Video Wednesday: Mahraganat’s Beats Echo Through Cairo’s Streets

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Administrator

Video by The New York Times.

- By Sam Shaw

Often economics is used to reference the health or status of a country–but yet sometimes the best metric of change is music. During the French revolution, “rescue” operas were commissioned by the government to idealize the tenets of populist revolt; the 90’s Grunge movement in the United States immortalized the yearnings of extreme individualism during a decade of disillusionment.

Egypt, in the throws of a protracted revolution, has developed its own peculiar sound, colloquially called Mahraganat, or Electro Sha’bi to outsiders. As a bootleg genre, it first started to develop in the streets of the Egyptian ‘Ashwa’iyyat’: the network of improvised and impoverished settlements around Cairo. Characterized by crude synthesized beats paired with scattered rap vocals, Mahragan embodies its origins of hardship. It would be a surprise then to find that this new style is typically associated with wedding ceremonies, where it is often more affordable then the traditional Zaffa procession.

After the formative period for the genre, consisting of door-to-door CD circulation, artists began finding acceptance through their spontaneous gigs in Tahrir Square during the Arab Spring. With Hosni Mubarak’s overthrow, the historic control over public demonstrations has been relaxed allowing prominent Mahragan artists to perform for larger audiences, and in turn appeal to the country at large. Since 2011, many popular songs written as odes to the rough life in the ‘Ashwa’iyyat’ have been replaced by more socially aware lyricism, with much of the subject matter surrounding Mohamed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood, posing a risk to a flagging presidency with an approval rating of 47 percent. In the words of one Electro Sha’bi artist,

The people want something new [to think about]
The people want five pounds’ phone credit
The people want to topple the regime
But the people are so damn tired.

The future of Mahragan, as with all fledgling genres, is tenuous at best; and yet it is hard not draw a parallel between it and the hip-hop movement that arose in the U.S. during the 1970s as an artful expression of life in the Bronx. Perhaps Mahragan can follow suit and serve as a refreshing social commentary reflective of the youthful unrest in Egypt’s capital.

Posted in Culture, Middle East/North Africa, Politics, Video Wednesday | Leave a comment

Around the World!

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Administrator

- By Chrisella Sagers Herzog

Welcome to Around the World! This week we feature a look at the future of Turkey, an examination of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, and more.

A More Politically Stable and Prosperous Hemisphere A More Politically Stable and Prosperous Hemisphere
As the region’s population approaches one billion, governments, business, and international organizations have an unprecedented opportunity to work in partnership to position Latin American and Caribbean countries to maximize their individual and joint capacities to achieve sustained growth, stability, and prosperity. Read more from Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), here!
The U.S. Must Re-evaluate its Foreign Policy in Latin America The U.S. Must Re-evaluate its Foreign Policy in Latin America
Relations between Latin America and the United States have been complex, yet constantly evolving. The United States should take active part in establishing institutional networks through which policies for improving the lives of all in the Western Hemisphere can be coordinated. Read more about it here.
Turkey's Future Turkey’s Future
So long as it remains a democracy, Turkey will be fine. Secular and religious Turks will grudgingly find a way to live together, shaping Turkey’s future as a leader in the Middle East together. Read more about it here.
Campaigning on the Frontlines Campaigning on the Frontlines
As borders become more porous, identities more mingled, and ideas more diffuse, organisations find themselves communicating with audiences in new markets and regions. Seek to understand, engage, and only then, influence. Read more about it here.

Around the Web

Iraq is experiencing its worst sectarian violence since U.S. troops withdrew from the country in December 2011. The UN stated that 712 people were killed in sectarian violence in April, making it the deadliest month in Iraq since June 2008. So what next for Iraq?

“Fear is just a line in your head,” says Sabeen Mahmud, founder of The Second Floor café and the impetus behind Pakistan’s first hackathon. “You can choose what side of that line you want to be on.”

This Week in History

1792: Merchants gather together to form the New York Stock Exchange at 70 Wall Street.

