Another excellent article by Soumaya Ghannoushi tracing the development of the modern Arab states as neo-colonialist extensions of Western powers and explaining the rise of the prominence of non-state actors like Hezbollah in the Middle East in response to the weaknesses of the Arab nations. An excerpt:
for the system of indirect control over the region, which assumed its present shape in the aftermath of World War I, specifically requires a "state" that is capable of keeping the local populations under check and maintaining "stability" at home, but too weak to disrupt foreign influence or disturb the balance of powers in the region.
Disillusionment with the official political order and growing cynicism about its ability to preserve a semblance of sovereignty, liberate occupied land, or safeguard national interests has brought new actors onto the stage of Arab politics.
These non-state players, which include Hizbollah in Lebanon and several armed groups in Palestine, are increasingly occupying the centre of the public sphere in the Middle East, profiting from the declining legitimacy of the political elite tied to the stakes of foreign dominance in the region and lacking popular support to speak of.
While already fulfilling many of the state's conventional functions such as the provision of social services like health and education, in countries subjected to military occupation (such as Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine) they are increasingly taking on the state's defence responsibilities.
Child of the colonial legacy, of Sykes/ Picot and the European powers' scramble for the Ottoman inheritance, the Arab state has always carried deficiency and impotence as part of its genetic make-up.
This has earned these movements the admiration of the Arab public, which frequently contrasts their political and military performances in the face of the gigantic Israeli military machine with the redundancy of Arab armies permanently frozen in military stations and barracks.
In light of the turbulent situation in the region and receding allegiance to the political establishment, it is possible to predict that the coming years could see an extension of this popular model to neighbouring countries acutely sensitive to threats to their security.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/10E17155-88CD-4837-9600-2303870886F2.htm
While I'm sure this thread will dissolve into the usual anti-Muslim tirades, those seeking an explanation for the development of these centers of power apart from State control would be well-advised to read this commentary and sketch of 20th Century Middle East history from a Muslim who works as a Western academic.
Originally posted by no1marauderIt's written by Al-Jazeera so it must be true.
Another excellent article by Soumaya Ghannoushi tracing the development of the modern Arab states as neo-colonialist extensions of Western powers and explaining the rise of the prominence of non-state actors like Hezbollah in the Middle East in response to the weaknesses of the Arab nations. An excerpt:
for the system of indirect control over the regi ...[text shortened]... ketch of 20th Century Middle East history from a Muslim who works as a Western academic.