعبير من قبل بعض الاصوليين بصفة سواء بصفة شخصية او باسم مؤسسات دينية.
سؤال : ولكن كيف تصف مستقبل الاعلام العربي؟
البرامج الحوارية تسمح للمشاهد بسماع اراء مختلفة وبعض البرامج تسمح للمشاهد بالمشاركة برأيه ومن هذا المنطلق يمكن القول ان الفضائيات المسؤولة عززت مفهوم حرية الرأي والاعلام.
مما لا شك فيه ان الفضائيات ساهمت في فتح آفاق جديدة امام المشاهد العربي حيث ارتفعت سقوف حرية التعبير وفتح مواضيع اعتبرت محرمة وخط أحمر حتى نهاية القرن الماضي. ولا بد من الاشارة الى تطور سلبي يسعى لكتم الاصوات وتقييد حرية التعبير من قبل بعض الاصوليين بصفة سواء بصفة شخصية او باسم مؤسسات دينية.
سؤال : ولكن كيف تصف مستقبل الاعلام العربي؟
جواب:
يمكن الاجابة على هذا السؤال بنقاط ثلاثة وباختصار شديد
اولا: علينا ان نعي بأن الاعلام هو توصيل رسالة للمستهلك. قد تكون هذه الرسالة سياسية او ثقافية او ترفيهية او دينية او غير ذلك. توصيل الرسالة للمستهلك الذي قد يكون مشاهدا او قارئا او مستمعا يحتاج الى وسيلة مناسبة. هذه الوسيلة قد تكون البث الفضائي التلفزيوني او المذياع ( الراديو) او الصحافة اوالانترنيت وحتى الهاتف النقال او اي مزيج منها. في السنوات الاخيرة رأينا اهتمام اعلامي دولي كبير في المنطقة العربية حيث رأينا ظهور محطات تبث باللغة العربية من واشنطن ولندن وموسكو وباريس وانقرة وطهران وبكين. فالاعلام قد يمكن وصفه في بعض الحالات ذراع للسياسات الخارجية لبعض الدول. ونظرا لأهمية الاعلام في تحريك وتوجيه الرأي العام لاحظنا أيضا في السنوات الأخيرة ان الاستثمارات في هذا الميدان وصلت الى مليارات الدولارات. وهناك مشاريع اعلامية متعددة في حيز التخطيط ورغم الانفاق الهائل والتكلفة الباهظة الا ان الاستثمار في هذا القطاع سيستمر.
ثانيا: اذا ادركنا ان 65% من الشعب العربي دون سن ال35 عاما فالرسالة الاعلامية يجب ان تلبي احتياجات هذه الفئة الهامة في المجتمع. ومن التطورات التي لوحظت في العامين الماضيين ان هناك نفور من البرامج الثقيلة الخطابية والحوارات الساخنة التي تتميز بالاثارة المصطنعة. وتشير الدراسات ان الشباب يفضلوا الاخبار الناعمة الخفيفة وحوارات مع شخصيات تحظى باعجاب الشباب
Light news and talk-shows
وبرامج غنائية وشبابية كالذي تقدمه م تي في MTV وقنوات روتانا و ام بي سي
ثالثا: بزوغ ظاهرة ما يسمى الاعلام المتعدد الادوات والاذرع واهمية التنسيق والتكامل فيما بينها
Multi-media co-ordination and integration))
التطور التكنولوجي المتسارع في مجالات الاتصال فتح المجال امام الاعلام ان يستغل هذا التطور باستخدام ما يسمى بالتكاملية والتفاعلية اي يجب ان يكون هناك تكامل ما بين التلفاز والانترنيت والنقال اي التفاعلية بين الاعلام والمشاهد .
Interactivity and integration of multi-media tools
سؤال: لماذا الاهتمام العالمي بالمشاهد العربي؟
جواب:
يمكن الاجابة على هذا السؤال بنقاط ثلاثة وباختصار شديد
اولا: علينا ان نعي بأن الاعلام هو توصيل رسالة للمستهلك. قد تكون هذه الرسالة سياسية او ثقافية او ترفيهية او دينية او غير ذلك. توصيل الرسالة للمستهلك الذي قد يكون مشاهدا او قارئا او مستمعا يحتاج الى وسيلة مناسبة. هذه الوسيلة قد تكون البث الفضائي التلفزيوني او المذياع ( الراديو) او الصحافة اوالانترنيت وحتى الهاتف النقال او اي مزيج منها. في السنوات الاخيرة رأينا اهتمام اعلامي دولي كبير في المنطقة العربية حيث رأينا ظهور محطات تبث باللغة العربية من واشنطن ولندن وموسكو وباريس وانقرة وطهران وبكين. فالاعلام قد يمكن وصفه في بعض الحالات ذراع للسياسات الخارجية لبعض الدول. ونظرا لأهمية الاعلام في تحريك وتوجيه الرأي العام لاحظنا أيضا في السنوات الأخيرة ان الاستثمارات في هذا الميدان وصلت الى مليارات الدولارات. وهناك مشاريع اعلامية متعددة في حيز التخطيط ورغم الانفاق الهائل والتكلفة الباهظة الا ان الاستثمار في هذا القطاع سيستمر.
