Israel and Palestine- Why 2 > 1
For the past few decades, the view has been widely held by the United Nations, the United States, and other foreign onlookers that the only plausible solution to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis is the two-state solution. In recent times, however, interest in the two-state solution appears to be waning. The recent divergence from formulating a two-state solution to a one-state scenario has some worrisome implications, primarily for Israel.
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Qatar: Growing too big for its boots?
Qatar has strived hard to attain global prominence since 1995. Riding on an economic boom fueled by oil and gas exports, Qatar is now the richest country in the world based on per capita GDP. The wealthy Arab nation, however, is not content with merely displaying its tremendous money power. In recent times, Qatar has tried to play a more influential role in Middle Eastern and North African affairs and this was largely evident in its foreign policy during the Arab Spring.
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Argentinian Price Freeze
Argentina seized control of the national statistics institute in 2007 and has since been suspected of fabricating its figures. In doing so, the government pacifies voters by masking the malady of rampant inflation, especially in the food sector. Conveniently, the move also saves the government hundred of millions of dollars, as synthetically depressed inflation numbers translate into lower salaries…
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Mr. Morsi’s Highflying Words
On June 29th, 2011, Egypt’s new leader Mohamed Morsi swore a symbolic oath to his people in the middle of Tahrir Square, the birthplace of revolution six months earlier. The president, visibly moved as he rose to face a sized and spirited crowd, declared that they were the only source of “power and authority.” “None of you will be deprived of his right”, Morsi cried, “those who gave me the votes and those who didn’t give me their votes. Those who say Yes and those who say No will be given their rights.” Yet, as the echoes of those highflying words fade, the Muslim Brotherhood consolidates its position as the single party of Egypt, leading many to question if their rights will in fact be given. Revolutions are a two step process. First, a government must be overthrown....
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Syria: Is It Time for the US to Intervene?
The civil war in Syria is rapidly spinning out of control, with no end in sight. The body count has now surpassed 30,000, and the cease-fire that was agreed upon has not stopped the toll from rising. Furthermore, Syria’s relationships with Turkey and Russia continue to worsen, and the violence risks spreading into Lebanon. Syrian stability is in the U.S.’s interest, not only because the U.S. would be viewed as defending its values, but also because a U.S.-allied Syria would likely cease to be an Iranian ally. As such, as the conflict escalates, the debate over the future of U.S. involvement intensifies. Background Demonstrations began in Syria on March 15, 2011 as a push for reforms similar to the other Arab Spring revolts that swept the Middle East. President Bashar Assad responded to these demonstrations with violence, beginning...
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Microsoft, Google, and Apple: Tech Wars
The story began in 1998, the year in which Microsoft first released its Windows98 system, Apple first introduced its iMac, and Google was founded by two Stanford students. Since then, along with the world-changing development of the internet and high technology, the three companies have entered into a series of battles, struggling for control over different digital areas. Though the mastery of light sabers is not required, the wars in the tech industry today are featuring equal intensity and uncertainty as those a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, with technology and business strategy as their weapons. The Phone Menace As smartphones change the way people find information, consume content and purchase apps, they have become the most coveted devices and the fastest growing market. In 2011, 487.7 million smartphones being sold, more than the...
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