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34871. Behind the French Tanker Bombing: Yemen's Ongoing Problems with Islamist Terrorism

Author:
Jonathan Schanzer
Publication Date:
10-2002
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Abstract:
Since September 2001, Yemen has worked hard to shed its image as a hotbed of Islamist terrorism. That image, however, was reinforced when London's al-Sharq al-Awsat Arabic daily reported that the Islamic Army of Aden (IAA, or Aden-Abyan Islamic Army), an al-Qaeda affiliate, claimed responsibility for an explosion that crippled a French tanker on October 6 in the Yemeni harbor of Mina' al-Dabba. Moreover, a recent letter allegedly written by Osama bin Laden praises the "bold heroic jihad operations . . . against the crusader's oil tanker." The attack, which killed one crewman, underscores Yemen's importance as an area of concern in the U.S. government's "war on terror."
Topic:
Security, Religion, Terrorism, and War
Political Geography:
United States, Middle East, London, and Arab Countries

34872. Gamal Mubarak: Successor Story in Egypt?

Author:
Jonathan Schanzer
Publication Date:
10-2002
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Abstract:
British foreign minister Jack Straw met for an hour last week with Gamal Mubarak, the youngest son of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. According to a British official cited in al-Qanat, an Arabic online daily, Straw met Gamal because he "is a very important person who certainly enjoys great influence." The meeting was significant because it took place less than a month after President Mubarak appointed Gamal to a high-level post in the National Democratic Party (NDP), Egypt's governing political institution. Despite repeated, emphatic, and official assertions to the contrary, all indications point to Gamal being groomed to succeed his father.
Topic:
Security and Religion
Political Geography:
Middle East, Arab Countries, and Egypt

34873. Special Policy Forum Report: The Old Middle East's Triumph: Roots of Current Crises

Author:
Barry Rubin
Publication Date:
10-2002
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Abstract:
This question is usually answered in one of two ways. The "just around the corner" view, often favored by Western government officials and the media, argues that the region's conflicts and lack of significant progress could be rectified quickly if only the proper policies and detailed solutions were proposed. In contrast, the "victim" view, often favored in academia and in the Arab world, argues that the area's problems result primarily from external aggression and oppression. The irony is that those styling themselves progressive and pro-Arab in the West actually do great damage to the lives of Arabs in the Middle East, in part by embracing reactionary dictatorships.
Topic:
Security, Human Rights, and Religion
Political Geography:
United States, Iraq, Middle East, and Arab Countries

34874. Special Report: The Future of Iraq Policy

Author:
Zalmay Khalilzad
Publication Date:
10-2002
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Abstract:
I want to give you the administration's perspective on where we are and what our vision is for Iraq. As far as the current situation is concerned, we are of the view that Saddam Husayn's regime is determined to retain, expand, and again use weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and that the regime is ready to employ such weapons not only at home, but also abroad. The administration is now determined to disarm Iraq one way or another. No decision for use of force has been made, and we have no desire for war with Iraq. War is not inevitable, but action is. We are working with Congress to secure an effective resolution that allows the president to consider all possible options for dealing with the threat that Saddam Husayn poses. Similarly, we are working with the UN to secure an effective resolution that will end Saddam's defiance of Security Council resolutions and disarm the regime. We believe that Saddam is in material breach of his commitments to the UN. We believe that he threatens regional and global stability by supporting terrorism as well as by holding his country hostage and using its resources to build WMD and the missiles to deliver them. In order to avoid the use of force, Saddam must take the necessary actions – not words, but actions – to comply with all Security Council resolutions. Our position is that this threat will be dealt with one way or another, and in short order.
Topic:
Security, Religion, and United Nations
Political Geography:
Iraq, Middle East, and Arab Countries

34875. Algeria's GSPC and America's 'War on Terror'

Author:
Jonathan Schanzer
Publication Date:
10-2002
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Abstract:
Last week, intensified Islamist violence prompted Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to launch his military's largest counteroffensive against radical Islamic elements in five years. The target of this ongoing operation is the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), a breakaway faction of the Armed Islamic Group (GIA). GSPC deserves special attention in America's "war on terror" for its extensive ties to al-Qaeda and its devastating effect on Algeria.
Topic:
Security and Religion
Political Geography:
America, Middle East, Algeria, and Arab Countries

34876. Conducting Your Community Dialogue: A Companion to Building a More United America

Publication Date:
01-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
American Assembly at Columbia University
Abstract:
A companion piece to Building a More United America: Final Report of the Uniting America Series, Conducting Your Community Dialogue is designed to help groups and individuals organize and carry out a community dialogue about issues addressed in the earlier report. Roles for discussants and sample questions for facilitating discussions are included.

34877. Art, Technology, and Intellectual Property

Publication Date:
02-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
American Assembly at Columbia University
Abstract:
This report from the 2002 American Assembly of the same name explores the transformation of law, enforcement, and artistic practice as digital technologies change the conditions for the creation and circulation of cultural works. The report reflects input from a wide range of stakeholders who would play important roles in the next decade of debates over intellectual property policy.

34878. Building a More United America: Final Report

Publication Date:
03-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
American Assembly at Columbia University
Abstract:
“Following the discussions of this Assembly, and the foundation established over the last four years, we now have a report citizens around the country can draw upon to move us forward as a united people,” said David Gergen, Uniting America co-chair, U.S. News and World Report editor-at-large, and professor at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Under the leadership of David Gergen, Karen Elliott House and Don McHenry, participants finalized a report entitled “Bulding a More United America,” which served as a starting point for groundbreaking community dialogues across the country. The Uniting America project fostered dialogue on some of the most challenging issues in American life, from religion, to race, to economic justice, to the changing composition of the family. In the course of six Assemblies convened over four years, participants worked to find common ground on these issues and common strategies for strengthening the democratic processes that allow us to work through them. Collectively, the Uniting America events brought together some 300 scholars, practitioners, business leaders, and policymakers. The project produced a series of reports, and a very successful book: Uncommon Common Ground: Race and America's Future.

34879. Reweaving the Social Tapestry: Toward a Public Philosophy and Policy for Families

Author:
Don S. Browning and Gloria G. Rodriguez
Publication Date:
01-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
American Assembly at Columbia University
Abstract:
Families can play a pivotal role in bringing America to greater unity, but even the definition of "family" can be divisive. The authors seek to identify the underlying values in these debates, find common ground among diverse traditions, and clarify the supporting roles of government, business, and civil society.

34880. Searching for the Uncommon Common Ground: New Dimensions on Race in America

Author:
Angela Glover Blackwell, Stewart Kwoh, and Manuel Pastor
Publication Date:
04-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
American Assembly at Columbia University
Abstract:
A wide-ranging and in-depth discussion of the persistently divisive issues surrounding race in this country. Race is easily the defining point of American disunity. Often discussed in black and white, today's racial divide includes growing numbers of Hispanics and Asian Americans, as well as Native Americans. By broadening the parameters of the racial dialogue, this book brings a new perspective to an essential American issue. The American Assembly of Columbia University commissioned this volume as part of its Uniting America series.