ثانيا: اذا ادركنا ان 65% من الشعب العربي دون سن ال35 عاما فالرسالة الاعلامية يجب ان تلبي احتياجات هذه الفئة الهامة في المجتمع. ومن التطورات التي لوحظت في العامين الماضيين ان هناك نفور من البرامج الثقيلة الخطابية والحوارات الساخنة التي تتميز بالاثارة المصطنعة. وتشير الدراسات ان الشباب يفضلوا الاخبار الناعمة الخفيفة وحوارات مع شخصيات تحظى باعجاب الشباب
Light news and talk-shows
وبرامج غنائية وشبابية كالذي تقدمه م تي في MTV وقنوات روتانا و ام بي سي
ثالثا: بزوغ ظاهرة ما يسمى الاعلام المتعدد الادوات والاذرع واهمية التنسيق والتكامل فيما بينها
Multi-media co-ordination and integration))
التطور التكنولوجي المتسارع في مجالات الاتصال فتح المجال امام الاعلام ان يستغل هذا التطور باستخدام ما يسمى بالتكاملية والتفاعلية اي يجب ان يكون هناك تكامل ما بين التلفاز والانترنيت والنقال اي التفاعلية بين الاعلام والمشاهد .
Interactivity and integration of multi-media tools
سؤال: لماذا الاهتمام العالمي بالمشاهد العربي؟
جواب:
الشرق الأوسط منطقة غنية بالموارد النفطية وتعتبر من اشد مناطق العالم سخونة وتوتر وتكتلات وتحالفات سياسية حيث تتشابك المصالح الاقتصادية والاستراتيجية بين دول المنطقة ودول العالم الكبرى. لذا نرى على الساحة العديد من المحطات الناطقة باللغة العربية وكلها تتنافس لاستقطاب المشاهد العربي. خذ مثلا قناة الحرة الممولة اميركيا والتي تبث من فرجينيا قرب واشنطن. هناك اعتقاد سائد انها لم تحقق الاختراق المطلوب رغم الانفاق السنوي الذي يزيد عن 100 مليون دولار. وصفها البعض بآلة علاقة عامة باهظة التكاليف. ولكن البي بي سي العربية كانت اوفر حظا من الحرة في استقطاب المشاهدين العرب وبانفاق سنوي لا يزيد عن 32 مليون جنيه استرليني. ورأينا فرانس 24 الفرنسية وروسيا اليوم من موسكو ومؤخرا انضمت تركيا والصين للبث العربي وهناك مشروع للعملاقة بي سكاي بي BSky Bالبريطانية لمحطة اخبارية ناطقة بالعربية. المنطقة العربية جذابة اقتصاديا أيضا كسوق ضخم استهلاكي حيث ان ثلثي السكان من الشباب ومع النمو الاقتصادي لا سيما في الخليج يشجع بعض الشركات الخاصة على تأسيس فضائيات لجذب المشاهدين العرب ذوي القدرة على الانفاق. في هذا السوق المزدحم لكي تنجح وتستقطب المشاهدين يجب ان يكون لديك برامج مميزة وكوادر قادرة على جذب المشاهدين.
سؤال: من هم اللاعبين الأكثر تأثيرا على المجتمعات العربية أعني بذلك اعلاميا وبالتحديد فضائيا؟
جواب:
سؤال: من هم اللاعبين الأكثر تأثيرا على المجتمعات العربية أعني بذلك اعلاميا وبالتحديد فضائيا؟
جواب:
للاجابة على هذا السؤال يتعين علينا ان نقسم العالم العربي جغرافيا واذا فعلنا ذلك نجد ان هناك لاعبين رئيسيين هما مصر والسعودية.
لنبدأ بمصر كونها أكبر دولة عربيا ديمغرافيا يتواجد فيها أكبر عدد من المشاهدين. من البرامج الناجحة التي تحظى باعداد كبيرة من المشاهدين هي برامج الحوارات الخفيفة والمعروفة باسمها الانجليزي: Talk and chat show
ومن البرامج الناجحة 90 دقيقة على قناة المحور الخاصة وبرنامج صبايا الذي يعالج قضايا المرأة والأسرى. وكذلك البيت بيتك على القناة الأولى الرسمية.
وقنوات الدراما 1 و 2 واوسكار دراما الذي يحظى بشعبية كبيرة في صفوف النساء بينما يتابع الرجال قنوات الرياضة وكرة القدم على الأخص. هنالك ايضا قنوات للافلام مثل النيل وبانوراما وروتانا ويمكن التقاط هذه القنوات مجانيا بينما اوربت وآيه آر تي تبقيا مشفرتين. ولا نستطيع ان نتجاهل مجموعة قنوات دريم التي اطلقها رجل الأعمال المصري احمد بهجت. ومنها دريم 1 التي تعرض منوعات وفقرات نسائية ودريم 2 للبرامج السياسية والاخبارية والمسلسلات ودريم سبورت الرياضية.
