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| Oman |
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Family Trip to Oman
Recently my family visited me here in Doha. It was wonderful to get to see them all again and show them around where I live. I also took them down to Muscat to show them where I studied. Here is the photo album of that trip:
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Witness
I'm not a big fan of celebrating events as 'history in the making.' It just seems to me that we will rarely know at the time what will be considered important against the test of time. The invasion of Afghanistan seemed momentous but was quickly overshadowed by the invasion of Iraq. However, Afghanistan might prove a longer ordeal than Iraq, and the history will be written with all of the events past.
Regardless, I believe that at the moment we are witnessing a moment that will make all of the American history books. There are three people in the race for President right now, no offense to Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul, or Mike Gravel, but they are all playing bit roles now. Those three people? An old white man, a white woman, and a young black man. The one with the best shot at winning it all, in my opinion? The black man.
For the last half decade, I have had little good to say about the politics of my home country. But right now I am honestly proud. Sure, I am a bit sad that it has taken this long to get some diversity in the final round of the highest election. We still have to wait and see which of the three actually becomes the President, but the options have me excited to be an American at last. I believe that we are at last proving a commitment to diversity, to equality, and to opportunity. What makes it even more exciting is that I have seen this manifesting in the way non-Americans see the American system. For the first time since I began working with Arabs, I am beginning to see true excitement and respect for American politics. I hope that we do not let them down.
Regardless, I believe that at the moment we are witnessing a moment that will make all of the American history books. There are three people in the race for President right now, no offense to Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul, or Mike Gravel, but they are all playing bit roles now. Those three people? An old white man, a white woman, and a young black man. The one with the best shot at winning it all, in my opinion? The black man.
For the last half decade, I have had little good to say about the politics of my home country. But right now I am honestly proud. Sure, I am a bit sad that it has taken this long to get some diversity in the final round of the highest election. We still have to wait and see which of the three actually becomes the President, but the options have me excited to be an American at last. I believe that we are at last proving a commitment to diversity, to equality, and to opportunity. What makes it even more exciting is that I have seen this manifesting in the way non-Americans see the American system. For the first time since I began working with Arabs, I am beginning to see true excitement and respect for American politics. I hope that we do not let them down.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Practice Peaceful Ideation
I am quite excited right now. I just finished playing "Peace Maker," an incredible video game that puts you in the position of either Palestinian President or Israeli Prime Minister and then allows you to make decisions that will either led to peace or violence in the region. The game is outstanding in both concept and application and provides an amazing opportunity to test your own notions and ability to handle events. I think that this program presents an incomparable educational opportunity to students from high school up. Please look here for more information.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Bye Bye Dennis
I am sad to note the departure of one of my favorite candidates for President, Dennis Kucinich. You will be sorely missed (until the next time you run). I know that you're not exactly an inspirational speaker or a natural born leader, but damn it, you have some great ideas (Department of Peace) and a hot wife. Ok, there, I said it. I'm also going to miss Elizabeth Kucinich on the campaign trail. Issues aside, I would follow a man like Dennis based solely on his ability to attract Elizabeth. You rock. Now, please take the next 4-8 years learning how to excite people on the campaign path, and you just might get my vote next time.
On a different note, am I the only one that is getting a bit sick of Hillary? Obama is looking better each day...
On a different note, am I the only one that is getting a bit sick of Hillary? Obama is looking better each day...
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Peace
Google the term 'war' and you get over 1,000,000,000 hits.
Google the term 'peace' and you get over 3,500,000.
You get twice as many hits by entering 'war game' versus 'peace game.'
More than four times as many 'war movie' versus 'peace movie.'
Almost three times as many 'war book' vs. 'peace book.'
Get the idea yet? It seems that the idea of war is far more pervasive in our society than peace. Yet ask you friends and loved ones if they'd rather have war or peace, and the answer is overwhelmingly peace. So, why the fascination with war? Why is it so easy to sell a video game about killing, but next to impossible to even conceive one about saving?
The easy answer is that war and violence are easy to capture. They are by nature episodic, action-filled, and encourage those adrenaline surges that sell. It is very difficult to capture the thrill of peace. Peace is a state, war is an event. However, peace is a much more difficult process than war. It is easy to drop into violence, it often seems like the quick an easy answer. But the conditions that must be there to create peace are unending.
Peace is a result of a society that ensures hope for all citizens. It is a state where the economy is growing, the legal system is solid and trusted, and basic personal security is protected. It is also a place where education is available and fosters the understanding that you can always find a peaceful resolution. Where the leaders are committed to peace and know that the damage of war is far greater than a loss of prestige. Education must foster creativity and critical thinking, skills that go on to create flexible leaders. It is laborious and unceasing.
Here is an interesting challenge. How would you film a movie about peace?