1973: The Senate Watergate Committee begins its hearings.

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Photo Friday: X-47B Drone Successfully Completes a Catapult Launch from an Aircraft Carrier

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Administrator

X-47B_over_coastline

Rendering of the X-47B drone over the coastline by DARPA. Public domain.

- By Bryce Bytheway

It is no secret that the United States has the best funded military in the world, and this week the U.S. Navy made headliens worldwide due to its newest drone. The prototype X-47B combat drone successful launched Tuesday, May 14th from the USS George H.W. Bush off the coast of Virginia. The X-47B is the first non-vertical takeoff drone to enter the Navy, and is the only unmanned combat aerial vehicle that can be launched from an aircraft carrier.

The X-47B is a strike fighter-sized drone that is funded and developed by the Navy’s UCAS-D (Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration) program. Due to its life at sea, the drone has been equipped with folding wings, and has been tempered to handle stress at sea, including humidity, salt water, and takeoff and landing from an aircraft carrier. The stealth drone has also been equipped with a full-sized weapons bay and, unlike its predecessors, is designed to fly autonomously with very limited interaction with its operators.

Although Tuesday’s launch of the X-47B was only a prototype, it is expected to be fully loaded and operational to enter service by 2019.

Capt. Jaime Engdahl, Navy UCAS program manager for the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxet River NAS commented, “Today’s catapult launch of the X-47B is a momentous feat for naval aviation. It proves that the Navy’s goal of operating unmanned systems safely and from aircraft carriers is well on its way to becoming a reality.” While many share in his enthusiasm of this feat, others are not as impressed. Peter Singer, the author of “Wired for War”, a book on the military’s robotics revolution, explained, “It’s a big deal, but it’s an extension of something that was already happening.”

While the success of the flight of the X-47B from the aircraft carrier is impressive, many citizens from around the world actively protest the development, as well as the use of the X-47B and other drones. Around 250 protestors gathered at the New York state base, in a mock funeral procession, to protest the use of drones at the end of April. Over 30 protesters among the 250 were arrested on numerous charges including disorderly conduct, obstructing governmental administration, and loitering. Just one day later, hundreds of peace campaigners gathered outside an RAF base in Great Britain to protest armed drones being operated from Britain. At the event Chris Cole, a coordinator of the Drone Campaign Network, explained that the use of drones to wage war raises many legal, ethical, and moral issues. Speaking of the RAF base he said, “This is the new home of drone warfare in the UK, and there are questions about the growing use of these armed, unmanned systems.”

Although the use of attack drones is controversial at best, it appears that the United States military will continue to make use of their superior technology, and the X-47B gives them just that much more of an edge in the techno-military world.

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Video Wednesday: President of Turkmenistan Wins Race, Takes Tumble

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Administrator

Video source.

- By Joseph Hammond, Guest Contributor

Throughout history, powerful rulers and their horses have had odd relationships. After all, Roman Emperor Caligula named his horse a consul. More recently, the horse of Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov almost killed him.

Wearing traditional national Turkmen dress, the authoritarian leader was thrown from his horse and briefly knocked unconscious late last month in a race held in Turkmenistan.

President Berdymukhamedov appeared to win the race cleanly before the front legs of his mount gave way just as he crossed the finish line. After aides rushed to his side, the 55-year-old leader eventually regained consciousness and briefly appeared to reassure the crowd.

The media is tightly controlled in the nation of 5.5 million, and while it was widely reported he won the 1,000 meter race against five rivals, only recently have videos leaked onto the internet showing both Berdymukhamedov’s headlong dive and his aides rushing to his side. His horse appears oddly unscathed.

Occasionally, world leaders do die in horse riding accidents. Such was the fate of Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister, Don Senanayake, who died in 1952 riding on Colombo’s most famous public park, the Galle Face Green, in what was then Ceylon.

The authoritarian ruler of the gas-rich state of Turkmenistan entered in the event to promote the traditional Akhal-Teke breed of horse, for which Turkmenistan is famous.