المملكة العربية السعودية: شهد الاعلام الفضائي السعودي طفرة كبيرة في السنوات القليلة الماضية. ويمكن تقسيم المشهد الفضائي السعودي الى ثلاث مجموعات فاعلة ذات تأثير كبير سعوديا وعربيا
اولا ام بي سي MBC
عندما اطلقها الشيخ الوليد الابراهيمي كانت ام بي سي اول فضائية عربية عامة تغطي العالم العربي. تم تأسيسها في لندن عام 1991 وبعد ذلك اطلقت ام بي سي 2 عام 2003 لعرض الافلام الاجنبية والمسلسلات. وفي عام 2004 اطلقت ام بي سي 3 وفي عام 2005 اطلقت ام بي سي 4 التي تعرض برامج اجنبية وايضا ام بي سي أكشن MBC Action الموجهة للشباب.
والتطور الأكبر هو في مارس آذار 2003 اطلقت مجموعة ام بي سي محطة العربية الاخبارية لتكسر احتكار الجزيرة الاخبارية. وتتميز العربية بالتركيز على اخبار الأعمال والبزنس واضافة للاخبار الرسمية العربية والعالمية تعرض القناة مواد اخبارية خفيفة شيقة.
ثانيا مجموعة روتانا
ابتدأت اواخر الثمانينات بانتاج اسطوانات الموسيقى والغناء ومع بداية الألفية الثالثة تحولت روتانا التي اطلقها الأمير الوليد بن طلال الى امبراطورية اعلامية. وتشمل المجموعة قنوات موسيقى وافلام مثل قناة روتانا سينما وروتانا زمان وروتانا موسيقى وروتانا طرب وروتانا خليجية. ومن المهم ان اذكر هنا ان شركة نيوز كوربوريشن العالمية التابعة لروبرت ميردوخ حازت على 9% من روتانا. وهناك ايضا تحالف اعلامي استراتيجي بين مجموعة فوكس الدولية وروتانا.
ثالثا آيه آر تي ART Groupاطلقها رجل الأعمال السعودي الشيخ صالح عبدالله كامل عام 1993.
وتشمل قنوات للافلام والمنوعات والموسيقى والرياضة وتم بيع معظم قنوات الرياضة للجزيرة.
سؤال :كيف تغيرت الصورة الاعلامية الآن مما كانت عليه في السنوات العشرة الأخيرة.؟
الجواب:
لنبدأ بمصر كونها أكبر دولة عربيا ديمغرافيا يتواجد فيها أكبر عدد من المشاهدين. من البرامج الناجحة التي تحظى باعداد كبيرة من المشاهدين هي برامج الحوارات الخفيفة والمعروفة باسمها الانجليزي: Talk and chat show
ومن البرامج الناجحة 90 دقيقة على قناة المحور الخاصة وبرنامج صبايا الذي يعالج قضايا المرأة والأسرى. وكذلك البيت بيتك على القناة الأولى الرسمية.
وقنوات الدراما 1 و 2 واوسكار دراما الذي يحظى بشعبية كبيرة في صفوف النساء بينما يتابع الرجال قنوات الرياضة وكرة القدم على الأخص. هنالك ايضا قنوات للافلام مثل النيل وبانوراما وروتانا ويمكن التقاط هذه القنوات مجانيا بينما اوربت وآيه آر تي تبقيا مشفرتين. ولا نستطيع ان نتجاهل مجموعة قنوات دريم التي اطلقها رجل الأعمال المصري احمد بهجت. ومنها دريم 1 التي تعرض منوعات وفقرات نسائية ودريم 2 للبرامج السياسية والاخبارية والمسلسلات ودريم سبورت الرياضية.
المملكة العربية السعودية: شهد الاعلام الفضائي السعودي طفرة كبيرة في السنوات القليلة الماضية. ويمكن تقسيم المشهد الفضائي السعودي الى ثلاث مجموعات فاعلة ذات تأثير كبير سعوديا وعربيا
اولا ام بي سي MBC
عندما اطلقها الشيخ الوليد الابراهيمي كانت ام بي سي اول فضائية عربية عامة تغطي العالم العربي. تم تأسيسها في لندن عام 1991 وبعد ذلك اطلقت ام بي سي 2 عام 2003 لعرض الافلام الاجنبية والمسلسلات. وفي عام 2004 اطلقت ام بي سي 3 وفي عام 2005 اطلقت ام بي سي 4 التي تعرض برامج اجنبية وايضا ام بي سي أكشن MBC Action الموجهة للشباب.
