Columns

"There are lessons to learn from these experiences. First and foremost, when people are respected and empowered they can find common ground. They may not always agree, but through engagement they can learn from one another. As Jesse Jackson used to say, it is this uniquely American experience that ought to be exported. In this context, it is also important for political leaders to understand the valuable resource that exists in the richness of America's diversity. Though self-evident, this lesson is too often not heeded. The groups learn from one another but are too often ignored by policy-makers. With direct familial ties, cultural sensitivity, and deep and personal knowledge about the history and hopes for their ancestral lands, these communities, if tapped by policy-makers, could provide valuable insight and direction. Too often, sadly, they are not."

"There is actually serious talk about the Holocaust® being played out. More than 180 films have been made about the Jews under Hitler, more than any other topic. What, if anything, is left to say? I’ll tell you, nothing! Holocaust® fatigue has finally set in.” -- Miriam Kale

"Unless our political leaders can put aside “politics as usual” and end their callous disregard for the suffering of Palestinians; unless leaders are willing to challenge their political fears and do what is right, instead of what is convenient; unless we can stand up against the Islamophobes who threaten to tear apart the fabric of our nation; unless we can restore our commitment to fundamental freedoms and constitutional protections; and unless we can stop ignoring Arab concerns and truly listen to what Arab voices are telling us about their needs and aspirations - we will continue to operate clumsily, and, at times, brutally on the wrong side of history....As Arabs seek change at home, the challenge we face is to question how we can bring real change to America and to the way America deals with the Arab World and its people. This is what Barack Obama promised when he said that he would lead the effort to "change Washington” and, in the process, “change America and change the world.” This is still the change we need. Unfortunately, it hasn't happened yet."

the torture of political prisoners in Saudi Arabia is no less horrific -- while the U.S. government’s winks and nods toward the Saudi regime are no less pernicious today than they were for decades while Mubarak’s henchmen did their foul deeds in Egypt. In both cases, the cruelty has been OK with Washington since it has been perpetrated by (cue Biden) “an ally of ours in a number of things” that has been “very responsible . . . relative to geopolitical interest in the region.”

"Arabs have been inspired by Egypt and empowered to believe that their voices must be heard and respected. It will make life more complicated for Western and some Arab policy makers. But if this complication is a good thing and it represents change, that has been a long time coming. As President Obama said, this is just the beginning and after today, nothing will be same. The reality is that this transformation will not only affect Egypt. The change that is coming will be bigger than any of us can imagine."

"...during the past two years U.S. policies vis-a-vis a range of regional issues (Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, etc) have appeared more a continuation of the failed past than hoped for change. As a result, today the Administration appears exhausted, distracted and flat, creating a massive let-down across the Arab World...Recognizing this is important since it establishes the reality that the U.S. has diminished credibility, capacity, and few good options. Critics, both liberals and conservatives, who are demanding “bold leadership” from the President, ought to remember their earlier support for “deposing the Iraqi dictator”. Not understanding the consequences of that move or the factors driving Iraqi society in the post-Saddam era and having little ability to control the disasters that followed (despite having 150,000 troops on the ground), should give these pundits pause. Therefore, it is advisable for policy makers to dismiss the critics and proceed, as they have, with carefully calibrated messages that affirm both principles and interests."

"What is indisputable, though, is that Tunisia has captured attention, generated excitement and become an inspiration to many Arabs. There is, of course, a difference between being inspired by a performance and repeating that performance."

"The question, of course, is "will this last"? Which instinct will dominate in the future? Will politicians remain civil and respectful, continuing to listen the "the angels of their better selves", or, after a decent interval, will they return to all out warfare?"