This post is due by Tuesday, April 1 @ midnight for full credit.
Email late posts to rwilliamsATchamplain.edu for partial credit.
Read the assigned chapters above, and then:
1. Provide 3 SPECIFIC observations about the Arab Spring you learned from EACH chapter of our book, using 2-3 sentences combining the book and your own IYOW analysis.
2. Finally, ask ONE specific question you have of the Arab Spring after completing our reading.
Battle #3
ReplyDeleteMegan Spiezio-Davis
Bahrain is my group’s country to focus on, so wanted to take my time and read the material well. Though the island is small, 6 times smaller than Rhode Island, it sure is a place of unrest. Though I believe the unrest is controlled due to American ties. The political issues are largely doe in part to the Sunni and Shiite divide. Yet it seems that the leadership of the country perpetuates this distinction into something more of a division. It is too bad that this is happening, as this divide is causing erosion in unity.
The cancer that has split the citizens of Bahrain seems to be a catalyst for unrest amongst the people. Though both sides would like to live in a place where all Islamic viewpoints are allowed, it seems as though there is no cohesiveness and this leads to mistrust amongst each side. This kind of leadership makes me think of divide and conquer type of control. Though the citizens have agreed upon developing the country it seems like some projects never get fully done and the majority of those projects seem to be in one area effecting one side of the population. It is with this concept of divide and conquer scheme that the citizens cannot join together and become stronger than the regime.
It also occurs to me that perhaps the United States military base not only has a militaristic presences but it has a stronghold in social and political reform. The United States is very interested in keeping Bahrain peaceful state. It would be counterintuitive to have a base that is in major upheaval. Yet, under the surface of a developing country there is a major disconnect amongst its people. This leads me to my question for the chapter, what United States services are there in place for Bahrain that we are not aware of?
Another country that has a great deal of United States interest is Libya. Chapter 7 opens up about Gadhafi’s very colorful past and how he came to power and not popularity. For instance the example the release of al-Meghari, illustrates how Gadhafi was insistent on not following international norms. How he allowed Benghazi to fall to ruins while he spent time and energy making the people and Tripoli pretty. Mena while in other parts of Libya there were poor healthcare and living conditions.
A very important observation that I have made through this book is that the leadership abilities of all the figureheads is just egotistical. If few only brief attempts of other people’s lives were considered these regimes would not have fallen. It seemed that they could continue to be as corrupt as our government if only the leaders gave a little. In no way am I condoning their actions, I am simply highlighting the very small difference between perceived democracy and possible oppression.
Chapter 6: Bahrain: An Island Divided
ReplyDelete- Protesters being captured whilst seeking medical aid at nearby hospitals was talked about in great detail during the presentation on Bahrain. Reading through these paragraphs within the book just gives me that much more detail about how this had affected the peoples of Bahrain. For instance people bleeding to death because their neighbors were too scared to bring them to a public hospital, where security forces were arresting the wounded protesters left and right. In addition they were arresting doctors who had given aid to these protesters. As said we had talked about this in class but nonetheless it struck me while I was reading through these chapters.
- This will be a recurring question that I will probably have until the end of my time with this class. Either way I will keep asking it, why are a vast majority of leaders in the Middle East so corrupt? How do they gain all this economic wealth, power and connections and for such a long period of time (most still running as of today). At the core of my question is just why are these leaders corrupt, why is there a large number of corrupt leaders in power? They are able to suspend the constitution? That is the basis of government and extremely important decision making.How can something that crucial to a government system be suspended? Their excuse is maintaining stability? This happens in other Arab countries and all that happens is war, chaos and revolution. Their reasoning behind suspending their constitution is not sound in my opinion.
- Ups and downs are a common trend in Bahrain it seems. New political leaders come into play promising changes and much needed reforms. However these “changes” and “reforms” come under the guise of something bigger, something that still gives power to those already in power. I say Ups and downs because people are genuinely excited to see something new happening to see a leader who is seemingly genuine about his intentions for his country. All if not most falls through and essentially you have the same system still set in place and with no real criticism from the people who are ruled by these government systems.
Chapter 7: Libya’s Revolution from Above
- When Libyan resistance was expecting some degree of a fight from Libyan soldiers and all they found were their clothes and burned out cars etc. Tripoli had been taken and the square was renamed Martyrs Square, it was just interesting. I have never heard of anything like this happening until reading this.