والتطور الأكبر هو في مارس آذار 2003 اطلقت مجموعة ام بي سي محطة العربية الاخبارية لتكسر احتكار الجزيرة الاخبارية. وتتميز العربية بالتركيز على اخبار الأعمال والبزنس واضافة للاخبار الرسمية العربية والعالمية تعرض القناة مواد اخبارية خفيفة شيقة.
ثانيا مجموعة روتانا
ابتدأت اواخر الثمانينات بانتاج اسطوانات الموسيقى والغناء ومع بداية الألفية الثالثة تحولت روتانا التي اطلقها الأمير الوليد بن طلال الى امبراطورية اعلامية. وتشمل المجموعة قنوات موسيقى وافلام مثل قناة روتانا سينما وروتانا زمان وروتانا موسيقى وروتانا طرب وروتانا خليجية. ومن المهم ان اذكر هنا ان شركة نيوز كوربوريشن العالمية التابعة لروبرت ميردوخ حازت على 9% من روتانا. وهناك ايضا تحالف اعلامي استراتيجي بين مجموعة فوكس الدولية وروتانا.
ثالثا آيه آر تي ART Groupاطلقها رجل الأعمال السعودي الشيخ صالح عبدالله كامل عام 1993.
وتشمل قنوات للافلام والمنوعات والموسيقى والرياضة وتم بيع معظم قنوات الرياضة للجزيرة.
سؤال :كيف تغيرت الصورة الاعلامية الآن مما كانت عليه في السنوات العشرة الأخيرة.؟
الجواب:
علينا ان نأخذ في الاعتبار العولمة والتطور التكنولوجي
أهم تطور هو ظهور ما يسمى مولتي ميديا Multi-media والتفاعلية interactivity وكذلك التكاملية integration بين الوسائل الاعلامية المختلفة.
وكذلك ازدياد شعبية ما يسمى المواد الناعمة الخفيفة على حساب المواد الثقيلة مثل الحوارات التي تتسم بالصراخ والشتم والاثارة المفتعلة وذات الفائدة المحدودة والتي باتت مزعجة للمشاهد. ومن ناحية اخرى حققت المحطات المحلية مكاسب على حساب المحطات الموجهة لكل العالم العربي.
وكلمة أخيرة لا يمكن تجاهل العنصر الشبابي الذي يمثل أكثر من ثلثي المجتمع وهذا العنصر يريد مشاهدة مواد يستمتع بها ويستجيب لها ومواد تستفزه وتثير اهتمامه وتعالج قضاياه ومشاكله. زمن الاعلام الخطابي الحكومي الشعاراتي الثقيل قد انتهى.
شكرا للاعلامي العربي الاستاذ نهاد اسماعيل
أهم تطور هو ظهور ما يسمى مولتي ميديا Multi-media والتفاعلية interactivity وكذلك التكاملية integration بين الوسائل الاعلامية المختلفة.
وكذلك ازدياد شعبية ما يسمى المواد الناعمة الخفيفة على حساب المواد الثقيلة مثل الحوارات التي تتسم بالصراخ والشتم والاثارة المفتعلة وذات الفائدة المحدودة والتي باتت مزعجة للمشاهد. ومن ناحية اخرى حققت المحطات المحلية مكاسب على حساب المحطات الموجهة لكل العالم العربي.
وكلمة أخيرة لا يمكن تجاهل العنصر الشبابي الذي يمثل أكثر من ثلثي المجتمع وهذا العنصر يريد مشاهدة مواد يستمتع بها ويستجيب لها ومواد تستفزه وتثير اهتمامه وتعالج قضاياه ومشاكله. زمن الاعلام الخطابي الحكومي الشعاراتي الثقيل قد انتهى.
شكرا للاعلامي العربي الاستاذ نهاد اسماعيل
Friday, 9 July 2010
The Syrian regime is not about to collapse --
The Syrian regime is not about to collapse
This is the corrected and updated version written by Nehad Ismail**
03/31/2006
Nehad Ismail's account of the bleak prospects of Syrian opposition explains why few are enthusiastic about regime change in Syria, despite the urgent need for reform.
There has been a plethora of headlines recently about the imminent collapse of the Syrian regime. To quote just a few: "Syrian opposition closes ranks" "Exiled Syrian opposition calls for regime change" "Syrian opposition forms alliance" "Syrian opposition unite against Assad" and "Syrian opposition unites to oust Assad". The brutal fact, however, is that the Syrian opposition is too weak to topple the Assad regime. It is fragmented and divided. It has no coherent strategy to achieve common objectives. There is no co-ordination and no workable program unifying the fractious factions.
There exist in Syria more than 20 political parties, groupings and coalitions of all sorts each with a different program and agenda. The disunity is emphasized by the conflicting and contradictory statements emanating periodically from various factions. The opposition suffers from fundamental shortcomings. They don't consult with each other. They don't see eye to eye on many issues. They accuse each other of treachery and reliance on foreign money. Some are accused of having links with Israel; others are Islamic fundamentalists. The Muslim Brotherhood has been accused of plotting to use the democratic process to seize power and turn the country into an Islamic caliphate state.