Thinking about that question, I imagine a short film. The setting is a prison in Belgium. Surrounded by imposing stone walls and under the shadow of razor wire and pacing guards, a scene unfolds on a small, well-kept lawn. George W. Bush is seated at a small table laid out in the middle of a game of checkers. He scratches his head, pondering his next move as his opponent leans back in his chair stroking his beard. Finally, he moves and it is Osama bin Laden's turn. As the pieces shift back and forth, the two return to their favorite topic of debate, which one God was actually leading. They have had this discussion many times before, and likely will have it many more as each waits for the decision of the International Criminal Court on their charges of crimes against humanity. By now, the world has forgotten the pair, and moved on to other concerns and the never-ending pursuit of peace. But in this tiny prison yard, the debate rages on. Only the silent guards hear the argument that at one point ignited much of the world. As Bush slams his fist on the chessboard in disgust, the guards move in and lead each old man back to his cell, into the shadows of a forgotten prison in a forgotten town in a world that finally decided that enough was enough.
Google the term 'peace' and you get over 3,500,000.
You get twice as many hits by entering 'war game' versus 'peace game.'
More than four times as many 'war movie' versus 'peace movie.'
Almost three times as many 'war book' vs. 'peace book.'
Get the idea yet? It seems that the idea of war is far more pervasive in our society than peace. Yet ask you friends and loved ones if they'd rather have war or peace, and the answer is overwhelmingly peace. So, why the fascination with war? Why is it so easy to sell a video game about killing, but next to impossible to even conceive one about saving?
The easy answer is that war and violence are easy to capture. They are by nature episodic, action-filled, and encourage those adrenaline surges that sell. It is very difficult to capture the thrill of peace. Peace is a state, war is an event. However, peace is a much more difficult process than war. It is easy to drop into violence, it often seems like the quick an easy answer. But the conditions that must be there to create peace are unending.
Peace is a result of a society that ensures hope for all citizens. It is a state where the economy is growing, the legal system is solid and trusted, and basic personal security is protected. It is also a place where education is available and fosters the understanding that you can always find a peaceful resolution. Where the leaders are committed to peace and know that the damage of war is far greater than a loss of prestige. Education must foster creativity and critical thinking, skills that go on to create flexible leaders. It is laborious and unceasing.
Here is an interesting challenge. How would you film a movie about peace?
Thinking about that question, I imagine a short film. The setting is a prison in Belgium. Surrounded by imposing stone walls and under the shadow of razor wire and pacing guards, a scene unfolds on a small, well-kept lawn. George W. Bush is seated at a small table laid out in the middle of a game of checkers. He scratches his head, pondering his next move as his opponent leans back in his chair stroking his beard. Finally, he moves and it is Osama bin Laden's turn. As the pieces shift back and forth, the two return to their favorite topic of debate, which one God was actually leading. They have had this discussion many times before, and likely will have it many more as each waits for the decision of the International Criminal Court on their charges of crimes against humanity. By now, the world has forgotten the pair, and moved on to other concerns and the never-ending pursuit of peace. But in this tiny prison yard, the debate rages on. Only the silent guards hear the argument that at one point ignited much of the world. As Bush slams his fist on the chessboard in disgust, the guards move in and lead each old man back to his cell, into the shadows of a forgotten prison in a forgotten town in a world that finally decided that enough was enough.
Check Your Local Listings
Well, I just might be on TV's around the world today and tomorrow. I am in the audience of the most recent Doha Debate. It's going to be aired on BBC World six times over the next couple days and then will be available here.
However, far more exciting than seeing my ugly mug on the TV is the opportunity to watch the debate itself. If you are unfamiliar with the Doha Debates, it is a two-sided debate show with invited guests who argue big issues and then have to respond to questions from the audience. It is, in my opinion, the most exciting and fascinating example of free speech and discussion in the world. No, not just the Middle East, a bastion of restricted press and speech, but the whole world. Qatar Foundation and BBC do an incredible job of selecting speakers and Tim Sebastian (the host) is a master at forcing a speaker to cut to the chase.
This debate centers around the question of whether or not the Arab governments care about the situation in Darfur. It turned into one of the most animated debates to date, and was quite informative and amusing. But what truly makes it incredible is watching Arab students openly damning their governments for inaction. It is hearing other Arabs questioning the bases of their government. It is an entire room laughing incredulously at a government official who claims that there is nothing going on in Darfur. All without fear of reciprocal action. It is the beginning of societal shift, and it is incredible to watch.
I strongly encourage you to watch the debates, not just this one. Watch the world change.
However, far more exciting than seeing my ugly mug on the TV is the opportunity to watch the debate itself. If you are unfamiliar with the Doha Debates, it is a two-sided debate show with invited guests who argue big issues and then have to respond to questions from the audience. It is, in my opinion, the most exciting and fascinating example of free speech and discussion in the world. No, not just the Middle East, a bastion of restricted press and speech, but the whole world. Qatar Foundation and BBC do an incredible job of selecting speakers and Tim Sebastian (the host) is a master at forcing a speaker to cut to the chase.
This debate centers around the question of whether or not the Arab governments care about the situation in Darfur. It turned into one of the most animated debates to date, and was quite informative and amusing. But what truly makes it incredible is watching Arab students openly damning their governments for inaction. It is hearing other Arabs questioning the bases of their government. It is an entire room laughing incredulously at a government official who claims that there is nothing going on in Darfur. All without fear of reciprocal action. It is the beginning of societal shift, and it is incredible to watch.
I strongly encourage you to watch the debates, not just this one. Watch the world change.
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