- Outrage towards Gaddafi is to be expected. I don’t believe that such a savage execution needed to be done at all. It wasn’t necessary and not needed, being a savage mob doesn’t effectively communicate to the rest of the world that you are any better than the man you just brutally murdered. There may have been reasons sure, but it would have been better to show that the people of Libya were better than the man they so greatly hated. As outraged, upset, angered, violated, hurt, saddened etc. as Libyans were it doesn’t justify what happened and I hope they learn to be better than what was demonstrated on that day. When you do violent and brutal things such as this to justify your own motives I don’t believe things end well if that is something that was acceptable.
I hope for the best for Libya, living in such conditions and the treatment of its people so harshly is not how things should be done. As we talked about in class their future is uncertain at the moment and Libya is one of the most fragile countries after their revolution. The book goes on to say that is things escalate in a negative way again there will most likely be no outside assistance. A lot is still unknown for Libya and the rebuilding process will be a long and tiresome one.
Ch. 6- From the very beginning of this chapter corruption is evident. It was scary to read that people were scared to bring someone to the hospital because security forces had been arresting wounded protestors and doctors at the hospital. It is also interesting to see a political group, which despite a lack of cooperation with all groups in parliament, was involved in parliament before withdrawing themselves and began supporting the protestors. To my understanding this is the first time something like this happened in the Arab Spring. Lastly, I just find it kind of depressing the role that major powers like the US play. It reminds me of high school circles, where the US is trying to play both sides to keep everyone happy, only for their own interests. There is very little concern for a populations well being, rather the only thing that matters is the US keeps a good relationship with certain countries so we can profit from things that we want.
ReplyDeleteCh. 7- As far as foreign relations are concerned, Libya is interesting. It seemed as if there were high hopes from powers like England and the US, but in reality there wasn't as much trust as was let on. Despite all of this it was interesting that at first Gaddafi's regime was not threatened, and that he was initially naive to the threat of the surrounding protests to his control of Libya. Secondly it is surprising that over time, basically the whole international community was calling for Gaddafi to leave and he had essentially lost control, however he still stayed, which ultimately led to his death. Lastly, Gaddafi's capture and death is pretty crazy. People driving from far distances to see his dead frozen corpse, images of him being sodomized, it is all very extreme.
Question: Was the public death of Gaddafi too much or was it needed for people of Libya to take the next step and move past his regime?
Chapter 6:
ReplyDeleteIt sad that many of these Arab countries are so corrupt. For instance look, it Bahrain like many of the other Arab countries the authorities had killed another citizen of their own country Hani Abdulazizi who was then bleeding to his death and his neighbors were afraid to help because they were scared and they couldn't able to make to the doctor either because they might get shot as well. And also how the government took two athletes out of the national team just because they were in the protest in addition many people lost their jobs as well. It is sad that the government could do this to their people when it is the people who build the government and elect the president and the president should be a servant to the people and at times like this when government does corruption and killings of his own people that is not good.
Chapter 7:
It is sad to see how a leader like Gaddafi once lived this lavish lifestyle with a happy family and happy life. Where all of sons were educated from top universities and had beautiful lives and wives to suddenly falling down from the throne to having no power and no wealth and always on the run so the rebels won't catch you. The time when he used to meet with celebrities and presidents to falling down to lower level and having no one to support you. This is what power can do to you it can help you or it can destroy you. Having power is like drugs once you have it and you get hooked on then that is pretty much it you will get addicted to it until it destroys your life. This how Gaddafi's life was once he had the power he didn't want to leave until it destroyed him by force and dragged him to the grave. He should have backed down before all this would've happened which if did it before he might've at least be in jail which far more better than being tortured by people publicly. This should be a lesson for other dictators who still want to rule even though their citizens don't want them anymore.
Question:
The way Gaddafi was tortured publicly was it just or unjust?
Chapter 6
ReplyDeleteThe Presentation on Bahrain was very informative and reading about it on paper seemed to me almost unreal. It was interesting to read about Bahrain’s relationship with Saudi Arabia and how the way that support was given was done. Another area that really surprised me was the housing situation for many people. I personally know that the lack of housing was an issue but it was crazy reading about how many people were actually living in one specific space together or having to marry off sisters just to make more room. Finally after all my research in Yemen I thought it was really interesting to read about the idea of a national dialogue in Bahrain, which is something which clearly shown progress when listening to the presentation.
Chapter 7
Libya is a place that makes me nauseous to think about especially Gadaffi. One of the things that still baffle me is that for having such a concentrated population leaving the people on the inner parts of Libya with no real place in the country was bad. Gadaffi’s ludicrous idea that he could just stay in a country that despised him was interesting he was in so deep that the want for power ultimately was his biggest mistake. Finally, it seemed interesting that things began to go back to a somewhat stable state right after Gadaffi’s death, this includes foreign aid.
