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The Reality of the New Middle East
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The Reality of the New Middle East
…errorist networks disappear overnight. But conversely there is no intelligence, police, or military effort that will solve the problem of terrorism independently of other policies the United States pursues.…
The new Middle East is defined by three country clusters: Iran–Iraq, Lebanon–Syria, and Palestine–Israel, intertwined with issues such as nuclear proliferation and sectarianism. The U.S. faces not jus
The Complex Dynamics of Sunni Politics in Iraq
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The Complex Dynamics of Sunni Politics in Iraq
… in order for U.S. support to continue—without such agreement, the argument went, the U.S. military effort would be wasted. By the fall of 2007, it had become clear that the Iraqis could not meet the benchm…
This text examines the intricate dynamics of Sunni political groups in Iraq amid changing power structures. Local organizations show a preference for decentralized systems, often in conflict with each
The Complex Relationship Between the U.S. and Iran
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The Complex Relationship Between the U.S. and Iran
…gton’s opposition to Iranian nuclear ambitions and U.S. financial support for “democracy promotion” efforts, and the extraordinarily aggressive style of President Ahmadinejad. In the past, however, even the…
This text explores the multifaceted relationship between the United States and Iran, emphasizing the challenges faced by U.S. military policy amidst high oil prices and ongoing conflicts. It discusses
The Complexity of Syrian-Lebanese Relations
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The Complexity of Syrian-Lebanese Relations
…called Damascus Spring that followed his rise to power was short-lived. To the extent that a reform effort is still under way, it is strictly limited to trying to improve administrative efficiency and econo…
…tion, and the pragmatic nature of Syrian foreign policy which continues to evolve. Despite the U.S. efforts to limit Syria's influence, the balance of power remains intricate and deeply intertwined with sec…
Realities of the New Middle East
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Realities of the New Middle East
…bility that Syria could be coaxed and pressured into adopting more pragmatic policies. Revived U.S. efforts to relaunch the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, culminating in the Annapolis meeting in Novembe…
The text discusses the political realities of Lebanon following Syria's withdrawal and the influence of Hizbollah and other political factions. Despite Syrian troop withdrawal, control issues persist,
Realties of the New Middle East
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Realties of the New Middle East
…ngly difficult issues that have emerged in the Middle East recently is the failure of the signature effort of Bush’s regional policy—democracy promotion, or the “freedom agenda”—and the unanticipated conseq…
This text discusses the complexities and challenges in the New Middle East, particularly regarding nuclear ambitions of countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and the decline of the U.S. freedom agend
The New Middle East: Democracy vs. Stability
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The New Middle East: Democracy vs. Stability
22 THE NEW MIDDLE EAST few, limited in scope, carried out only when allowed by incumbent regimes, and dropped quickly when governments objected. After September 11, President Bush openly repudiated th
…trasted sharply with the realities of electoral outcomes in the region. The U.S. faced a dilemma as efforts to promote democracy often resulted in the rise of Islamist groups, leading to a reassessment of r…
The Impact of U.S. Pressure on Egyptian Democratic Reform
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The Impact of U.S. Pressure on Egyptian Democratic Reform
…itical system and some space for the opposition, the main beneficiaries of American democratization efforts have not been the liberal and secular parties, but rather the Islamist ones, which are larger and …
In a speech in Cairo in June 2005, Rice underscored U.S. democratic reform measures. The U.S. reacted to Egypt's governance by canceling a free-trade agreement due to human rights concerns. While some
Political Dynamics and Sectarian Tensions in the Middle East
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Political Dynamics and Sectarian Tensions in the Middle East
…its long- and short-term goals sufficiently to pursue a consistent policy concerning democracy, its efforts would still be frustrated in the short run by incumbent regimes that have no interest in jeopardiz…
The text discusses the complexities faced in promoting democracy in Arab nations, highlighting the influence of incumbent regimes resistant to political reform. It notes that, despite potential allies
Discontent and Political Activism Among Shi’i Minorities
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Discontent and Political Activism Among Shi’i Minorities
…to fight socioeconomic and religious discrimination and achieve more political representation. Such efforts predate the war in Iraq or the Iranian revolution. Apart from marginal and unpopular militant grou…
The text examines the roots of resentment among Shi’i minorities in the Gulf and Lebanon, noting its implications for political activism. Discrimination and resentment have led to instances of violenc
