Archive for September, 2007
The Power of Myth
“We need myths that will help us to identify with all our fellow-beings, not simply with those who belong to our ethnic, national or ideological tribe. We need myths that help us to realize the importance of compassion, which is not always regarded as sufficiently productive or efficient in our pragmatic, rational world.”
Posted by eatbees on 25 Sep 2007 at 14:31 under Culture, Iran, Religion.
Comments: 10
Is Democracy Dead?
The situation in Morocco, in which the Constitution grants the king authority over all branches of government, strangely mirrors the situation in the U.S., where the “unitary executive theory” means that our Decider routinely ignores laws passed by Congress, or issues “signing statements” interpreting them according to his will.
Posted by eatbees on 19 Sep 2007 at 15:15 under Politics.
Comments: 6
Ramadan Roundup
I observed the Ramadan fast during my first year in Morocco, to better understand what it was about, though I was surrounded that year by Moroccan atheists who kept begging me, as a foreigner, to buy them wine. I haven’t fasted since, but have enjoyed Ramadan “in my own way” as a time to soak in the tranquility and spiritual feeling.
Posted by eatbees on 14 Sep 2007 at 14:52 under Culture, Morocco, Personal, Politics, Religion.
Comments: 10
Meet Bush, Get Blown Up
Naturally I don’t approve of blowing anyone up, but in this case I can’t help being aware of the irony. Just a week ago President Bush was in Anbar Province, Iraq, shaking hands with Sheikh Abdul Sattar Abu Risha, described as a key ally in winning over Sunni tribes to the fight against Al Qaeda. Today Abu Risha is dead, killed by a roadside bomb.
Posted by eatbees on 13 Sep 2007 at 12:21 under Iraq, Politics.
Comments: 6
Caesar and the Midget
“He’s learning to be a leader. And one of my jobs as the president and his ally is to help him be that leader without being patronizing.”
Posted by eatbees on 12 Sep 2007 at 04:36 under Iraq, Politics.
Comments: 1
Winners and Losers
The most important news in the Moroccan elections is that turnout was at a record low, with only 37% of registered voters showing up at the polls. Participation was even lower in the cities at 34%, which means it was a bit higher in rural areas.
Posted by eatbees on 09 Sep 2007 at 10:49 under Morocco, Politics.
Comments: 3
What the Nihilists Think
The goal of elections has always been to form a strong government that is capable of administering public affairs in complete transparency, making it responsible to the people who will examine its performance and in the end hold it accountable. Yet such a strong government cannot exist under the Moroccan Constitution….
Posted by doga on 04 Sep 2007 at 17:38 under Morocco, Politics.
Comments: 9
Repentance
Kennedy said, “Those who make peaceful evolution impossible, make violent revolution inevitable.”
Posted by eatbees on 02 Sep 2007 at 03:44 under Iran, Iraq, Politics.
Comments: none