The common factor that unites them is opposition to the Assad regime. The problem is they don't know how to go about it. Many of them rely on fiery statements and slogans but nothing else. With the exception of one or two groupings which have a pragmatic workable program to rescue Syria and transform it into a democracy by peaceful means, the majority lack a coherent strategy and a workable program of action. The much vaunted Damascus Declaration was so full of contradictions that many parties refused to subscribe to it. A number of meetings and conferences were held in the USA and Europe with little or no noticeable impact. The regime ignored them and continued its crackdown against dissidents and Kurdish demonstrators.
The recent meeting in Brussels between the secular Abdul Halim Khaddam and the Islamist Ali Sadruddin Bayanouni, the Muslim Brotherhood leader, received more publicity than it deserved, as little was achieved apart from a vague statement. A closer look at the joint statement leaves the reader more confused and less convinced of the participants' ability to transform Syria from a dictatorship into a truly democratic and free state. Neither of these leaders have a popular base in Syria, and both are detested for different reasons. Abdul Halim Khaddam is detested for serving a corrupt dictatorial regime for 35 years then suddenly claiming to be a democrat. Bayanouni is associated with the wave of the Muslim Brotherhood violence that Swept Syria at the end of 1970s and early 1980s.
However in recent weeks Mr. Ali Sadruddin Bayanouni, Syrian leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood, former Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam and others have set up a "National Salvation Front" in Belgium. Mr. Bayanouni insists that his movement is moderate and has no plans to turn Syria into a state governed by Sharia law, convinced though that it would be successful in case of elections. He also said in recent interviews "the Islamic tide is spreading and the secular movements have failed".
In their Brussels meeting, the representatives of the 17 Islamist, secular, Liberal, Communist and Kurdish movements, in exile for many years, have issued a "National Program for Change" that includes the creating of a transitional government in exile.
The other groupings is the Washington based Reform Party of Syria, led by Farid Ghadry, who has been described by Syrians as "the Syrian version of Ahmed Chalabi" in reference to Mr. Chalabi an Iraqi opposition figure who played a significant part in persuading the US Administration to invade Iraq. He is now in disfavor both in Iraq and the USA. Ghadry's group is looked upon with suspicion due to its links with the USA.
By far the biggest grouping is the United National Group headed by former Assad regime strong man Rifaat Al-Assad, the former Vice President, and brother of former President Hafez Al-Assad. Rifaat left Syria in 1984, apparently because of differences with his brother Hafez Al-Assad.. He now heads the United National Group (UNG)*, an umbrella organization that welcomes all opposition parties and groups that are interested in reforming Syria by non-violent means .The UNG introduced a program for reform and salvation of Syria with a simple message and objective; that is, to transform Syria from a dictatorship into a democracy by peaceful means, through a program of gradual reforms and change. This program is gaining momentum and support in Syria and outside. The UNG Web site, literature, and pronouncements indicate that Rifaat Al-Assad wishes to return to Syria and launch "The National Reconciliation Initiative".
Rifaat Assad is generally known as the first Arab leader to face Islamic extremism. He succeeded in defeating the Muslim Brotherhood.
A spokesman for Rifaat Assad chose to describe it this way:
"Dr. Rifaat Al-Assad was the first leader in the Arab World to face the serious threat of Islamic inspired terrorism. He bravely stood up to them and rooted them out. The decisive action against terror, helped maintain the cohesion of Syrian Society, the territorial integrity of Syria and keep the country united."
When asked about the Hama massacre, the spokesman said:
Certain mistakes were made by some officers, but Rifaat Al-Assad was not directly responsible, besides he was part of a Security Establishment comprising dozens of individuals who were collectively responsible for the security and protection of the country.
Many Syrians were indeed relieved to be rid of the violent depredations of the Muslim Brotherhood, and Rifaat's record in acting against them may be what earned him some American supporters as well.
Some change must occur in Syria. The regime is still refusing to heed the call for national dialogue. It continues interfering in Lebanon and meddling in Iraqi and Palestinian affairs. This behavior has alienated neighboring countries as well as the US and France. Internally, the repressive regime still acts as Saddam did in the years before the collapse of Baghdad exactly three years ago . Arbitrary arrests, abuse of human rights, torture, and corruption are rife in Syria.
This regime will not be saved by co-operation in the Hariri investigation and the tightening of the borders with Iraq. The only alternative for Syria is a comprehensive national reconciliation initiative, followed by a series of drastic reforms to allow the formation of political parties and free elections. Many of the provisions of the constitution are out of date and are not suitable for the 21st century. Emergency Law and martial courts need to be repealed. New laws allowing the free formation of political parties and election are urgently needed.