Iran and Sunni Relations in the Middle East
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Iran and Sunni Relations in the Middle East
…shunned U.S. attempts to bring them into an anti-Iranian alliance and launched their own diplomatic efforts to deal with Iran. The Saudis have been at the center of these diplomatic efforts. When Hizbollah …
…izbollah. Meanwhile, Egypt has pursued improved ties with both Iran and Syria, indicating a broader effort for stability among Arab nations. Mitigating sectarian polarization remains crucial for U.S. policy…
Dealing With the New Middle East
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Dealing With the New Middle East
…curbing terrorism does not require a new policy direction but the continuation and strengthening of efforts already being pursued. The political dimension, on the other hand, depends largely on the outcome …
The Bush administration's policies have complicated the realities in the Middle East. A new approach is needed, prioritizing diplomacy and a clear understanding of U.S. limits in the region. Confronta
Engaging Iran: A Focus on Iraq and Diplomatic Strategies
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Engaging Iran: A Focus on Iraq and Diplomatic Strategies
…hbors as well as outside powers. Engaging Iran in no way implies appeasement, nor does it preclude efforts to warn other countries or of contain Iranian influence and policies that are problematic. It must…
This text discusses the necessity of the U.S. focusing on Iraq to facilitate a U.S.-Iranian dialogue, aiming to retain Iraq's territorial integrity and mitigate civil conflict. It emphasizes the chall
Strategic Engagement and Policy Reform in Iraq
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Strategic Engagement and Policy Reform in Iraq
…he political process of realignment and state-building in Iraq is dead in the water. Since military efforts alone cannot stabilize the country for long, as U.S. commanders in Iraq readily admit, a new proce…
This text discusses the necessity for strategic dialogue between the U.S. and Iran, emphasizing the importance of Iran's willingness to modify its policies. It asserts that the U.S. should provide Ira
The Evolving Dynamics of Power in the Middle East
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The Evolving Dynamics of Power in the Middle East
…t growing Iranian power is real among all countries in the region and the diplomatic activity is an effort to contain it. There are many indications as well that Arab countries are seeking their own ways of…
This text discusses the changing power dynamics in the Middle East, particularly the region's responses to Iranian influence and the evolving role of the U.S. Historically reliant on American support,
Reassessing U.S. Policy Toward Syria and Democracy in the Middle East
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Reassessing U.S. Policy Toward Syria and Democracy in the Middle East
…e consequences of the policies they were promoting. The United States quickly recoiled when initial efforts led to results it neither anticipated nor was willing to accept, such as the victory of Hamas in P…
This text discusses the need for a nuanced U.S. policy toward Syria, recognizing its limited ambitions while encouraging a shift away from its spoiler role in Lebanon and alignment with Iran. It furth
Exploring Buddhist Meditation and Its Significance
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Exploring Buddhist Meditation and Its Significance
Preface Not a month goes by these days without another important article being published on some newly uncovered Buddhist text, and among the discoveries are ancient materials about Buddhist meditati
This preface discusses the ongoing discoveries in Buddhist meditation texts and the efforts of Venerable Phrakrupaladnayokwarawat (Sudhammo Bhikkhu) in promoting scholarly exploration. It em…
Understanding Dhammakāya in Early Buddhist Thought
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Understanding Dhammakāya in Early Buddhist Thought
…st some signs of later re-arrangement. But to view it as only Theravāda could mean to deprecate the effort of the old Buddhist community who sought to preserve the Buddhist teachings intact at best of their…
… reliance on the Pali canon necessitates caution due to potential later revisions. The preservation efforts of the early Buddhist community highlight the distinctiveness of Theravāda traditions, as observed…
Overview of Theravāda Buddhist Manuscripts in China
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Overview of Theravāda Buddhist Manuscripts in China
I will give a brief overview of the manuscripts that have been discovered and catalogued, an explanation of some current research projects, and I will discuss some of the problems that threaten China'
… It discusses the significance of these manuscripts within the Dai community and highlights ongoing efforts by governmental and academic institutions to preserve this cultural heritage. The manuscript cultu…
The Imminent Extinction of Palm-Leaf Manuscripts in Sipsong Panna
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The Imminent Extinction of Palm-Leaf Manuscripts in Sipsong Panna
…e libraries or Scripture Halls where they keep palm-leaf scriptures. However there is no systematic effort to catalogue these manuscripts. Geographical factors also affect the future of palm-leaf manuscrip…
This text discusses the worrying decline of palm-leaf manuscripts in Sipsong Panna, where Buddhist manuscript culture is rich but facing imminent extinction. Key reasons include the autonomous nature