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Begin New Search Political Geography Arabia Content Type Journal Article Publishing Institution Uluslararasi Iliskiler

1. The Internet in the Arab World: Playground for Political Liberalization

Author:
Albrecht Hofheinz
Publication Date:
12-2007
Content Type:
Journal Article
Institution:
Uluslararasi Iliskiler
Abstract:
This article analyses the usage of internet in the Arab World. The level of internet usage, for what reasons and who are using it and how much the internet has been influential on the changes in the traditional Arab societies are the main points of the article. Internet in Arab countries are mostly used by young people, upper-middle and high classes, and women. In addition to search engines, e-mail, music and software downloading, the discussion boards are very popular in Arab societies. In these platforms, intense discussions take place about the taboo issues such as politics, religion and relations between sexes. These discussions, while contributing to the emergence of new understandings especially on individual level, also highlight the importance of individual's right of election. The Blogs, becoming as popular as the discussion forums, are also apparent indications of forming private and awareness of personal right of election.
Topic:
Politics
Political Geography:
Arabia

2. Are Events in Iraq after the Occupation an Ordinary Security Problem?

Author:
Nihat Ali Özcan
Publication Date:
03-2004
Content Type:
Journal Article
Institution:
Uluslararasi Iliskiler
Abstract:
The US carried out the Iraqi occupation quickly, easily and with few casualties. It put an end to the security bureaucracy in the name of building new Iraq after the war. After a short while it faced unexpected resistance in the regions where Sunnite Arabs live. Insurgents have proved by their choice of targets and use of methods that they have a long-term and systematical resistance strategy. The insurgents could organize quickly because of effective tribal order, power of old security bureaucracy which kept its integrity after the war and refusal of foreign occupation. Insurgents want to control the public in order to get rid of weakness. Therefore, the keypoint of contention is who will control the public. While insurgents commonly use "terror" and "violence", occupiers try on the one hand to make insurgents ineffective, on the other, to win the "heart and brain" of the public. Security questions may spread to whole country in Iraq where there are ethnic and religious struggles. Iraqi Shiites may be involved in the conflict. Kurdish claims on Kirkuk may bring an ethnic conflict to the agenda. If the US administration can't provide stability in Iraq as soon as possible, Iraq may drift into a civil war.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, Conflict Prevention, Terrorism, and War
Political Geography:
United States, Iraq, Arabia, and Kirkuk