I wonder how many of the Arab Spring countries can expect a real sense of change in the years to come?
Chapter 6 : An Island Divided
ReplyDeleteEvery body was protesting, wither it be doctors, soccer stars, reporters, and the common folk, no body was left out because they all had a voice, that needed to be heard. Like a lot of the other countries involved in the arab spring, Bahrain suffered endless corruption, neglect, and transparency. Sadly death was inflicted on those deemed necessary for others to follow what they couldn't finish. Violence acts as most of the sparks, as well as these abductions. The fact that this family was scared to take their neighbors to the hospital, because people are getting picked up from there, questioned, and returned as " a corpse " . Also interesting that Bahrain was declared Iran's fourteenth province in 1957.. That would have been interesting…
Chapter 7 : Libya's Revolution From Above!as
Ahh a familiar face, Libya.. We presented on Libya and I honestly want to say that it had some of the craziest circumstances out of all the arab states that passed through the arab spring… Gaddafi was a sick twisted, deranged monarch that reigned fire among his people, figuratively and literally. Still Tunisia and Egypt acted as serious catalysts, bringing Libya further into a world that they only had nightmares about. 10's of thousands of people dieting, and for what cause, to kill Gaddafi? The man was killed and shit has still yet to happen, if anything the country is continuing to deteriorate, I'm not trying to say that they are savage, but some organization needs to be put in place, and is it rude to say that maybe that can't handle this by them selves any more?
I don't understand how someone can just be in power in 1969, how could someone not take care of this situation? I understand that every body under him was his Gaddafi's friend, but was no one logical? I guess when money is in the equation nothing really matters.
Chapter 6:
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that "No to dialogue" was written on the wall. The situation in Bahrain was so bad that people had given up on peaceful negotiations. I was surprised that in 1973, the sheikh wanted to install elections. I'm not entirely sure what he was expecting to happen when he gave the people a say. I was also struck by the protesters ability to shut down the city. It sounded like a scene out of Mad Max.
Chapter 7:
I thought the sign at the airport that said "Partners not wage workers" was interesting. Really, a brilliant piece of propaganda. I was floored by the physical size of BP's investment in Libya. I cannot imagine an oil field the size of Kuwait. I am also unsure why Britain and the U.S. would back Mubarak. I understand the need for oil, but he was not necessarily a beacon of freedom.
Question:
Would the uprisings occur throughout the Arab world without Tunisia and Egypt going first?
I meant Gaddhafi, not Mubarak in the chapter 7 post.
DeleteYalla - fine questions and reflections here, Arab Spring'ers.
ReplyDeleteShukran!
Dr. Rob
Corruption is greatly present in Bahrain. I could not believe that citizens were being arrested when they would attempt to go to the hospital. I couldn't believe that a man bled to death because his neighbors were to scared to bring him to a doctor. Protestors were being punished in other ways as well. Many citizens were fired from their jobs for participating in a protest.
ReplyDeleteChapter 7:
Libya was extremely corrupt under the rule of Gaddafi. The citizens of Libya wanted Gaddafi killed and that is what happened. Although things are yet to change even after Gaddafi was killed. I also never knew that the U.S backed Gaddafi. It was shocking to me that Gaddafi refused to just step down?
Question: What does the future hold for Libya? Will they ever get on the right track?
Chapter 6
ReplyDelete- I was not aware that Bahrain had a face to their upraising in the beginning days of their protests. 33 year old Hani Abdulaziz the man who had been chased by police from his home and hit by several bullets.
- It’s easy to see why the United States is set on keeping a footing in Bahrain, but I don’t think we will ever know how United States involvement in Bahrain has affected the peoples upraising.
- It’s interesting to read about the early 2000’s in Bahrain, a new king was in power, human rights issues were being attended to and political freedoms were being introduced to the country. It’s also interesting to see how the economy boomed as oil prices rose.
Chapter 7
- I did not know that Libya gave refuge to people wanted by the international criminal court, this was one reason no country came to Gaddafi’s aid in his time of need.
- I was not aware that in the years leading up to the uprising in Libya the company British Petroleum sought new oil ventures in Libya. A minimum of $900 million dollars would be invested in the country; this is more evidence that no European country saw the Arab uprising coming.
- The pictures in the middle of chapter 7 are worth a thousand words. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton landed in Tripoli on 18 October 2011, just two days before Gaddafi was captured and killed. It’s interesting to think that the United States must have been planning their next move in Libya for quite some time leading up to Gaddafi’s death.
Question
- What does the future look like for monarchies in the Arab world?