While horse meat is consumed across Central Asia from Bashkortostan to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan is an exception. Instead, the Akhal-Teke has become an instrument of Turkmen soft power, and the breed has been given as an official gift to various states, including France, where we can hope it avoided the fate of a camel recently given to France from Mali.

Perhaps taking a note from the political playbook of Russian President Vladmir Putin, Berdymukhamedov is an avid sports fan whose various media appearances have seen him operating jet planes, driving race cars, practicing martial arts, and shooting assault rifles.

Last year, he asked government ministries to form ice hockey teams. Group exercise and fitness by government employees in a manner reminiscent of the Soviet era also has been heartily encouraged.

With the prize of $11 million, the Day of the Turkmen Racehorse would make the event the world’s richest horse race (just surpassing the more conventional Dubai World Cup, a throughbred horse race for a $10 million prize). With the race lasting just 21.2 seconds, the high purse which would make Berdymukhamedov one of the world’s highest paid athletes on a dollars-per-second basis.

Posted in Central Asia, Culture, People in Politics, Video Wednesday | Leave a comment

Around the World!

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Administrator

- By Chrisella Sagers Herzog

Welcome to Around the World! This week we feature the Latin American decade in motion, a special interview on the rule of law, a sprint to the finish for the Millennium Development Goals, and more.

Diplomatic Courier edition Issue III, Vol VII: The Latin American Decade in Motion Diplomatic Courier Issue III, Vol VII: The Latin American Decade in Motion
The Diplomatic Courier announces its Latin America edition, featuring “The Nanny Culture”, “Latin American Socialism”, and our cover story on “The Latin American Decade in Motion”. Don’t miss another issue–subscribe here!
The Latin American Decade in Motion The Latin American Decade in Motion
Latin America faces obstacles, but this time solutions are not far-fetched. While it does not have a monopoly on the decade, it unquestionably has potential. Read more about it here.
Sprinting to the Millennium Development Goals Finish Line Sprinting to the Millennium Development Goals Finish Line
The United Nations is exploring ways to build on the successes of the UN Millennium Development Goals in the last 1000 days until the goals come due. Read more about it here.
Malaysia’s Election: A Hollow Victory Malaysia’s Election: A Hollow Victory
After their elections, Malaysia’s governing Barisan Nasional coalition finds itself facing tough opposition and growing anger over electoral corruption and gerrymandering. Read more about it here.
Q&A with Myron Brilliant, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Q&A with Myron Brilliant, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
According to Myron Brilliant of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ultimately, it is incumbent upon the private sector to create a voice for itself that focuses on rule of law in business. Read more about it here.
Interview: Dr. Gustavo Gaviria Angel, Member of the Board of Directors, Sustainable Food Pavilion Interview: Dr. Gustavo Gaviria Angel, Member of the Board of Directors, Sustainable Food Pavilion
How will we feed 9 billion people by 2050? Dr. Gustavo Angel, member of the Board of Directors of the Sustainable Food Pavilion at Expo 2015 Milano, talks about Latin America’s agriculture prospects as well as the plans for Expo 2015. Read the interview here.

Around the Web

In 1999, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was overthrown in a military coup. His replacement, General Pervez Musharraf, had Sharif first thrown in jail, and then later exiled. Today, 14 years later, Sharif has returned to become Prime Minister for the third time, and it is General Musharraf who faces jail time.

The period for registering a candidacy in Iran’s presidential elections has closed, and the names that have emerged have been somewhat surprising. Besides two women throwing their hat in the ring, the two names that have emerged as top surprise contenders are Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei–a protégé of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad–and former reformist President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

This Week in History

1982: Pope John Paul II is assaulted by a knife-wielding Spanish priest while visiting the shrine of Fatima in Portugal. It was revealed nearly a quarter century later that he was only lightly wounded in the attack. The attack followed one that occurred almost exactly a year previously, in which the pontiff was shot and seriously wounded in St. Peter’s Square by Turkish assailant Mehmet Ali Agca.