The Islamic threat still exists and the Jihadis might make a move when they feel the time has come, especially if there is no reform. Unfortunately the regime is not listening and it is playing politics with the future of the Syrian people. No one in Syria would like to see a repeat of the disastrous Iraqi experience. However, the regime's behavior is not serving the interests of the Syrian people who deserve freedom and democracy, but without the upheaval and the violence.
Nehad Ismail
*In recent years the UNG became known as the UNA (United National Alliance)
________________________________________
Nehad Ismail is a UK-based commentator on Middle East Affairs.
**This is the version approved by the writer.
This is the corrected and updated version written by Nehad Ismail**
03/31/2006
Nehad Ismail's account of the bleak prospects of Syrian opposition explains why few are enthusiastic about regime change in Syria, despite the urgent need for reform.
There has been a plethora of headlines recently about the imminent collapse of the Syrian regime. To quote just a few: "Syrian opposition closes ranks" "Exiled Syrian opposition calls for regime change" "Syrian opposition forms alliance" "Syrian opposition unite against Assad" and "Syrian opposition unites to oust Assad". The brutal fact, however, is that the Syrian opposition is too weak to topple the Assad regime. It is fragmented and divided. It has no coherent strategy to achieve common objectives. There is no co-ordination and no workable program unifying the fractious factions.
There exist in Syria more than 20 political parties, groupings and coalitions of all sorts each with a different program and agenda. The disunity is emphasized by the conflicting and contradictory statements emanating periodically from various factions. The opposition suffers from fundamental shortcomings. They don't consult with each other. They don't see eye to eye on many issues. They accuse each other of treachery and reliance on foreign money. Some are accused of having links with Israel; others are Islamic fundamentalists. The Muslim Brotherhood has been accused of plotting to use the democratic process to seize power and turn the country into an Islamic caliphate state.
The common factor that unites them is opposition to the Assad regime. The problem is they don't know how to go about it. Many of them rely on fiery statements and slogans but nothing else. With the exception of one or two groupings which have a pragmatic workable program to rescue Syria and transform it into a democracy by peaceful means, the majority lack a coherent strategy and a workable program of action. The much vaunted Damascus Declaration was so full of contradictions that many parties refused to subscribe to it. A number of meetings and conferences were held in the USA and Europe with little or no noticeable impact. The regime ignored them and continued its crackdown against dissidents and Kurdish demonstrators.
The recent meeting in Brussels between the secular Abdul Halim Khaddam and the Islamist Ali Sadruddin Bayanouni, the Muslim Brotherhood leader, received more publicity than it deserved, as little was achieved apart from a vague statement. A closer look at the joint statement leaves the reader more confused and less convinced of the participants' ability to transform Syria from a dictatorship into a truly democratic and free state. Neither of these leaders have a popular base in Syria, and both are detested for different reasons. Abdul Halim Khaddam is detested for serving a corrupt dictatorial regime for 35 years then suddenly claiming to be a democrat. Bayanouni is associated with the wave of the Muslim Brotherhood violence that Swept Syria at the end of 1970s and early 1980s.
However in recent weeks Mr. Ali Sadruddin Bayanouni, Syrian leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood, former Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam and others have set up a "National Salvation Front" in Belgium. Mr. Bayanouni insists that his movement is moderate and has no plans to turn Syria into a state governed by Sharia law, convinced though that it would be successful in case of elections. He also said in recent interviews "the Islamic tide is spreading and the secular movements have failed".
In their Brussels meeting, the representatives of the 17 Islamist, secular, Liberal, Communist and Kurdish movements, in exile for many years, have issued a "National Program for Change" that includes the creating of a transitional government in exile.
The other groupings is the Washington based Reform Party of Syria, led by Farid Ghadry, who has been described by Syrians as "the Syrian version of Ahmed Chalabi" in reference to Mr. Chalabi an Iraqi opposition figure who played a significant part in persuading the US Administration to invade Iraq. He is now in disfavor both in Iraq and the USA. Ghadry's group is looked upon with suspicion due to its links with the USA.
By far the biggest grouping is the United National Group headed by former Assad regime strong man Rifaat Al-Assad, the former Vice President, and brother of former President Hafez Al-Assad. Rifaat left Syria in 1984, apparently because of differences with his brother Hafez Al-Assad.. He now heads the United National Group (UNG)*, an umbrella organization that welcomes all opposition parties and groups that are interested in reforming Syria by non-violent means .The UNG introduced a program for reform and salvation of Syria with a simple message and objective; that is, to transform Syria from a dictatorship into a democracy by peaceful means, through a program of gradual reforms and change. This program is gaining momentum and support in Syria and outside. The UNG Web site, literature, and pronouncements indicate that Rifaat Al-Assad wishes to return to Syria and launch "The National Reconciliation Initiative".
Rifaat Assad is generally known as the first Arab leader to face Islamic extremism. He succeeded in defeating the Muslim Brotherhood.
