protests
“…everything will burn.”
If you’re like me, then you sat in horror yesterday while trying to make sense of Muammar Gaddafi’s incoherent ramblings. If there were any doubts as to how crazy, delusional, and psychopathic Gaddafi is, they have been put to rest; Gaddafi is truly the quintessential maniac. During his pre-recorded diatribe, he ordered his supporters to charge the streets and “capture the rats.” Like his son Seif al-Islam did previously, Gaddafi claimed that anti-government protesters were “drugged” religious extremists and al-Qaida agents. At one point, Gaddafi said that he has no problem “cleansing Libya house by house” until protesters have been stopped. Referring to himself in the third person several times (who does that?) Gaddafi vowed to “die as a martyr at the end.”
No more blood
Seif al-Islam Gaddafi, Muammar’s son, appeared on Libya’s state television station late Sunday night and warned of a “civil war” as protesters gathered in Tripoli’s Green Square. In what the Guardian referred to as a “rambling speech,” Seif threatened that “rivers of blood” would run in Libya if the protests against Gaddafi’s despotic regime continued. In typical fashion, Seif insisted that the protests against his father were led by “drugged” Islamic extremists that are serving their own chaotic agendas. He asserted that Libya was unlike Tunisia and Egypt, and promised that, contrary to some rumors, Gaddafi had not fled the country and was prepared to confront protesters to “the last man, the last woman, the last bullet.” We have no reason to believe that Seif was making empty threats. Last week’s massacre in Benghazi, which included an attack against a funeral procession, added to a body count that is well over 200. If Gaddafi is indeed preparing for a large-scale, indiscriminate crackdown on protesters in Libya’s capital, the question remains: who is going to stop him?
Ending Illegitimate Rule in Bahrain
It would be a mistake for other governments and observers to let geo-political calculations — such as the need to “buffer” Iran — to excuse tyranny and minority rule in Bahrain. This has always been tragic not just for nations’ foreign policies but for the people who suffer under tyranny. Bahrainis will struggle for self-determination and rights and they should be supported. Read.
What about Lebanon?
Despite the Supreme Military Council’s condemnation of additional strikes and protests, nearly 2,000 people gathered today in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. Simultaneously, hundreds of Egyptian policemen marched towards Egypt’s Interior Ministry demanding better wages and attempting to clear their name after facing legitimate criticism for their treatment of protesters during the first few days of Egypt’s uprising. The same revolutionary spirit that brought down Ben Ali and Mubarak in Tunisia and Egypt, respectively, is also inspiring mass demonstrations today in Iran, Bahrain, and Yemen. We can only hope that popular uprisings continue throughout the Arab and Muslim world until the principles of political accountability, freedom, and equality triumph over political despotism, institutional corruption, and autocracy.
In Egypt, Liberty vs. Normalcy
January 2011 was one of the most tumultuous months for the Arab world in recent memory. Uprisings across the Middle East following Tunisia’s ousting of former President Ben Ali inspired protests in Jordan, Yemen, Egypt, and even Syria. However, while Ben Ali fled Tunisia shortly after protests against his tyrannical rule began, hundreds of thousands of Egyptians remain on the streets of Cairo and Alexandria, marking 16 days of protest – and counting – against Hosni Mubarak’s regime.
The Soundtrack of #Jan25
What good is a revolution without some music? Recent uprisings in Egypt – revolution, intifada, an exaggerated but perhaps necessary hissy-fit, call it what you may – have inspired countless to turn towards music as a source of expression of not only frustration but also support for the Egyptian people.
As Kashmir burns
Kashmir is a disputed territory. When Partition happened in 1947, and Pakistan was created, Muslim-majority states were supposed to become part of Pakistan, and Hindu-majority states were to remain with India. The state of Jammu & Kashmir was a unique case – it was a princely state in British India, and, even though it had a Muslim majority, it was ruled over by the..
Social Unrest in Syria: All Talk?
Syrian booty call lingerie. A Guest Post by Ramification. In a very sudden and drastic change, the Syrian people from all walks of life have collectively agreed to strike today demanding their FREEDOM! It is clear, the people can’t take it anymore, the abuse of their basic human rights can’t go on any longer. The [...]
Doing a little house-cleaning
Your Royal Highnesses and Your Excellencies — (we) Spit (on you)!
Art Activism and Gaza: Poets and Hip Hop Artists Organize for Gaza
New York City’s Alwan for the Arts, located in Wall Street, teaming up with hip hop heavy weights and organizations like Palestine/Israel Education Project will be one of the sites hosting a multi-event benefit night for Gaza this weekend. The first and second events,”Hands Off Gaza” and “I *heart* Gaza,” will feature performances by Immortal [...]
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