The Islamic State through the looking-glass
Since the Arab uprisings of 2011, the West has jumped from one Middle East policy to another without assessing its long-term strategic goals in the region. In such an environment, Daesh, also known as ISIS, emerged as a powerful force. In the face of an increasingly complex Middle East, Western-led air strikes against Daesh “have become a way to simplify the issues while keeping societies and their complexities at bay.” Ironically, the West identifies Daesh as the region’s deadliest threat, yet symbolic airstrikes and "harsh words" allow it able to skirt around long-term solutions.
Source: Arabist
Yemen’s legitimacy crisis
As political philosopher John Locke wrote, political legitimacy comes from the “consent of those who are governed.” Currently, though deposed Yemeni president is the country’s leader by law, Yemenis do not believe he is their rightful ruler – he does not have the “consent” of the people. Nor do the Houthis, who recently came to power in a coup, have the consent of all Yemenis. Yemen faces a problem of legitimacy – popular disinterest in the national government gives way to support for local movements that could leave Yemen a messy assortment of “micro-identities.”
Source: Tabsir
From national resistance to global movement – an intro to Palestinian graffiti
He stands with his back to the viewer, feet bare and clothes scruffy and patched, arms crossed behind his back as if he is about to be handcuffed. Handala, a cartoon child created by Palestinian journalist Naji al Ali almost fifty years ago, is a quintessential symbol of Palestine's oppression. Handala, along with other symbols and works of art, appear on the separation wall between Israel and the occupied West Bank – a structure that has become a canvas for artistic resistance.
Source: Your Middle East