A spokesman for Rifaat Assad chose to describe it this way:
"Dr. Rifaat Al-Assad was the first leader in the Arab World to face the serious threat of Islamic inspired terrorism. He bravely stood up to them and rooted them out. The decisive action against terror, helped maintain the cohesion of Syrian Society, the territorial integrity of Syria and keep the country united."
When asked about the Hama massacre, the spokesman said:
Certain mistakes were made by some officers, but Rifaat Al-Assad was not directly responsible, besides he was part of a Security Establishment comprising dozens of individuals who were collectively responsible for the security and protection of the country.
Many Syrians were indeed relieved to be rid of the violent depredations of the Muslim Brotherhood, and Rifaat's record in acting against them may be what earned him some American supporters as well.
Some change must occur in Syria. The regime is still refusing to heed the call for national dialogue. It continues interfering in Lebanon and meddling in Iraqi and Palestinian affairs. This behavior has alienated neighboring countries as well as the US and France. Internally, the repressive regime still acts as Saddam did in the years before the collapse of Baghdad exactly three years ago . Arbitrary arrests, abuse of human rights, torture, and corruption are rife in Syria.
This regime will not be saved by co-operation in the Hariri investigation and the tightening of the borders with Iraq. The only alternative for Syria is a comprehensive national reconciliation initiative, followed by a series of drastic reforms to allow the formation of political parties and free elections. Many of the provisions of the constitution are out of date and are not suitable for the 21st century. Emergency Law and martial courts need to be repealed. New laws allowing the free formation of political parties and election are urgently needed.
The Islamic threat still exists and the Jihadis might make a move when they feel the time has come, especially if there is no reform. Unfortunately the regime is not listening and it is playing politics with the future of the Syrian people. No one in Syria would like to see a repeat of the disastrous Iraqi experience. However, the regime's behavior is not serving the interests of the Syrian people who deserve freedom and democracy, but without the upheaval and the violence.
Nehad Ismail
*In recent years the UNG became known as the UNA (United National Alliance)
________________________________________
Nehad Ismail is a UK-based commentator on Middle East Affairs.
**This is the version approved by the writer.
The Heartbreak Pets- Paws for thought
The Heartbreak Pets
Paws for thought
The e-mail I received a few days ago from Rose about taking Cookie Monster and Silly for spaying prompted me to tell you about our experience with pets.
Back in the late 1980s we had “Biscuit” a black and white Tom cat who was obsessed with the door bell and the fixed telephone. Every time the phone rang he raced me to it. When I took too long chatting, Biscuit would tug at my trousers hurrying me to stop. At night time or early morning he would pull my pyjama trousers down.
One day Christine my wife and Karim my pre-teen son took Biscuit to the Vet for his annual booster injection. As soon as they walked out of the Vet’s Biscuit escaped. I learnt later that the Vet did not shut the cage properly. He was never seen again. That was in 1991. All the search, the leafleting and announcements in the town’s local paper yielded no information. We were heart-broken.
Midnite and Suzie
Within a few months we acquired two kittens from a lady in a neighbouring town. She told us that the kittens a brother and a sister were born in Oxford the quintessential English University Town and the lady’s sister brought them down to Surrey.
We called the black male kitten Midnite and the female white and brown was called Suzie.
Midnite and Suzie thrived and prospered and loved the big garden. They took to following us around the garden like dogs.
Cats’ Guantanamo
In the mid 1990s when we decided to travel to the USA on a two-week vacation, we took them to a cattery to be looked after. When we went to collect them, they looked miserable and tired. Nevertheless they were relieved and happy to see us. Obviously they hated their detention, they lost weight and to them it was worse than Guantanamo. So we took the decision to never put them in a detention centre again when we went away. We arranged for a neighbour to look after them during our absence. When in 2001 we packed a suitcase to fly abroad, Suzie sat on it to stop us leaving.
Christmas was their favourite time. They liked the noise and the aroma emanating from the kitchen. They would ravenously eat the turkey’s giblets before they sleep by the fire-place snoring away right through the Wizard of Oz and the Queen’s Christmas speech which were essential features on TV during the festive season.
Tom and Harold
In the intervening years two characters showed up. First was Harold Bishop and followed a few years later by Tom Clark (so called to distinguish him from another Tom in the same neighbourhood).
Harold Bishop appeared suddenly one summer afternoon, and was in obvious distress due to his collar slipping and forming a very tight belt around his body. We cut him loose and fed him and he refused to leave. H B was a black cat with a fat head and green eyes. The kids named him Harold Bishop after a character in an interminable Australian soap. He was killed by a car a few weeks later.
Tom Clark was a well trained and well behaved “Maine Coon”. Midnite and Suzie took to him and they got on well with him. He turned up in February 2004 and was killed by a car doing a swift U-turn in our drive in October 2004.