1994: South Africa’s newly-elected parliament chooses Nelson Mandela to be the country’s first black president.

2008: An earthquake in China’s Sichuan province kills nearly 70,000 people.

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Photo Friday: As Conflict Intensifies, New Concerns Arise Over Syrian Chemical Weapons

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Administrator

Syrian Civil War

Photo copyright by Sebastian Rich, Diplomatic Courier Senior Contributing Photographer. Suleiman Al Masri, commander of the South Tawhed Brigade (Free Syrian Army), is shot three times in the spine by Assad forces in the Syrian town of Tal-Shihab. He is dragged across the Syrian/Jordanian border and treated by Jordanian Army medics, who are attempting to stem catastrophic blood-loss.

- By Calie Hill

Since 2001, preventing terrorists from obtaining weapons of mass destruction has been America’s highest security priority. George W. Bush chiefly justified his invasion of Iraq as an effort to secure Saddam Hussein’s (assumed) chemical and biological weapons, lest they fall under terrorist possession. President Obama, who opposed that controversial war now shares a similar underlying concern with Iraq’s neighbor.

In the ongoing Syrian civil war, with an estimated 70,000 causalities, President Obama has so far resisted pressure, both from Congress and from within his own administration, to get involved with military action. However, as evidence rises suggesting the use chemical weapons, Obama has labeled this new threat as a “game changer” that would have “enormous consequences.”

The Assad government is believed to possess several tons of chemical weapons, including the nerve agents sarin and VX, as well as cyanide and mustard gas, which are stored at as many as 20 different sites around the country. While concerns are obviously growing in regards to production of these weapons, another scenario continues to build apprehension within the US government–the distressing possibility that radical Islamists could obtain Syrian chemical weapons and try to use them beyond Syria’s borders, maybe even within the U.S.

Jeffrey White, an analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy ad former military intelligence officer, told Time Magazine the United States “should be worried. As the war progresses and the rebels gain territory, assuming they do, inevitably they’re going to close in on some of the regime’s chemical facilities.”

While the possibilities of Assad’s weapons falling into anti-American hands is serious enough for the U.S. to be watching extremely closely, some U.S. officials suggest it is probably not threatening enough–at least not yet–to justify a full ground invasion that might be required to secure Syria’s chemical collection.

Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, urged discretion during an appearance on C-SPAN’s Newsmakers program. Smith suggested that the United States should talk to its allies before committing to any action. “Personally I urge caution,” he said, stressing that he does not want to commit U.S. forces to Syria. “We do not need another war.”

Posted in Middle East/North Africa, Photo of the Day, Security | Leave a comment

Video Wednesday: Death Toll Continues to Rise in Bangladesh Disaster, Along With Survivors’ Fury

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Administrator

Video by Al Jazeera English.

- By Calie Hill

More than 3,000 people, mostly women workers sewing clothing for Western brands such as Mango, Benetton, and Primark, were working inside the garment factories that tragically collapsed on April 24th in Savar, Bangladesh. The death toll from this horrific disaster surpassed 700 after dozens more bodies were pulled from the wreckage of a nine-story building that housed several garment factories. The disaster is the worst ever in the garment division, exceeding the 1911 garment disaster in New York’s Triangle Shirtwaist factory, which claimed the lives of 146 workers, and more recent tragedies such as a 2012 fire that killed approximately 260 people in Pakistan and one in Bangladesh that killed 112.

Search teams suggested the toll would certainly rise, as debris had only been cleared down to the fifth floor of the demolished building. However, no one knows what the final toll could possibly be, as the exact number of people inside inside Rana Plaza at the time of the collapse was unknown.

While rescue efforts are underway–with reports showing that over 2500 individuals were saved from the destruction–anger continues to ensue.

