Three in One: Iraq dividing into Kurdish, Sunni and Shiite states

The idea of dividing Iraq in three for each ethno-religious group -- Kurd, Sunni Arab and Shiite Arab- has gained momentum; Is it possible For Hezbollah to trade its weapons? Obama on Syria; rape in Tahrir and Myriam Klink running for election.

Will three parts make a whole, big mess in Iraq or bring peace at last? (Image courtesy of ekurd.net)

Arab Saga [2]

Out of sight, Iraq breaks up in three

The idea of dividing Iraq in three gained significant momentum over the past 10 years, especially after then Sen. Joe Biden – the incumbent U.S. vice president – embraced it in 2006.

Lebanon Spring Blog [3]

Is it Possible For Hezbollah to Trade Its Weapons?

In an unsigned article, Al-Akhbar reported yesterday that Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah told his cadres in a private gathering that the Party of God “has changed” and that its ultimate priority is to “protect Lebanon”, which is different to the 1980s priority of establishing an Islamic state.

The Arabist [4]

RAPE IN TAHRIR

On today's podcast, we didn't discuss the escalating sexual violence against women that has become a regular phenomenon at protests in Egypt. I think I know, for myself, why I haven't brought this topic up much. It's because I find it too awful.

Syria Comment [5]

Obama Worries Syria Intervention Would Backfire; Medvedev Says Assad Losing Power by the Day

President Obama shared, "How do I weigh tens of thousands who’ve been killed in Syria versus the tens of thousands who are currently being killed in the Congo? Those are not simple questions."

Plus 961 [6]

Myriam Klink also running for the elections

Looks like the easiest publicity stunt to pull nowadays is to announce you’re running for the upcoming Lebanese parliamentary elections. That’s what Myriam Klink did following Nathalie Fadlallah’s similar announcement last week.