Suzie says goodbye
By June 2006 Suzie’s health deteriorated and the Vet said nothing could be done to save her. She was put down and buried in her favourite spot in the garden. Midnite was devastated and for a few months he couldn’t settle down always searching for his Suzie. Eventually he accepted the situation and became friendlier than ever.
Midnite follows Suzie
In the summer of 2008 Midnite was limping. We assumed that he was stung by a wasp and would get better. But he didn’t. Christine took him to the Vet who kept him overnight for observation. The following day, I got a call from the Australian Vet who said “Midnite’s leg was broken and he had cancer around his lungs and there would be no point in long and expensive treatment”. I protested to the Vet saying “but up to the night before he was brought to you he was eating well and was licking the back of my hand and was purring happily”. The Vet insisted there was no hope and we finally gave him the green light to do what was necessary. Later that day Christine collected Midnite’s stiff body and brought him home wrapped in a small blanket. I buried him in separate grave close to his sister, and to Harold @ Tom.
At the present we don’t have pets. You could say we are “Pet-less”. I know they bring pleasure and comfort but when they go, it is heart-breaking and devastating.
Nehad ismail
Writer/Broadcaster London
Paws for thought
The e-mail I received a few days ago from Rose about taking Cookie Monster and Silly for spaying prompted me to tell you about our experience with pets.
Back in the late 1980s we had “Biscuit” a black and white Tom cat who was obsessed with the door bell and the fixed telephone. Every time the phone rang he raced me to it. When I took too long chatting, Biscuit would tug at my trousers hurrying me to stop. At night time or early morning he would pull my pyjama trousers down.
One day Christine my wife and Karim my pre-teen son took Biscuit to the Vet for his annual booster injection. As soon as they walked out of the Vet’s Biscuit escaped. I learnt later that the Vet did not shut the cage properly. He was never seen again. That was in 1991. All the search, the leafleting and announcements in the town’s local paper yielded no information. We were heart-broken.
Midnite and Suzie
Within a few months we acquired two kittens from a lady in a neighbouring town. She told us that the kittens a brother and a sister were born in Oxford the quintessential English University Town and the lady’s sister brought them down to Surrey.
We called the black male kitten Midnite and the female white and brown was called Suzie.
Midnite and Suzie thrived and prospered and loved the big garden. They took to following us around the garden like dogs.
Cats’ Guantanamo
In the mid 1990s when we decided to travel to the USA on a two-week vacation, we took them to a cattery to be looked after. When we went to collect them, they looked miserable and tired. Nevertheless they were relieved and happy to see us. Obviously they hated their detention, they lost weight and to them it was worse than Guantanamo. So we took the decision to never put them in a detention centre again when we went away. We arranged for a neighbour to look after them during our absence. When in 2001 we packed a suitcase to fly abroad, Suzie sat on it to stop us leaving.
Christmas was their favourite time. They liked the noise and the aroma emanating from the kitchen. They would ravenously eat the turkey’s giblets before they sleep by the fire-place snoring away right through the Wizard of Oz and the Queen’s Christmas speech which were essential features on TV during the festive season.
Tom and Harold
In the intervening years two characters showed up. First was Harold Bishop and followed a few years later by Tom Clark (so called to distinguish him from another Tom in the same neighbourhood).
Harold Bishop appeared suddenly one summer afternoon, and was in obvious distress due to his collar slipping and forming a very tight belt around his body. We cut him loose and fed him and he refused to leave. H B was a black cat with a fat head and green eyes. The kids named him Harold Bishop after a character in an interminable Australian soap. He was killed by a car a few weeks later.
Tom Clark was a well trained and well behaved “Maine Coon”. Midnite and Suzie took to him and they got on well with him. He turned up in February 2004 and was killed by a car doing a swift U-turn in our drive in October 2004.
Suzie says goodbye
By June 2006 Suzie’s health deteriorated and the Vet said nothing could be done to save her. She was put down and buried in her favourite spot in the garden. Midnite was devastated and for a few months he couldn’t settle down always searching for his Suzie. Eventually he accepted the situation and became friendlier than ever.
Midnite follows Suzie
In the summer of 2008 Midnite was limping. We assumed that he was stung by a wasp and would get better. But he didn’t. Christine took him to the Vet who kept him overnight for observation. The following day, I got a call from the Australian Vet who said “Midnite’s leg was broken and he had cancer around his lungs and there would be no point in long and expensive treatment”. I protested to the Vet saying “but up to the night before he was brought to you he was eating well and was licking the back of my hand and was purring happily”. The Vet insisted there was no hope and we finally gave him the green light to do what was necessary. Later that day Christine collected Midnite’s stiff body and brought him home wrapped in a small blanket. I buried him in separate grave close to his sister, and to Harold @ Tom.
At the present we don’t have pets. You could say we are “Pet-less”. I know they bring pleasure and comfort but when they go, it is heart-breaking and devastating.
Nehad ismail
Writer/Broadcaster London
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