International diplomacy. Human rights. Social movements. War. How does one begin to digest such monumental subject matter, particularly coming out of a region as volatile as the Middle East?
Perhaps we should turn to the smaller, under-reported stories that are often successful in revealing the salient characteristics of larger challenges. The key is simply knowing where to look.
Bazaar Movements will attempt to cover and unpack these stories in a way that shines light upon larger Middle Eastern (or at times, global) trends. It will serve as an aggregate for smart analysis from some of the most respected members of the foreign policy community, and attempt to provide thorough critiques of the defining foreign policy debates of our day.
New Polling, New Opportunities?
For policymakers seeking an entry-point to engage the Middle East in dialogue, there may be an opening created by the apparent disillusionment of many ME societies with both Islamist groups and Muslim leaders.
The Self-Fulfilling Dahiya Doctrine
In light of the encouraging reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be moderating his position toward peace, I wanted to bring attention to this revealing New York Times article published on the eve of the one-year anniversary of Israel’s Operation Cast Lead in Gaza. Not out of some desire to counter good news with bad. But rather, the juxtaposition of these two stories could easily be described as a lesson in the futility of intransigence.
Buried Treasure
Don't...Shoot my Laptop, Bro!
Generating the Will to Watch in Iran
More Settlements: Unawares Edition
Seemingly right on cue, the Israeli government last week approved the creation of 900 new settlement homes in Gilo, beyond the Green Line in East Jerusalem. After demanding a construction freeze for this very neighborhood, the U.S. administration appears to have been caught unawares.
Evicting the Chance for Progress
Hi everyone, I'm excited to be joining the talented team here at The Mantle. Lots of interesting stuff in the news these days, let's jump right in.
Word comes in from East Jerusalem that a group of Jewish settlers, wielding an Israeli court order, evicted a Palestinian family from their home, igniting a clash between human rights protesters and the settlers over the true rights to the property in question.