Hundreds of workers who survived the disaster obstructed a major highway near the accident location in a Dhaka suburb on Tuesday to demand the payment of wages and other benefits, as well as for the Bangladesh government to take action. The workers, many who made little more than $38 per month–around the average national miniumim wage–are insisting on at least four months’ salary. The workers had set Tuesday as the deadline for the payment of wages and other benefits.

Local government administrator Yousuf Harun answered protestors, stating that no salary remained unpaid except for the month of April and that there was an agreement for the workers to receive an additional three months of pay. The BGMEA also promised that it was preparing a complete list of the workers employed in the factories and they would need only a few more days to finish it and to clear the salary.

Posted in Asia, Economy, Human Rights, Security | Leave a comment

Around the World!

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Administrator

- By Chrisella Sagers Herzog

Welcome to Around the World! This week we feature the plight of Afghan women, a discussion of the merits of humanitarian aid, and more.

Afghan Women Fearful of U.S. Withdrawal Afghan Women Fearful of U.S. Withdrawal
“A Mullah asked my family for my hand in marriage when I was 13. He was 50. My family was repulsed. But most girls are doomed.” Read more about the plight of Afghan women, and their fears as 2014 approaches, here.
Ignoring Economy at the Expense of Security Ignoring Economy at the Expense of Security
Robust economic policy engagement could alleviate the need for some of the significant military expenses that result from general global insecurity. It could also alleviate the expense of intelligence activities that are surely already monitoring such areas. Read more about it here.
Book Review: "Doing Bad By Doing Good" Book Review: “Doing Bad By Doing Good”
“Doing Bad By Doing Good” brings a number of critical insights to the forefront of the discussion of humanitarian aid–most important, the notion that experts cannot calculate how to alleviate human suffering with money alone. Read more about it here.
Why I Care About the Centrality of Reproductive Health to Development, Dignity, and Prosperity ICYMI: Why I Care About the Centrality of Reproductive Health to Development, Dignity, and Prosperity
When Joyce Banda, President of Malawi, was fifteen, she vowed to send as many girls to school as she could as an adult. Today, those women and girls who have benefitted from her work have choices in their lives. Read more about it here.
Why Israel Prefers Nuclear Proliferation Over Disarmament ICYMI: Why Israel Prefers Nuclear Proliferation Over Disarmament
After Egypt walked out of nuclear negotiations last week, a regional WMD-FZ may be in jeopardy. The key to long-term regional security in the Middle East can be summed up in four words: resuscitate the peace process. Read more about it here.

Around the Web

According to the Miami Herald, the hunger strike at Guantánamo Bay has now grown to include 100 of the camp’s 166 prisoners. Last Tuesday, President Obama argued that “Guantánamo is not necessary to keep America safe”, but closing it may be more difficult than it would seem.

Videos of a large explosion near Damascus, Syria were confirmed by Israel to be a military strike against “game-changing” weapons allegedly on their way to Hezbollah. The step to intervene is merely part of an ever-worsening situation, including what the UN believes was the use of sarin gas by rebels in the fight against Assad. And the effects of the conflict continues to ripple outward, including now through the European Union, and especially Greece, as refugees seek to find a new life.

Saudi Arabia‘s official press agency, SPA, reported on Saturday that private girls’ schools are now allowed to hold sport activities, as long as they are in accordance with the rules of sharia law.

This Week in History

1948: The People’s Democratic Republic of Korea–colloquially known as North Korea–is proclaimed, and a communist government is established. As reunification negotiations repeatedly come to nothing, skirmishes across the 38th parallel increase. Finally, in 1950, North Korean forces invade South Korea, in the opening of the Korean War.

1970: Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire on anti-war protesters at Kent State University, killing four students and wounding nine others.

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Video Wednesday: Netherlands Welcome New King

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Administrator

Video courtesy of The Guardian.

- By Calie Hill

Millions of the Dutch public, dressed in orange, swarmed to celebrations around the Netherlands Tuesday in honor of a historic milestone for the country’s ruling House of Orange-Nassau.

