The following is research published today from MEMRI’s Special Dispatch Series, and TV Project. Special Dispatch No. 4084—Iraq/Democratization and Reform in the Arab & Muslim World Renowned Iraqi/British liberal writer Dr. Abdul Khaliq Hussein is an Iraqi-born surgeon who currently resides in the United Kingdom. He is considered one of the foremost liberal thinkers and writers in the Arab world. In a recent article, posted July 31, 2011 on his website[i] Dr. Hussein analyzes the cultural, religious, political, and social factors that could impede the transformation from despotism to democracy in the Arab countries. He underlines in particular depth the dangers posed by political Islam under the banner of "Islam Is the Solution" – a slogan that resonates with large segments of the population which endure poverty, unemployment, high illiteracy, and ignorance. Despite the serious impediments to the transformation to democracy, liberalism, and human rights, Dr. Hussein remains optimistic that in a globalized world no country can remain isolated for long, and that change is inevitable. To read the full report, visit http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/5575.htm. Special Dispatch No. 4083—Syria Following are excerpts from an interview with Riad Seif, a Syrian opposition leader, which aired on Al-Arabiya TV on August 5, 2011. To view this clip on MEMRI TV, visit http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/3073.htm. Riad Seif: "My second incarceration was more difficult. My illness affected me more, and the injustice and hatred with which they treated me were indescribable. They treated me very cruelly. I believe the day will come when – as in the words of [Syrian poet] Nizar Qabbani – 'I will tell in the investigation' how they treated me in an inhumane manner, despite my age and my illness." To read the full report, visit http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/5573.htm. MEMRI TV Clip No. 3006 - French-Tunisian Filmmaker Nadia El Fani, Whose Film Provoked Attack by Islamists on Tunisian Movie-Theater, Declares: 'I Do Not Believe in God' Following are excerpts from an interview with Tunisian filmmaker Nadia El Fani, which aired on Tunisian Hanibal TV via Youtube, on May 5, 2011. The interview came after Islamists attacked a movie theatre in downtown Tunis because it was showing El Fani’s film about secularism, titled 'Neither God Nor Master.' Interviewer: "You have said that you are not waging war against the Islamists who are not against your ideas, but you told me, before the interview, that one must accept the other the way he is. I don't get it." To view this clip on MEMRI TV, visit http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/3006.htm.
Liberal Iraqi Writer and Surgeon: Impediments to Democracy in the Arab World
Syrian Opposition Leader Riad Seif Recounts His Experiences in Prison and Says: 'Dialogue Cannot Take Place between a Hangman and His Victim'
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
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