Louay Safi

The Arab Spring has paved the way for countries across the Arab world to embrace democracy but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done on a social and political level. Creating a truly democratic society in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Libya and Yemen goes well beyond politics. There is a need for profound changes to the education system so that younger generations learn about the importance of concepts like social co-operation, the rule of law and citizenship. There also needs to be an increasing amount of public debate about these issues.

The American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), an organization created to fight discrimination against Arab Americans and defend their civil liberties and human rights, has decided to disinvite a Syrian composer and pianist because he chose to present a piece expressing hope for freedom in his homeland, Syria.

Once again the news coming from Syria is full of pains, disappointments, and hopes. The people of Syria continue their protests against widespread corruption and the lack of freedom and democracy, and they do that at great risk. “Give me freedom or give me death” once proclaimed by Patrick Henry in a speech at the Virginia Convention is repeated daily by Syrian protesters in action rather than in words. The United Nations reported that as many as 850 may have been shot dead while thousands have been arrested by government security.

It is now official; Glenn Beck is pushed out of the door by Fox News. While many people are curious about the reasons for Fox management decision to drop Beck and cancel his crazy and fervently charged show, I’ve always wondered why anyone would watch him and listen to his outlandish claims, preposterous accusations, and sensational agitation.