After 33 years under the ruling of Queen Beatrix Wihelmina Armgard, the Dutch have a new leader. On April 29th, the Queen signed the abdication document–making her first son, Willem-Alexander, the King of the Netherlands.

Queen Beatrix’s mother also left the job to her while still alive, just as her own mother had retired in her favor. At 46, Willem-Alexander is the youngest monarch in Europe, as well as the first King to hold the Dutch throne since the death of his great-great grandfather William III in 1890.

While the monarchy is customarily ceremonial, the new Dutch King immediately promoted a course to preserve its significance in the 21st century. During the nationally televised investiture ceremony in Amsterdam, Willem-Alexander declared, “I want to establish ties, make connections, and exemplify what unites us, the Dutch people. As King, I can strengthen the bond of mutual trust between the people and their government, maintain our democracy, and serve the public interest.”

Although skepticism about the King’s high hopes for the monarchy are strong–especially during a time of social strains and economic hardship–the festivities provided a welcome change from the monotony of everyday life, and the popularity of the royal house itself is not questioned. A poll commissioned by national broadcaster NOS published this week showed that 78 percent approval rating for the Dutch monarchy.

Despite enjoying strong public favor, anti-monarchist groups flocked around Amsterdam’s 600-year-old New Church to protest the King’s investiture. The demonstrations were lively but peaceful, a contrast to Queen Beatrix’s investiture in 1980. In that year, individuals protesting a chronic housing shortage battled police nextdoor to the palace.

This year, crowds cheered as Queen Beatrix–close to tears–thanked her country for the years of support. The Queen, grabbing the hand of her son and newly inducted King, told a cheering crowd, “I am happy and grateful to introduce to you your new King, Willem-Alexander.” Her subjects emphatically responded, “Bea bedankt” (Thank you Bea.)

Posted in Culture, Europe, Politics, Video Wednesday | Leave a comment

Around the World!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Administrator

- By Chrisella Sagers Herzog

Welcome to Around the World! This week we feature the latest in our “Values and National Security” series, a conversation with the President of Iceland over the Arctic’s warming, and more.

Values and National Security: On Immigration, Compassion is Security Values and National Security: On Immigration, Compassion is Security
If future children of immigrants only have a memory of marginalization and exclusion, it will ensure a more dark and divisive future for our nation. Read more about it in the latest in our “Values and National Securty” series here.
A Conversation with Iceland’s President Grímsson A Conversation with Iceland’s President Grímsson
The Arctic provides important resources to not only the United States, but the entire world. Given the melting ice caps, Grímsson believes it is time to give the Arctic the needed attention. Read more about it here.
Chinas Barren Branches ICMYI: China’s Barren Branches
Year after year, young men and women from China’s hinterland go off to work in big city factories, along with millions of other migrant workers. But the women are not returning home, and the young men are left with no marriage prospects. Read more about it here.
Welcome Work in Progress ICYMI: Welcome Work in Progress
While there are many definitions of ‘gender equality’, women must not only get equal rights but also equal access to justice. Equal protection of men and women is fundamental to justice. Read more about it here.
Global Subsidies, Agriculture, and Infrastructure in Papua New Guinea ICYMI: Global Subsidies, Agriculture, and Infrastructure in Papua New Guinea
Despite Papua New Guinea’s high urban population, 87 percent of its people still live in rural areas. Improved agriculture could help to make these areas more self-reliant, stable, and prosperous. Read more about it here.

Around the Web

Hunger strikes among prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay are growing, with up to eight participants reportedly so weak they were being force fed. Among those, at least one has been on a hunger strike for six years, and four were reported by the Obama Administration last year to be cleared for release.

Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, has become the site of Africa’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) plant. Funded by Abu Dhabi company Masdar, the plant will produce up to 15 megawatts (MW) of energy, enough to power approximately 10,000 homes in a country whose energy grid is primarily powered by diesel generators.

This Week in History

1514: Nicholas Copernicus makes his first observations of Saturn.

1564: William Shakespeare is baptized.

1859: Work begins on the Suez Canal in Egypt.

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