Reflections on Palestinian Unity, the Statehood Bid, and Prospects for Peace
In the wake of the February 6 announcement that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will head an interim unity government there is renewed hope for political cooperation between rival parties Fatah and Hamas. The formation of the unity government however threatens U.S. aid to Palestine, as the United States has said that it refuses to send money to Hamas, which it considers a terrorist organization. The PLO's continued pursuit of statehood recognition in the UN Security Council has also isolated it from the United States even as it earned popular and international support.
Kurdish Issues: Turkey and the Kurdistan Regional Government in a Changing Middle East
The Arab Spring has driven a wedge between Turkey and its once-close allies, Iran and Syria. Ankara's ties with Baghdad are strained, as well. Panelists will address the impact of external upheaval on Turkey's internal Kurdish issue and examine the situation in the context of Turkey's changing relationship with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq. Given the realities of the new regional dynamics, what are the prospects for Turkey's "Kurdish Opening?" What impact will increased bilateral Turkey-KRG cooperation have on the security situation?
Leveraging on Technology via International Collaboration: Open University Malaysia's (OUM) Experience in the Middle East
Originally posted: July, 2010
The development of information communication technology (ICT) has transformed the world into a global village, facilitating the flow of knowledge, information, and people like never before. Its impact on everyday living is apparent, fundamentally changing the way people think, work, and play. Within education, the impact of ICT may not be as extensive as in other fields. This is because education is often perceived as a socially -oriented activity where the teacher’s main role is to transmit knowledge and be a role model.