Chapter 6:
ReplyDelete1. “Sunnis who began 2011 believing reform could resolve political tensions, ended it believing the Shi’ites would only be satisfied with the overthrow of the monarchy. Shi’ites who began 2011 believing reform was enough, ended it believing the Al Khalifa monarchy had to go” (137). I think it’s interesting that the population had similar goals in the beginning - political power for the people, greater transparency, and an end to discrimination - but as the uprisings started, the goals began to change for different sects and there was a major divide.
2. I thought the discussion of Saudi influence in Bahrain was particularly interesting because Saudi Arabia not only stopped the destruction of the government, but they also stopped any chance of political reform (141). I think Saudi troops, much like US troops are claimed to do, have only frustrated the will of the people and made uprisings more violent and destructive.
3. The discussion about the US and their reaction to the Bahraini uprising was surprising (155-156). Although typically known for over-stepping its boundaries, the US held back due to strategic military positions in Bahrain and its close relationship with Saudi Arabia. The US was also concerned about the oil market. I found it interesting the the US is so avid to get involved when human rights are in question, but they stepped back in Bahrain because [apparently] oil, friends, and war is more important.
Chapter 7:
1. “Inbound foreign investment rose from $143 million in 2003 to $4.7 billion in 2008” (170). It was interesting to read that Libya’s economy was flourishing leading up the uprisings, because a poor economy is a potential cause for revolution.
2. Another thing I connected with was that the uprisings didn’t start in the capital city of Damascus, but rather in Benghazi (178). This was similar to Syria, where anti-government protests began in Deraa. I think the reason for this is that the government was in the capital cities, so there was more protection and security in those areas.
3. “Gaddafi was a man from a different era - and sometimes, it seemed, a different planet. His incomplete and unpredictable ideological shifts were made not in response to popular pressure or organized political opposition, but rather to ensure his survival by moving with the times” (193). Since Gaddafi was older than most of the population, the majority of the people didn’t connect with him and he didn’t represent his people. He was merely aiming for power, not aiming for proper representation.
Question:
Are long-term leaders always a negative idea? Is a power check necessary every few years or is a long rule necessary for consistency?
Chapter 6-
ReplyDeleteBahrain, quite the corrupt country. The author sheds light on many stories and lives that were ended or affected by the corruption. One particularly depressing story was this man who was essentially bleeding to death and his friends/family could not get him help because it was "unsafe" to leave where they were. Now one could say that was terrible of those people to not take action, but I'm sure many people in America would not be quick to try to get help either.
Chapter 7-
One interesting thing about Libya that was kind of surprising to me was how well the economy was doing there prior to their uprisings. A lot of other countries are extremely poor leading up to their uprisings and poverty is often a cause to start those uprisings spoken about. However I wondered, just because the economy was doing well, does that mean the people were financially doing well. Definitely not.
Chapter 6 focuses on Bahrain. I didn't realize how many vastly opposite factors played into the revolution here: a government that highly supported its people at the turn of the century but inflamed religious conflict instead of quelling it, Saudi influence helping the island while a US naval base held together much of its infrastructure, failed initial negotiations with bloody conflict after. The story of the man who bled to death because going to the hospital was unsafe is an anecdote that I would expect to hear about a country like Syria, not about a country with such high western influence.
ReplyDeleteChapter 7 focused on Libya, which is another surprising Arab Spring country. After seeing so many images and hearing so many stories about the incredible poverty of people revolting in Libya in the Arab Spring I found their economy's actual successes leading up to the revolt unexpected – for example, the fact that foreign investments increased substantially from the early 2000s to the end of the decade. While in the other countries the economy was such a major crashing point, the authors of Battles point out that in Libya Gaddafi's policies were focused on "ensuring his survival", and that was ultimately what killed him.
So many Arab countries appeared stable in statistics until the Arab Spring uprisings revealed their flaws. Do most stable countries have so many negative elements hidden?
Chapter Six
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to hear in how bad of shape Bahrain is. I could not imagine not being able to bring a dyeing person into a hospital just because I was scared to go out myself. Those are war stories, not stories that everyday civilians have to witness. Imagine the effects this will have on the persons identity, and who they are in the future. I always wonder the revolution is effecting the common peoples way of thinking.
Chapter 7
The killing of Gaddafi is one I am not sure I should be proud of or if I should feel bad for. Libya had achieved the biggest change of any of the Arab Spring countries. Although by them killing the thousands they did and chasing their own leader around until they brutally killed hime may have not been the best way to handle things. I feel happy for them for being strong enough as a country to be able to do what they did but they did it like absolute animals. I have to assume that he got what he was deserved.