World Economy Class is in session folks!

Late-night, pre-suhoor web-surfing precocity, engenders some curious findings. Back when my family and I traveled to Syria last month, I was reminded of an observation my mother made about the standard of living in Syria comparatively to the states. It turned out that an extended family member, who worked at a bank in Syria, made less monthly than what a housekeeper who comes by my mother’s residence once a week gets paid. I also remembered hearing that Kuwait has the highest GDP in the world. So I wondered, what is “the gulf” of wealth between the Arab world’s richest and poorest nations. See what you can glean from these numbers and figures:

Qatar’s GDP 2009 estimate:
- Per capita $68,871 (some figures have it at $86,008)
Syria’s GDP 2009 estimate
- Per capita $2,579

New Year, New Take: Forget Palestine, Reform Egypt, and Completely Change the Face of the “Arab World”

The domino effect starts with the largest and one of the most politically corrupt nations in this culturally geographically designated “world.”

Much attention in the Arab world and its diaspora has been paid to the cause of Palestinians. Beyond the begging question of how did the Arab world take on this issue as its numero uno cause, the more important one remains to be even seriously posed: Why have we let this issue, with its only real accomplishment being the deflection off of and solidified sustenance of the inept and illegitimate rule of Arab governments currently in power, guide foreign and domestic policy demands?

23 Items Every Arab Immigrant Brought in Their Luggage

1. Marami’ah, sage for tea lovers, only to learn than tea is only one drink out of a million hot beverages and a gazillion tea blends conveniently placed at the closest supermarket. 2. Roasted Arabic coffee, only to find the local grocery store sells superior brands for less. You will end up leaving the package [...]

Saad Eddin Ibrahim Praises Arab Monarchies at ADC

Saad Eddin Ibrahim, the famed Egyptian reformer, and current visiting professor at Harvard University, spoke this morning at a foreign policy panel. Why would a reformer praise monarchies?

He was optimistic that the Obama administration could work to empower reformers, despite indications that pro-democracy reform was not something the administration would be investing much in.

His speech in Cairo sent that message, despite lip service to the need for reform.

18 Signs of an Arabic Dance Party

ADC will be having its annual convention this weekend. When I think of the ADC convention, I think of all the great speakers. I also remember their dance parties where many young and old Arabs flaunt their moves and get their groove on, often in hope of finding a mate. I reflected back on those dance parties and other dance parties that involve a substantial number of dancing Arabs. There are many signs you are at an Arabic dance party. From the field research I conducted, I discovered the 18 essential markers that scream “Arabic Dance party”: