ICAR In The News
Experts in conflict diagnosis, our scholars and analysts provide in-depth analysis of deep-rooted complex conflicts. ICAR Media Publication are currently being collected in a database for ICAR's upcoming website redesign. For recent Media Publications, please visit ICAR on Facebook or Twitter. Television Interviews are available on YouTube and iTunes Radio Interviews are available on the web and on iTunes Also, check out the ICAR Blogrole for a list of blogs by ICAR Conflict Analysts |
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Recent media hits featuring ICAR scholars and conflict analysts:
Now imagine ‘resource wars’ and ever more lethal WMDs
Letter to the Editor by Dennis J.D. Sandole
(Financial Times, July 3, 2010
Click Here to Read
Misinterpreting Ethnic Conflicts in Africa
(Africa Security Brief, April 4, 2010)
(Joint Forces Quarterly, 3rd Quarter 2010
Click Here to Read
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons:
The McChrystal Question
By Jennifer Burke
(CTV News, June 23, 2010)
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CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons:
The "Campaigner Returns" in Obama's Oval Office Speech
By Marcia MacMillan
(CTV News, June 16, 2010)
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The Times of Malta Interviews Richard Rubenstein:
Tackling the root causes of conflict
By Anthony Manduca
(CTV News, June 15, 2010)
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To locate an analyst on domestic or international conflicts, please contact Jim Greif or Paul Snodgrass on our Media Inquiries Page.
Lone Wolf Senator Builds Case to Engage Myanmar
(Kuwaiti Times, 13 Aug, 2009)
Myanmar's release of a US citizen has given Senator Jim Webb ammunition in his bid to engage the military-run nation, but activists are livid at what they see as a propaganda coup for the junta. Webb flew out of Myanmar yesterday with John Yettaw, a mentally troubled American who had been sentenced to seven years in prison for swimming uninvited to the lakeside home of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi. READ MORE.
Letter to the Editor from Dennis Sandole Published in The Economist
(The Economist, Thursday, 13 Aug, 2009)
The deepest conundrum is what makes groups of people, defined by religion, class, race or any other attribute, so vulnerable to political manipulation that they can be easily persuaded to commit diabolical acts against other groups. Until we solve that core problem, would-be manipulators will always find one medium or another, from the printed word to the latest form of e-communication, to demonise and proscribe the hated “other”. READ MORE.
Beyond the Walls of Hatred -
Featuring ICAR's Marc Gopin
By Jawed Naqvi
(Dawn, Thursday, 13 Aug, 2009)
Mr Ahmadinejad would do well to get invited to Caux and to listen to Prof Marc Gopin’s views on the states’ culpability in arming militant groups on both sides of the equation. He would gain amazingly fresh insights from the intervention by Jakob Finci, the president of the Jewish community in Bosnia, about the efforts of a small community of Bosnian Jews, Christians and Muslims to build a life together. READ MORE.
ICAR PhD Candidate and Adjunct Faculty David Alpher featured in the Washington Post
Soldiers Into Students: Veterans, Educators Try to Ease Transition
By Emma Brown
(The Washington Post, August 13, 2009)
The new GI Bill went into effect this month, and President Obama marked that milestone last week when he addressed about 350 military veterans and advocates on the campus of George Mason University. READ MORE.
Marc Gopin quoted in the Huffington Post
A.T. Ariyaratne: Leading Sri Lanka's Largest Civil Society Movement for 50 Years
By Anuradha K. Herath
(The Huffington Post, August 10, 2009)
The meek 77-year-old Ariyaratne, often called the "Gandhi of Sri Lanka," has become popular for his massive meditation sessions in which hundreds of thousands of people converge to pray for peace. His Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, which Ariyaratne established 51 years ago, is based on Buddhist and Gandhian principles -- Sarvodaya in Sanskrit means "awakening of all" and Shramadana "to donate effort." The organization is the largest civil society movement in the country. By its own estimations, it works in 15,000 villages and attracts nearly a million volunteers annually. Some scholars have described its network of organizations with 3000 paid employees as the world's largest peoples' participatory development movement. READ MORE.
People to People Contact
By Saira Yamin
(The News, August 8, 2009)
"Positive change is more often pioneered by individuals of courage," writes Marc Gopin, a rabbi, peacemaker, and scholar. His new book To Make the Earth Whole: The Art of Citizen Diplomacy in an Age of Religious Militancy offers invaluable insights for those who want to make the world a more peaceful place. The narrative evolves in the backdrop of the post 9/11 clash of civilizations, whereby fissures between the West and Islam appear to be growing. Gopin observes that relations between the United States and Syria in particular are mired in distrust and hostility. Former President of the United States George Bush dubs Syria part of the axis of evil, as he prepares a case for possible preemptive military intervention. READ MORE.
Balance of Trauma - Gates and Crowley
(CTV News, July 30, 2009)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, examines the "Summit of Suds" between Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Sgt. James Crowley, hosted by President Barack Obama at the White House. Simmons talks about the lingering historical trauma of racism and the fear that is generated in one community when the other makes attempts to preserve their dignity in the face of humiliation. Interview conducted on CTV by Jacqueline Milczarek, July 30th, 2009. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
The Art of Appeasement, Part I
Unraveling a patchwork of improvised disaster
(Asia Times, July 31, 2009)
In the early stages of the Cuban missile crisis in the early 1960s, Adlai Stevenson, United States president John F Kennedy's notoriously dovish United Nations ambassador, suggested that Washington
offer Moscow a non-confrontational trade to stave off a nuclear exchange: we withdraw our missiles from Turkey, and the Soviets withdraw their missile components from Cuba. READ MORE.
US Jews Favor Two-State Solution
(Russia Today, July 12, 2009)
Barack Obama's message of change could have consequences for US-Israeli relations. Polls show that after years of unconditional support, Americans now think it is time to get tough with Israel over the peace process. WATCH BROADCAST
Bullies, Jerks and Weasels
By Sandra Cheldelin
(Change Magazine, July 6, 2009)
Bravo to Michael Fischer on “Defending Collegiality” (Change, May/June 2009). Robert Sutton’s list of misbehaving faculty—“bullies, creeps, jerks, weasels, tormentors, tyrants, ... unconstrained egomaniacs”—conjures painful memories in most of us of unsuccessful attempts to cope with their behaviors. But the real power of Fischer’s case for “defending collegiality” (aside from wanting those behaviors to stop) is research data. We know what colleagues want, we know how students learn, and we know the impact of bad behavior on individuals and the community at large.
READ MORE.
Atrocity in Context
By Solon Simmons
(Global Studies Review, July 6, 2009)
There is no part of the world more crucial to the strategic interests of the United States as is the Middle East. While the traditional problems of the regulation of international affairs are at play there, Arab language satellite channels have created a new force in the region, and Al Jazeera is one of the most controversial and the most important of these. READ MORE.
Indicting Bashir Is Wrong
(Foreign Policy in Focus, July 2, 2009)
Excerpt from Article:
The indictment of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir by the International Criminal Court (ICC) threatens peace and security in Sudan. The arrest warrant for the president not only escalates the conflict in Darfur and makes the resolution of the conflict more elusive, but it also weakens the sovereignty of the state of Sudan. READ MORE.
Who will “make the world a better place” now?
By Steve Utterwulghe and Abou El Mahassine Fassi-Fihri
(Common Ground News Service, June 30, 2009)
In the hours following Michael Jackson’s death, people around the globe shared common pain, resuscitated old vinyl records stored in their basements and stayed up later than usual watching 1980s VHS or Youtube videos of Thriller and Billy Jean. Michael Jackson was adored by a wide spectrum of global society across racial, religious and generational divides. READ MORE.
The Ghost of Cyrus: Persian Potential for Reform in the Nuclear Age
By Marc Gopin
(Sh'ma, May 19, 2009)
Over the past 25 years I’ve developed relationships across the Middle East; in Syria, specifically, over the past five years. While I traveled as a peacemaker, to be cautious I would emphasize my role as a professor and only reveal my role as a rabbi when it felt safe. I never experienced any negative comments because I am a rabbi; rather I heard from some a longing to meet with old Jewish friends. Experiences with Syrians have given me confidence that similar inroads can be made in Iran. READ MORE.
The Chadian Civil War in Sudan
By Suliman Giddo
(Sudan Tribune, May 20, 2009)
For decades, Chad has played a major role in the instability of Sudan’s western region of Darfur. I know because I grew up near the northern Darfur town of Kutum, met Chadian rebels who sought refuge there, and witnessed the spillover of violence from Chad long before the Darfur War erupted and changed my community forever. READ MORE.
What Egypt can learn from the “swine flu” scare
By Sam Rizk
(Common Ground News Service, May 19, 2009)
Now that the scare over the “swine flu” virus (H1N1) has subsided around the world, governments, international organisations and ordinary people are taking stock to determine whether the response was proportionate to the actual danger. There is some concern that certain governments took this potentially grave threat so seriously that their response went beyond what was called for – resulting in tension and discrimination within local communities. Egypt is one of those countries. READ MORE.
Madrassas: Resources for Peacemaking
By Rebecca Cataldi
(Voices: Tomorrow's Leaders, Today's Issues, April, 2009)
In his inaugural address, President Barack Obama offered hope to those of us working to bridge the gap between America and the Islamic world when he said, "To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect."
READ MORE.
What the Middle East can learn from Southeast Asia
By Sam Rizk
(Common Ground News Service March 31, 2009)
An argument could be made that the Middle East, as the birthplace of the Abrahamic religions, is a centre of dialogue between Muslims and Christians. Where their holiest places of worship and pilgrimage exist, Muslims and Christians have provided models of historical co-existence and cooperation. But when there is tension, either for religious reasons or when sacred religious language and symbols are abused for more profane purposes, the Middle East has just as easily provided models of intolerance, and certainly of violent confrontation. READ MORE.
“Responsible Journalism Series: Media as Critical Reflective Practice”, Mohammed Cherkaoui, ICAR PhD candidate
April 16,2009
In June 2006, I led a series of workshops for Palestinian journalists in Ramallah, West Bank. I was shocked to discover how party bias influenced their reporting. Five months earlier, the Hamas movement had won the Palestinian Legislative Council elections in the West Bank and Gaza, and the divide between the Hamas and Fatah parties deepened existent social cleavages to the point where it continues to fuel an intra-Palestinian conflict alongside the protracted Palestinian-Israeli one. But the journalists I worked with came to appreciate the role they can play in preventing and resolving conflicts. READ MORE.
“Lieberman and the peace process”, Rawhi Afaghani, ICAR PhD candidate
April 16,2009
Hours after his handover ceremony, the new Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told the Ha’aretz newspaper that “Israel is not bound by the Annapolis process”, the US-backed declaration that initiated the final status talks on establishing a Palestinian state. Instead, Lieberman wants to revert to the situation in 2003, when the Middle East “Quartet” (the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia) introduced the “road map” for peace, essentially eliminating progress made during year-long intensive talks with the Palestinians. READ MORE.
Le Monde diplomatique features David Young, MS Alumnus
April 13,2009
“Foreign policy maze ahead of Obama,”
It’s no surprise that President Obama’s foreign policy challenges are unsavoury, diverse and numerous, but most worrisome is the degree to which they overlap in the worst ways possible. For Americans, our allies’ concerns, our enemies’ threats and victims’ pleas are inextricably tied to one another — by nature, or the hand of political leaders and institutions across the globe. Solving one problem seems impossible without solving the rest, or at least pretending to do so. READ MORE.
The Wall Street Journal Europe features Masanobu Yonemitsu,MS Alumnus
April 7,2009
“Bosnia's International Governor Needs to Flex His Muscles - WSJ.com,”
Marc Champion suggests that although Bosnian politicians' inflammatory rhetoric is unlikely to escalate into a violent conflict, an intervention by the international community might be necessary to break this political impasse ("Bosnia Remains on Edge of Turmoil," page one, March 26). But what kind of intervention is needed?Bosnia's problem is not nationalistic rhetoric or a lack of consensus per se, but the fact that various politicians are benefitting from the stalemate. While Serbs run their entity as if it were an independent state, Bosniaks continue to desperately seek international support just as they did 17 years ago. Croats are eager to have their own entity, feeling uncomfortable living with Bosniaks in the Federation. READ MORE.
The New York Times features Saira Yamin, PhD candidate
“More Force in Afghanistan?”
April 3,2009
As President Obama prepares to increase the United States military commitment to Afghanistan, consideration should be given to the words of Edmund Burke, delivered on March 22, 1775, in the British Parliament, as he warned Britain against the use of force in its dealings with the American colonies:“The use of force alone is but temporary. It may subdue for a moment, but it does not remove the necessity of subduing again: and a nation is not governed which is perpetually to be conquered.” READ MORE.
Washingtonpost.com features Michael L. Owens, Cumbie Assistant
April 2,2009
“A Jihadist Worth Emulating,”
Jihad. The word inspires fear in Western minds. Jihad means extremist Muslims blowing themselves up in crowded markets in order to kill as many infidels as possible. Jihad means attacks like 9/11, USS Cole, Madrid, London, Beirut, and so many more. Jihad means grainy videos of masked men beheading journalists followed by even grainier videos of bearded men in dirty white robes reading demands and calling America the devil. Jihad cannot possibly be something good, right? Wrong. READ MORE.
What the Middle East can learn from Southeast Asia
Samuel Rizk, ICAR PhD candidate
(Common Ground News Service, March 31,2009)
Washington, DC - An argument could be made that the Middle East, as the birthplace of the Abrahamic religions, is a centre of dialogue between Muslims and Christians. Where their holiest places of worship and pilgrimage exist, Muslims and Christians have provided models of historical co-existence and cooperation. But when there is tension, either for religious reasons or when sacred religious language and symbols are abused for more profane purposes, the Middle East has just as easily provided models of intolerance, and certainly of violent confrontation. READ MORE.
Can Washington help the Palestinians forming a unity government
Rawhi Afaghani, ICAR PhD candidate
(Common Ground News Service, March 19, 2009)
Rival Palestinian factions ended a marathon talks in Cairo to reach national reconciliation and forge a unity government. The intra-Palestinian dialogue was launched in Cairo on March 10 and included five committees to discuss core issues: reconciliation, unity government, reforming PLO, holding elections and to reorganize the Palestinian security services. The convened members from the 13 Palestinian factions left Cairo making headway in reaching an agreement on reforming the security services and holding presidential and parliamentary elections by January 2010. Despite the important progress, central issues including forming a national unity government and reforming the PLO remain a major obstacle to national Palestinian reconciliation. Before leaving Cairo, the delegates deferred the outstanding issues to a higher committee in effort to continue dialoguing. READ MORE.
Al Arabiya features Rawhi Afaghani, ICAR PhD candidate
“Why Hamas wants to marginalize the PLO”
February 25, 2009
In the aftermath of the war on Gaza, Khaled Meshaal, Hamas exiled political leader in Damascus, announced plans and a “surprise” to sideline the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), arguing that it is outdated and that the Palestinians need “new national authority.” Another Hamas prominent leader Mahmoud al-Zahar earlier this month told Al Jazeera television that Hamas wants to “preserve the structure of the PLO, but not its program.” Supports of such argument say, while Hamas has won the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, confirming Hamas’ legitimacy and popularity among the Palestinians, it is still not a member of the PLO. READ MORE.
Stimson features Carrie Chomuik, ICAR MS Student
“From Open Door to No-Go: Interpreting Iran’s Policy toward Afghan Refugees,”
February 23, 2009
Iran has deported at least 9,000 Afghan refugees since the beginning of 2009, and the country continues to repatriate nearly 500 per day despite its earlier pledge to halt return efforts for the winter. The recent expulsions suggest an internal struggle between strategic pragmatism and the demands on the country’s decelerating economy. With elections on the horizon, Tehran’s refugee policies can serve as a barometer to measure shifts in domestic unrest and the government’s attitude toward regional commitments. As the US considers a new engagement strategy toward Iran, Tehran’s refugee policy could have an impact on its ability to cooperate with the US on Afghanistan and other regional issues. READ MORE.
ICAR features, “Learning Across Cultures: Disciplines Unite to Create Shared Opportunity”
(The Mason Gazette, February 4, 2009)
Being able to communicate effectively across differences of age, gender, language, culture and political orientation is a highly useful skill. Just as important is the ability to understand culture and its influence on our perspectives.Students were given the opportunity to learn these essentials when the undergraduate Conflict Analysis and Resolution (CAR) Program and the English Language Institute (ELI) partnered last fall to create a shared learning opportunity in cross-cultural communication and dialogue. READ MORE
The Ripe Moment for Peace is over
By
Rawhi Afaghani
January 29, 2009
It might be too early to discuss the consequences of the Gaza war on the Middle East peace process, but as a conflict analysis and resolution specialist I fee compel to do so. On several occasions President Barack Obama mentioned that the Israeli-Arab conflict, one of the most complex and protracted conflicts in the modern history, will be a top priority on his foreign policy agenda. I unfortunately strongly believe that it might be already too late even for the Obama administration to make headway on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ripe moment for peace was lost and it may take another cycle of violence before the Palestinians and the Israelis can talk peace again. READ MORE
The Nation features Saira Yamin,ICAR PhD Candidate
January 26,2009
"Obama, South Asia Change Policy"
Your lead editorial "After Mumbai" [Dec. 22] offers the right policy prescription for South Asia to President-elect Obama. Given the failure of the "war on terror" in Afghanistan and the spillover into Pakistan and beyond, a military surge could exacerbate the grave situation. READ MORE
Journal Sentinel features Nojumi Neamat, ICAR PhD candidate
January 24, 2009
During the campaign, President Barack Obama called the loss of focus in Afghanistan a "grave mistake" and promised that he would refocus from day one of his presidency. The powerful re-emergence of the Taliban and al-Qaida, with cross border capabilities in Afghanistan and Pakistan, after their rout in 2001 turns what Obama has promised into an urgent requirement.More than $10 billion in U.S. counterterrorism aid to Pakistan has been doled out for expensive weapons at the Indian front, while parts of Pakistan have instead turned into terrorist safe havens for staging insurgent operations in Afghanistan. Islamist militants and al-Qaida marching across borders make the region a global threat. READ MORE
ICAR MS student Rebecca Cataldi interviewed in "Fostering American-Islamic Relations" CHUP! - Changing Up Pakistan
January 21,2009
In the international community, anti-U.S. sentiment has been exacerbated by events like the Iraq War, the war in Afghanistan, the Guantanamo Bay scandal, and the drone attacks in Pakistan’s tribal areas. Likewise, stereotypes and misconceptions of the Islamic World have been common place in the United States since the September 11, 2001 attacks. Rebecca Cataldi, a program manager for a non-profit in Washington, D.C. is working to change these perceptions with her initiative - the American-Islamic Friendship Project. She was inspired to start this project - a collection of messages of peace and friendships between people in the U.S. and the Muslim world - after visiting the Middle East and Pakistan. Below, she tells CHUP more about her initiative, why she started it, and what you can do to contribute: READ MORE
The Huffington Post features ICAR faculty, students, and alumni in "Whatever it Takes"
January 19, 2009
Open Letter to President Obama from Conflict Analysis Professionals for Enduring SecurityDear President Obama,Congratulations on your election. We look forward to working with you to heal our country in every way we can.We are interdisciplinary conflict analysis professionals including psychologists and other social scientists devoted to the study and practice of violence prevention, tension reduction, conflict transformation and reconciliation. Like you, we are deeply concerned for our friends, colleagues, relatives and all citizens of Israel and Gaza. We fear the consequences of this cyclical violence and failure to respond appropriately to the devastating damage. It will require expert intervention to heal wounds and reverse cycles of violence. READ MORE
The Washington Post Features Mara Schoeny, ICAR Professor
Arlington Puts Diversity Among Its Top Priorities
Report Discusses Concerns, Ideas
By Mark Berman
February 19, 2009)
Arlington County is a diverse, inclusive community. It says so right atop its Web site: "A diverse, inclusive, world-class urban community." As part of an effort to ensure that Arlington diversifies and includes even more in the future, the county hosted three Diversity Dialogues in the fall. A total of nearly 500 attended, in an effort to build connections and generate discussion among groups in the county. VIEW ONLINE
Congressional Quarterly Features Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Candidate
(January 13, 2009)
Announcements
Michael Shank is now communications director for Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.). He was formerly communications director for the George Mason University Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. VIEW ONLINE
The Hill Features Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Candidate
(January 13, 2009)
People on the Move
Michael Shank has been hired as communications director for Rep. Michael M. Honda, D-Calif. Shank was communications director at George Mason University’s Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Before that, he was press secretary for Citizens for Global Solutions and director of public affairs at World Culture Open, a nonprofit organization. VIEW ONLINE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Scott Laurie
(CTV News, January 7, 2009)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, responding to Obama's prediction of massive deficits for years to come and his incoming administration's plans to address the economic crisis. Simmons predicts pressure to cut entitlement spending and wonders how much attention will be given to waste in military spending. Interview conducted by Scott Laurie on CTV, January 7th, 2009. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
Obama, Change South Asia Policy
By Saira Yamin, ICAR Ph.D. Candidate
(The Nation, January 7, 2009)
Your lead editorial "After Mumbai" [Dec. 22] offers the right policy prescription for South Asia to President-elect Obama. Given the failure of the "war on terror" in Afghanistan and the spillover into Pakistan and beyond, a military surge could exacerbate the grave situation. The region is a nuclear flashpoint. It has been a hotbed of ethnic and sectarian violence, terrorism, secessionist insurgencies and interstate hostilities for well over half a century. Disputed territories between India and Pakistan, most notably Kashmir, have led to wars and perennial border skirmishes. View this Letter at The Nation.
Mason Gazette Features ICAR Professor Susan Allen Nan
By Jim Greif
(Mason Gazette, December 19, 2008)
Mason's Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR) is hosting South Ossetian and Georgian civil society-based peace builders this week (Dec. 16-19) at Point of View, the university's conflict resolution retreat facility at Mason Neck, Va.Susan Allen Nan, assistant professor of conflict analysis and resolution, is leading a group of conflict resolution specialists to facilitate the session. The meeting represents one of the first focused "track two" or citizen diplomacy initiatives since the August war disrupted Georgian-South Ossetian relations. READ MORE
Media Silent as Indian Muslims Forego Holiday
By Marc Gopin, ICAR Professor
(Media for Freedom, December 17, 2008)
Millions of Muslims across India decided to temper or even cancel festivities on their most cherished week of holy yearly celebrations, Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son in obedience to God and His mercy upon him as a result, in protest of violent acts committed in the name of Islam by the criminals who murdered so many in Mumbai. According to a Times of India article, "They wore black ribbons, carried placards of peace, sent out emails and SMS's reiterating harmony and put up banners saluting those who died in the 26/11 terrorist attack. READ MORE
EurasiaNet Features ICAR Professor Susan Allen Nan
By Joshua Kucera
(EurasiaNet, December 17, 2008)
The Georgian government has released evidence connecting a South Ossetian human rights activist to a KGB agent, in an apparent attempt to discredit her during a visit to Washington to gain support for South Ossetian war victims, and to raise awareness of what she called Georgian war crimes. Lira Tskhovrebova, the founder of the Association of South Ossetian Women for Democracy and Human Rights, was part of a small delegation from the Georgian breakaway republic that arrived in Washington on December 4. READ MORE
G20 Momentum Could Spur Collective Climate Action
By Dennis Sandole, ICAR Professor
(Financial Times, December 16, 2008)
Sir, Gideon Rachman has crossed the Rubicon with his bold proposition that the “international community” go where no man or woman has gone before: actually to design and implement a global governance regime to deal with the bewildering array of complex global problems that continue to defy and assault traditional Westphalian state frontiers (“And now for a world government”, December 9). The problem, however, as Mr Rachman observes, is that the human capacity for collective identity stops at the nation-state, where not even the successful European Union project – a possible model for what he has in mind – qualifies as an exception. READ MORE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Scott Laurie
(CTV News, December 14, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, comments on the shoes thrown at President Bush by an Iraqi reporter during a press conference in Baghdad. Simmons observes that this demonstrates the mixed feelings in Iraq about the U.S. presence and the enormous challenge faced by President-Elect Obama who may have Iraqi shoe coming his way if he is not able to better handle the situation. Interview conducted by Scott Laurie on CTV, December 14th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
Fierce Blame Game in Georgia
By Susan Allen Nan, ICAR Professor
(Wall Street Journal, December 8, 2008)
President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia is right, and so are the many Georgians, Ossetians, Russian and others calling for impartial investigation of the causes of the war over South Ossetia. Ironically, the need for an internationally accepted accounting of the war is clearly illustrated by Mr. Saakashvili's replay of the blame game in "Georgia Acted in Self-Defense" (op-ed, Dec. 2). The struggle to characterize the war as either all about "Russia invades Georgia" or "Georgia attacks South Ossetia" needs to be abandoned in favor of a shared story of what happened. READ MORE
Pakistan's Fragile State
By Saira Yamin, ICAR Ph.D. Candidate
(International Herald Tribune, December 4, 2008)
Thomas Friedman ("Calling All Pakistanis," Views, Dec. 3) suggests that reactions from Pakistanis to the Mumbai attacks have been insufficient. Pakistan's leadership, media and civil society have been very vocal in expressing solidarity with India. The Pakistani government has offered full cooperation. Pakistanis from all parts of society have come forward to condemn the common enemy. After all, Pakistan has become a playing field for terrorists as well. READ MORE
There is Hope for India and Pakistan
By Saira Yamin, ICAR Ph.D. Candidate
(Christian Science Monitor, December 4, 2008)
Regarding the Dec. 1 editorial, "Best way to react to India's '9/11'": I applaud this commentary. It offers sound advice. Terrorist attacks in Mumbai have engendered an acute sense of insecurity across the world. As a Pakistani, I feel India's pain. I, too, have lost my people at the hands of terrorists. Now is the time for both countries to come together and work in earnest to root out terrorism. There is a tendency to blame the other when something goes wrong. But given our nuclear weapons, can we afford to carry on with such destructive patterns of behavior? READ MORE
Waking Up to Afghanistan's Realities
By Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Candidate, and Shukria Dellawar, ICAR M.S. Student
(The Guardian, December 3, 2008)
With Robert Gates remaining at the helm of the US defence department for another term, Barack Obama signals that the Pentagon's modus operandi changes little. There are pros and cons to this. The good news: lessons learned from George Bush's administration will be carried forth, resulting in efficiencies strategically and operationally. The bad news: under newly appointed Centcom chief General David Petraeus the oft-touted "awakening councils" of Iraq will be mimicked in the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan. If this policy is pursued – something former secretary of defence Donald Rumsfeld recently discouraged - it will fail. READ MORE
Al Jazeera Interviews ICAR Ph.D. Candidate Michael Shank
(Al Jazeera, December 3, 2008)
Michael Shank, a conflict analyst at George Mason University's Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, examines the shootings in Mumbai, India, stressing the inefficacy of counter-terrorism responses that target the agent only without concurrently addressing the conflict environment in which violence takes roots. Shank suggests that national, regional and global conflicts are responsible for the shootings - specifically, socio-economic and political marginalization of Muslims in India; nuclear and Kashmir conflicts between India-Pakistan and America's preferential nuclear treatment of India; and finally, Muslim-West relations exacerbated by Obama's distancing from his Muslim identity and plans to attack another sovereign Islamic republic, Pakistan. The interview was conducted in Arabic by Al Jazeera on December 3, 2008. WATCH BROADCAST
Mason Gazette Features ICAR Professor Andrea Bartoli
By Jim Greif
(Mason Gazette, December 3, 2008)
In 1948, in the wake of the human atrocities committed by Nazi Germany, the U.N. General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. On Dec. 8, the day before the 60th anniversary of the convention, Andrea Bartoli, professor and Drucie French Cumbie Chair for Mason's Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR), will present the next Vision Series lecture, "Preventing Genocide." The talk takes place at 7 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall on the Fairfax Campus. READ MORE
Scientific American Features ICAR Professor Carlos Sluzki
By Vaughan Bell
(Scientific American, December 2, 2008)
Carlos Sluzki’s cat died a while ago now, but he still sometimes visits. Now more of a shadow cat, the former pet seems to lurk at the edges of Sluzki’s vision, as a misinterpreted movement amid the everyday chaos of domestic life. All the same, the shadow cat is beginning to slink away and Sluzki notes that as the grief fades his erstwhile friend is “erasing himself from the world of the present and receding into the bittersweet world of the memories of the loved ones.” READ MORE
16th OSCE Ministerial Council Needs to Look at Cyprus
By Alfred Farrugia, ICAR Ph.D. Candidate
(Famagusta Gazette, November 30, 2008)
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is convening its 16th Ministerial Council in Helsinki between December 4 and 5. After the end of the Cold War, and as a result of the enlargement of both the European Union and NATO, the OSCE had some difficulties in maintaining its identity and usefulness. The OSCE has several institutions, including the High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), and the field missions, that could contribute to peacebuilding in conflict areas and situations. READ MORE
After the Shooting Stops
By Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Candidate
(The Guardian, November 28, 2008)
Post-catastrophe finger-pointing is both natural and necessary. Crisis responders frequently call for accountability ("Government, why didn't you protect us?") and summon mass appeals to rationality ("Why did this happen?").
Mumbai was no different.
Hardly a manic minute passed after the massacre before Pakistan was pulled into the frame. The range of speculation regarding the origins of the Deccan Mujahideen – from the more formal Inter-Services Intelligence in Islamabad to the more renegade Lashkar-e-Taiba in Karachi - was unsurprising. READ MORE
A Resolution to the Caucasus War?
By Susan Allen Nan, ICAR Professor, George Khutsishvili and Lira Kozaeva
(Georgian Times, November 25, 2008)
The Caucasus war this summer pitted predominantly Christian Orthodox Georgia against predominantly Christian Orthodox Russia and the Abkhaz and South Ossetians, whose Christianity, Islam and traditional spirituality weave a complex tapestry of religions cutting across ethnic and political divides. South Ossetia witnessed ethnic and political tensions over the past two decades, which came to a head in August. Each side has offered competing explanations for their military engagement. READ MORE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
(CTV News, November 23, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, examines the latest cabinet appointments by President-elect Obama. Simmons contends that following Obama’s “change you can believe in” campaign, Obama is now is putting ‘belief’ ahead of ‘change’ by bringing in recognizable names from the Clinton era. Simmons also discusses the bailouts of Wall Street and auto industry, identifying the presence of unions as a key difference between the two situations that influences decision makers. Interview conducted on CTV, November 23rd, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
Why Not a Luxury Magazine with Non-Profit Niches?
By Susan Allen Nan, ICAR Professor
(Financial Times, November 22, 2008)
Sir, The letters (November 15/16) commenting on Ken Lotery’s letter (November 8/9) seem to have missed his point: your editorial “Plastic is forever” (October 31) criticised MasterCard’s diamond-encrusted “Royale” card as a display of conspicuous consumption, while your How to Spend It magazine advocates the same. Rather than rally in support of the magazine with no nod towards having understood Mr Lotery’s critique, I would like to see readers suggest ways How to Spend It might be improved in light of concern with conspicuous consumption. READ MORE
Mason Gazette Features ICAR Ph.D. Student Jana El Horr
By Zoe Rose
(Mason Gazette, November 19, 2008)
The Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR) Alumni Chapter has named PhD student Jana El Horr as this year's recipient of the Mary Lynn Boland award for outstanding student service. She is also a Fulbright scholar and founding member of the Center for Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding. When asked what else she would like to accomplish, her response was simple: "My next big goal is to finish my dissertation, in addition to learning five new languages." This is one full plate, and there is still more. READ MORE
Assafir Features ICAR M.S. Student Hussein Yusuf
By Jinane Gamawi
(Assafir, November 19, 2008)
Hussein Yusuf MSW, a conflict analyst with the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, discusses with ASSIFIR newspaper about the originas of piracy off the coast of Somalia and the economic collapse of the state of Puntland in Somalia as contributing factor to the piracy in the gulf of Aden. READ MORE
We Lead Developed World in Poverty and Inequality
By Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Candidate, and U.S. Representative Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD)
(The Hill, November 18, 2008)
Late last month, buried beneath the noise of last-minute presidential campaigning, a 2008 report released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) cited rising inequality and poverty among member states. Press-released in Paris, this newsworthy point hardly made it into American press. Noticeably, among developed OECD nations the United States ranked highest in both categories: inequality level and poverty rate. This may surprise few but the import of this information must no longer elude leaders - including President-elect Barack Obama. READ MORE
Al Jazeera Interviews ICAR PhD Candidate Michael Shank
(Al Jazeera, November 18, 2008)
Michael Shank, a conflict analyst with the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, examines the root causes of piracy off the coast of Somalia and observes that military actions alone, ones that do not address these underlying conditions, will be unsuccessful. Shank identifies political instability, Somalia's humanitarian crisis, and the ongoing exploitation of the waters as the three root causes behind the increased piracy. Interview by Al Jazeera English, November 18th, 2008. Video courtesy of al Jazeera English. WATCH BROADCAST
Hindustan Times Features ICAR PhD Candidate Michael Shank
By Amit Baruah
(Hindustan Times, November 17, 2008)
Just around the time the MT Stolt Valor was being freed by Somali pirates, another Japanese vessel was hijacked off the Somalian coast. For us as a country, there’s no cause for immediate concern: no Indians were on board. Yes, there’s relief that the Indians on board the Stolt Valor, which was captured by pirates on September 15, are now free and on their way home. But continued instability in Somalia means that another Indian vessel can be hijacked again. READ MORE
Somalia Resurfaces
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Candidate
(Foreign Policy in Focus, November 17, 2008)
At long last, the fragile state of Somalia seems to be slowly resurfacing from a searing bout of violence and humanitarian crisis. Interestingly, the light at the end of this decades-long tunnel is not burning at the behest of the United States or the United Nations; rather, it burns because Somali leaders, both within the government and without, have banded together. Frustrated by failed foreign interventions, they are now seeking sustainable Somali-based solutions. READ MORE
The Break-Up Danger
By Dennis Sandole, ICAR Professor
(Economist, November 14, 2008)
Your evaluation of the current situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, especially the impact of the European Union’s comprehensive intervention, 13 years after the Dayton Peace Process stopped genocidal blood-letting there, is sobering (The break-up danger, November 8th). Despite the resources poured into the three-headed hydra, Bosnia remains a paragon of von Clausewitz standing on his head: politics as war conducted by other means. READ MORE
Poverty, Political Instability and Somali Piracy
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Candidate
(Financial Times, November 14, 2008)
To assume that the pervasive and persistent Somali piracy off the Horn of Africa is sound and fury signifying nothing of political substance, and that the solution to the madness is simply a summoning and tightening of security, is to completely misread the problem ("Pirates of the Horn", editorial, November 11). READ MORE
Air America Interviews ICAR PhD Candidate Michael Shank
By Ron Kuby
(Air America, November 14, 2008)
Michael Shank, a conflict analyst with the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, discusses President-Elect Barack Obama's foreign policy agenda in the Middle East and South Asia. Shank critiques Obama's policy strategies in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, as well as an in-depth analysis of Obama's plans for Iran and Palestinian-Israel. Shank examines the opportunities in US-Iran relations and the challenges in brokering a Mideast peace deal. Interview conducted by Ron Kuby on November 14, 2008. Radio broadcast courtesy of Air America. LISTEN TO INTERVIEW
Serbia's Surprising Turn Westward
By David Young, ICAR M.S. Alumnus and Eleanor Roosevelt Student Scholarship Award Recipient
(World Politics Review, November 13, 2008)
Only eight months after losing Kosovo, their cultural and historical heartland, Serbs seem strangely passive these days. At this time last year, as negotiations over Kosovo's final status reached an impasse, Serbs felt bitter and humiliated by the pariah-status they were dealt by the international community. So their initial reaction to Kosovo's declaration of independence -- and its quick recognition by Western capitals -- this past February was predictable: amidst a crowd of 100,000 peaceful protesters (more than 1% of the population), a few hundred "extremists" attacked and ignited several embassies of Kosovo-friendly governments, including that of Kosovo's strongest ally, the United States. READ MORE
After-Election Dialogue: Students Explore Differences
By Patricia Maulden, CAR Professor
(Mason Gazette, November 10, 2008)
What motivated 58 students from 17 majors to gather last Thursday afternoon to talk about an election already debated for two years? Were two years of endless political debate not enough? Was it pizza? Their professors’ encouragement? The After-Election Dialogue, cosponsored by the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution Undergraduate Program, Dialogue and Difference Project, New Century College and the Mason Democracy Project, provided a different way to talk about what had just happened. The dialogue was not about debate or consensus. It was more about listening and sharing emotions. READ MORE
Mason Gazette Features ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By James Greif, Robin Herron and Tara Laskowski
(Mason Gazette, November 10, 2008)
“Barack Obama’s election represents a major step forward in the struggle for African Americans to become fully included in American society,” says Travis. “His presidency could open doors if African Americans attain new positions in government – attorney general, secretary of defense. However, his election also gives opponents of Affirmative Action the opportunity to say that all racial barriers have been overcome, thus Affirmative Action is no longer necessary,” Travis warns. Solon Simmons, assistant professor in Mason’s Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, is concerned about this as well. READ MORE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Jacqueline Milczarek
(CTV News, November 7, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, talks about Obama's first press conference focusing on the economy. Simmons notes the centrist figures standing behind Obama on stage and predicts a center-left administration that will experiment with policy, but that will not rock the boat too much for business. Interview conducted by Jacqueline Milczarek on CTV, November 7th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Dennis Sandole
By Dan Matheson
(CTV News, November 5, 2008)
Dennis Sandole, Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, discusses Russian plans to deploy missiles near the Polish border. Sandole examines this cold war style move as a reaction to US intentions to deploy a missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic. Sandole sees this not just as a warning to President-Elect Obama but an opportunity as well for Obama to demonstrate his skills at conflict resolution and to deescalate the situation. Interview conducted by Dan Matheson on CTV, November 5th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By CTV Host
(CTV News, November 5, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, discussing the global significance of Obama's election to President of the United States. Simmons sees this as a transformative moment for the US and the world and predicts that Obama will govern the way he ran his campaign, with the opportunity to become a great leader at a very difficult time. Interview conducted by CTV on November 5th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
African-American in the Marine Corps Votes Obama, Respects McCain
By Jana El Horr, ICAR Ph.D. Student
(Al Hayat, November 3, 2008)
Elections 08 mark a new era for the narrative of the African American community. The possibility of electing an African American president to be the head of a predominantly white structure often associated with oppression underlines the change the United States has undergone since the beginning of the civil rights movement in the late 50's. US Marine Corps Major Michael Williams is voting for Obama because of the change he will bring to the perception of African Americans. READ MORE
Al Jazeera Interviews ICAR PhD Student Saira Yamin
(Al Jazeera, November 3, 2008)
Saira Yamin, PhD student at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, appearing on al Jazeera discussing world views on the 2008 US presidential election. Yamin reminds viewers that Obama's international popularity is not universal, particularly in Pakistan where civilians have recently fallen victim to US attacks inside of that country. Yamin believes that Obama's promise to strike inside of Pakistan indicates that there will not be a dramatic change in US foreign policy. Interview conducted on Al Jazeera on November 3rd, 2008. Video courtesy of Al Jazeera. WATCH BROADCAST
Broadside Newspaper Features ICAR-CAR Exhibit
By Ijeoma Nwatu
(Broadside, November 3, 2008)
Shigeko Sasamori told a story that is not heard often. She told a story of war, pain, and one of peace. A quick glance at this small, soft spoken woman would not lead someone to believe she is a survivor of the first nuclear attack. But in fact, this quiet woman in her seventies was only thirteen when the first atomic bomb fell on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. On the night of October 28th, with the help of the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, or ICAR, and the Conflict Analysis and Resolution Undergraduate Program at George Mason University, Sasamori told her story and the life changing events of August 6, 1945. READ MORE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Kate Wheeler
(CTV News, November 3, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, talking about the reopening of a national conversation on race during and following the 2008 election. Simmons reminds viewers that Obama is a truly multi-cultural candidate with a mixed race heritage, whose election to the highest office would represent the realization of the American dream and challenge the usual categorization of people. Interview conducted by Kate Wheeler on CTV, November 3rd, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
Gulf News Features ICAR Professor Marc Gopin
By
Sami Moubayed
(Gulf News, October 28, 2008)
There was a 30-day difference between the September 27 terrorist attack in Damascus, and the October 27 US attack on the town of Abu Kamal, near the Syrian-Iraqi border. On September 27, right after the attack which led to the killing of 17 people, there seemed to be some room for future cooperation between Syria and the US. Barriers imposed in 2003 seemed to slowly - very slowly - start coming down. READ MORE
The Call for Change In the White House Is an Understatement
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Candidate, and US Rep Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD)
(Roll Call, October 28, 2008)
On Nov. 4, America will celebrate the close of the most unprecedented presidential campaign in history. On several accounts past precedent has been handily usurped.
Most notable: This was our nation's most expensive campaign yet, surpassing $1 billion in spending. This was our most diverse campaign, in terms of probable and popular candidates, with both parties positioned to break new ground on race or gender in the White House. This was our longest campaign, with state primaries jockeying for the earliest start out of the gate and with several slated nearly one year prior to the election. READ MORE
Canada AM Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Bev Thomson
(Canada AM, October 28, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, discussing the assassination plot against Obama and the effect that it will have on the election. Simmons also addresses the come-from-behind strategy of the McCain campaign to get voters to vote their aspirations instead of their expectations in a tough economic environment. Interview conducted by Bev Thomson on Canada AM on October 28th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
Security Building and Youth in Morocco
By Vanessa Noël Brown, ICAR M.S. Alumna
(Global Studies Review, Vol. 4, No.3, Fall 2008)
Located at the intersection of Africa and Europe, the kingdom of Morocco has long been a melting pot and a colorful example of globalization. Since the 9th century A.D. Berbers, Muslims and Jews lived, worked and studied together in this region. Today’s youth bulge in North Africa can be viewed as both a challenge and an opportunity for the Maghreb. In Morocco, young people benefit from increased global links yet grapple with unemployment, illegal migration and growing radicalism. READ MORE
Majority of Arab Americans Voting Democrat, Lebanese for McCain
By Jana El Horr, ICAR Ph.D. Student
(Al Hayat, October 26, 2008)
A study published by the Arab American Institute in September 2008 showed that majority of Arab Americans are voting democrats in the November election in support of more righteous domestic policies. Contrary to the elections in 2000 where majority of Arab Americans voted for the Candidate's foreign policy agenda, this year's election marks a new era for the Arab Americans' voting trend where domestic policies are the priority issues for their elected candidate. READ MORE
Bristol Herald Courier Features ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By
Daniel Gilbert
(Bristol Herald Courier, October 26, 2008)
If Virginians went to the polls today to choose the next president of the United States, pollsters and political analysts say they would choose the Democratic ticket of Sen. Barack Obama and running mate Sen. Joe Biden. But if the election came down to a street corner in Abingdon on a recent October afternoon – where a McCain supporter waved a GOP campaign sign – and votes were registered by motorists’ honks and thumbs-ups, the presidency would go to Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin in a landslide. READ MORE
Palin's Makeover
By Nawal Rajeh, ICAR MS Student
(Washington Times, October 25, 2008)
In "Palin's makeover cost RNC thousands" (Nation, Oct. 23), a McCain spokesperson claims that dwelling on "pantsuits and blouses" is frivolous with all the important issues facing our nation. Even though the campaign feels that way and though it's proclaimed that the clothes will go to a "charitable purpose" after the campaign, that's just not the point, is it? The point is not where these luxurious clothes will go, but where they came from. The fact that the Republican National Committee paid more than $100,000 for the look of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in a mere two months is alarming when it can't even run a TV ad in Michigan. READ MORE
Fox News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Steve Chenevey
(Fox News, October 24, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on Fox 5, in Washington D.C. discussing the perception that people have of the presidential candidates. Simmons answers questions about Joe the plumber, Joe six-pack, and the relevence these characters have to everyday Americans. Simmons suggests that some Americans tend to vote their aspirations rather than expectations, voting for policies that are favorable to those in economic positions higher than their own. Interview conducted by Fox 5 News on October 24th, 2008. WATCH BROADCAST
Chronicle of Higher Education Features ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By
Sara Hebel and Reeves Wiedeman
(Chronicle of Higher Education, October 24, 2008)
Professors, college administrators, and other educators have donated eight times as much to Barack Obama as they have to John McCain, the widest gulf in giving to presidential candidates by academics in the past five presidential elections, according to data from the Center for Responsive Politics. Through the end of last month, donors from academe had contributed just over $12.2-million to Mr. Obama, compared with just over $1.5-million to Mr. McCain, according to the center, a nonprofit research group whose data on giving to presidential candidates date to the 1992 election. READ MORE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Dan Matheson
(CTV News, October 23, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on CTV in the waning days of the US presidential election. Simmons discusses the substantial lead of Barack Obama over John McCain, the role that race is playing, the significant endorsements that Obama has recently received and more. Interview conducted by Dan Matheson on October 23rd, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
Veterans Have Earned and Deserve Help and Respect
By Katie Bowen, ICAR Undergraduate Student
(Roanoke Times, October 21, 2008)
The story about Iraq veteran Debbie Camicia was an extremely moving piece and illustrated issues facing most of our veterans today ("Unseen scars" Oct. 12 front page). Veterans are struggling to cope with life after Iraq throughout our country. The article did an excellent job of bringing the physical and mental health issues to light. Our government ought to be taking post-traumatic stress disorder more seriously than just giving talks about it when these soldiers are relieved from their tour. READ MORE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Kate Wheeler
(CTV News, October 20, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on CTV discussing the impact of former Secretary of Stat Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama. Simmons explains that Powell's endorsement answers, for many voters, questions about Obama's lack of experience, particularly with the military. Interview conducted by Kate Wheeler on October 20th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Marci Len
(CTV News, October 19, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on Canada AM following former Secretary of State Colin Powell's public endorsement of Barack Obama. Simmons discusses the significance of this endorsement and how it addresses those moderates who were still questioning Obama's identity. Interview conducted by Marci Ien on October 19th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
USA Today Features ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Jonathan Zimmerman
(USA Today, October 15, 2008)
Welcome to another day of campaign 2008 on campus. Out there in the real world, I'm told, the election is hotly contested. But here at the university, it's all Barack, all the time. And that's a recipe for boredom. Part of the problem stems from professors' own political biases, of course. Don't get me wrong: We're not the crazy-eyed Marxists whom you've read about in the papers. As a recent study by sociologists Neil Gross and Solon Simmons has confirmed, American university professors are mostly moderate-to-liberal rather than radical. READ MORE
Obama: The Model Candidate for American Muslims in 2008
By Jana El Horr, ICAR PhD Student
(Al Hayat, October 15, 2008)
The 2008 US elections show a new trend emerging in the American Muslim population. 70% of American Muslim voters voted for George Bush in 2000 and associated themselves with the Republican party's socially-conservative values. More than 63% of the American Muslim community are now registered Democrats for the upcoming 2008 presidential elections. The American Muslim community is breaking away from its conservative ties to side with the Obama campaign on economic and foreign policy matters that they consider their number one priority during this election year. READ MORE
Talking to the Taliban
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Candidate
(The Guardian, October 14, 2008)
Wandering seven long years in the mountains and deserts of Afghanistan with hardly an end in sight, the US has just been offered a most fortuitous fix. It likely eludes America's current president and queuing candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain, but not for long. The fix is found in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Long considered the most stable of US allies in the Middle East, the Kingdom appeared last week best positioned to play a leadership role in the region after hosting a series of non-official talks between Afghanistan's oppositional leaderships: those formally sanctioned in Kabul under Hamid Karzai and those informally sanctioned, yet arguably equally powerful, under the Taliban. READ MORE
At the Heart of the Faith Healing Debate
By Lori-Ann Stephensen, ICAR MS Student
(The Oregonian, October 13, 2008)
Two Oregon parents were recently charged with criminally negligent homicide because they stood praying as their 16-year-old son died from a prolonged and curable illness. Their 15-month-old niece also died earlier this year from a treatable infection. Oregon lawmakers must consider ways to protect the health of minors while honoring their right to religious devotion and practice -- even if that practice leads them to an untimely death. READ MORE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Marcia MacMillan
(CTV News, October 13, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on CTV responding to the investigation into the abuse of powers of vice presidential candidate and governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin. Simmons discusses the political impact of the scandal on the Republican ticket. Interview conducted by Marcia MacMillan on October 13th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
US Should Send Aid to Both South Ossetia and Georgia
By Susan Allen Nan, ICAR Professor
(Christian Science Monitor, October 9, 2008)
Regarding the Oct. 8 Opinion piece, "I survived the Georgian war. Here's what I saw": South Ossetian voices have been far too absent from international discussion of a war dubbed the "Russian-Georgian" war in US media. Lira Tskhovrebova's reflections on the war she lived through illustrate the folly of the US reaction to that war. She is right to ask how the US can justify "sending another billion dollars to Georgia and nothing for those Georgians attacked." READ MORE
Slogan Diplomacy
By Susan Allen Nan, ICAR Professor
(Washington Times, October 5, 2008)
Simplifying the nuance of foreign relations is dangerous, as Edward Goldberg points out ("McCain's 'sloganeering' on Georgia irresponsible," National, Oct.1). Not only has Sen. John McCain said, "We are all Georgians," but Mr. McCain has also repeated that he looks into Vladimir Putin's eyes and sees "KGB." Ironically, Mr. McCain himself summarized the problem with this sloganeering in his February 2007 rebuke of Mr. Putin's critique of the U.S. seeking a unipolar world: " READ MORE
National Journal Features ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Randy Barrett
(National Journal, October 4, 2008)
It's called "autistic hostility," and it may help explain the unusually poisonous atmosphere between Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill this week. The term describes breaking off contact with an opponent and letting anger fester without any further outside information. "You lose the capacity to see the other person," says Solon Simmons, who teaches conflict resolution at George Mason University. That blindness often leads hostile parties to dehumanize one another and spiral into worsening discord. READ MORE
Chronicle of Higher Education Features ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Roger Bowen
(Chronicle of Higher Education, October 3, 2008)
The historic institution of tenure is rapidly becoming history. The American Association of University Professors, for which I served as general secretary, has for almost a century advocated for tenure as the chief guarantor of a faculty member's academic freedom. But today tenure and academic freedom are viewed less and less as crucially intertwined. Academic freedom has widely been embraced as the central value of the academy because it is correctly regarded as a necessary condition for developing new knowledge. READ MORE
We Do Need Change - In US Policy in Mideast
By Marc Gopin, ICAR Professor
(Washington Jewish Week, October 1, 2008)
It is settled: The election is about change. Sen. Barack Obama had made that his central motif all along, but now Sen. John McCain is onboard. Now that everyone is using the word "change," it begs a question. The question is not "Who stands for change?" but rather, "Whose changes are going to really make a difference, and what are those changes?" One place where change is desperately needed is in the disastrous United States policy toward the Arab-Israeli conflict that has been in effect for the past eight years. READ MORE
Baptist Press Features ICAR Professor Marc Gopin
By Elizabeth Wood
(Baptist Press, October 1, 2008)
Deep misunderstandings between the United States and Muslim communities around the world are causing serious problems and solving them will require constructing "bridges of understanding," says the president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. "Polls show there is a huge lack of understanding of Americans in the Muslim world. We need to broaden and deepen the understanding on both sides," Richard Land said. "The U.S.-Muslim Engagement Project will galvanize every aspect of American society to engage the Muslim society." READ MORE
A Whole, Different View
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Candidate, and US Representative Danny Davis (D-Ill.)
(The Hill, September 30, 2008)
In forming the foundation of our country's defense strategy, George Washington tilted the tenor of this town in a specific direction, noting that, "to be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace." Since then, defense has manifested, with few exceptions, as "operations" oriented toward undermining, usurping or ushering out the enemy. READ MORE
Cornell Chronicle Features ICAR Professor Susan Allen Nan
By Nadia Drake
(Cornell Chronicle, September 30, 2008)
Taking a conflict resolution approach to the invasion of the Republic of Georgia by Russian troops, retired U.S. career diplomat John W. McDonald came to Cornell Sept. 29 to announce a plan to alleviate the crisis. The session also included a panel discussion moderated by Kakabadze with analysis offered by Susan Allan Nan, professor of conflict resolution at George Mason University and Cornell government professors Valerie Bunce and Matthew Evangelista. READ MORE
Cornell Daily Sun Features ICAR Professor Susan Allen Nan
By Ben Gitlin
(Cornell Daily Sun, September 30, 2008)
Despite a working peace plan signed by both Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, officials and experts continue to worry that the Russia-Georgia conflict could reignite if a long-term peace resolution is not reached soon. With this as a backdrop, former ambassador John W. McDonald, who served as a U.S. diplomat for 40 years, presented a comprehensive plan to help facilitate a long-term peace initiative between Russia and Georgia yesterday in Uris Hall. READ MORE
To End a War
By Susan Allen Nan, ICAR Professor
(Economist Online, September 29, 2008)
SIR - Your analysis on the Russia-Georgia conflict (“To end a war”, September 13th) overlooks one important issue still to be worked out in Nicolas Sarkozy’s “step by step” mediation. President Saakashvili has yet to formally renounce the use of force in any future efforts to take back Abkhazia or South Ossetia. READ MORE
Al Jazeera International Interviews ICAR Professor Susan Allen Nan
(Al Jazeera International, September 24, 2008)
Susan Allen Nan, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, commenting on the different approaches of presidential candidates Obama and McCain to Russia and the challenges in the US Russia relationship following the outbreak of violence in Georgia and South Ossetia. Nan contends that McCain's rhetoric has been inflammatory, with name-calling that leaves little room for a productive Russian response while Obama's rhetoric has been just as strong, while leaving the door open for negotiation and collaboration. Interview conducted on September 24th, 2008. Video courtesy of Al Jazeera English. WATCH BROADCAST
Cyprus Could Learn from Malta
By Alfred Farrugia, ICAR PhD Candidate
(Famagusta Gazette, September 19, 2008)
The Parliamentary system in Malta has worked fairly well since the island gained its Independence from Britain in 1964. Perhaps the time has come for Cyprus to consider the possibility of moving from a Presidential system to a parliamentary system. The early concession of a federation implies the legalization of the partition, and this is why it is so difficult for an agreement to be reached by the majority of the Cypriots who wish to see their country as a single entity. READ MORE
Mason Gazette Features ICAR Professors Susan Allen Nan and Dennis Sandole
By Jim Greif
(Mason Gazette, September 18, 2008)
In a weekly series running from now until the election, the Mason Gazette will present the views of Mason faculty experts on a variety of important campaign issues. This week's focus is on foreign policy. Susan Allen Nan,
Assistant professor, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution: "America needs to stop thinking short term about our interests in oil and markets and start thinking long term about our need to build respectful relationships of reciprocity and trust with partners around the world. READ MORE
Energy Is at the Heart of Many Recent Conflicts
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Candidate
(Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 16, 2008)
The raison d'être of the row between Russia and Georgia now seems obvious enough to the trained eye. Wading through a geopolitical swamp of post-Cold-War balkanization, this latest conflict was the result of a potent mixture of Russian nationalism, Ossetian-Abkhazian quest for identity and autonomy, and a Georgian (by proxy) exertion of American power. Buried below the laundry list of laudable explanations lies a more salient truth: This violence was chiefly, if not solely, spurred by the desire for mastery over natural resources. READ MORE
Obama, McCain Don't Grasp Roots of Pakistan's Instability
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Candidate
(The Hill, September 12, 2008)
(Regarding article "McCain, Obama applaud Musharraf's resignation," Aug. 18.) Have presidential candidates Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) learned nothing from the resignation of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf? Both noted the exit of coup-installed Musharraf should "open the door to cooperation...in the hunt for terrorists."
Continuing this modus operandi of terrorist-hunting in Pakistan will exacerbate the problem, not alleviate it. READ MORE
US Airstrike in Pakistan
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Candidate
(New York Times, September 10, 2008)
What unpropitious timing for America to attack Pakistan at the dawn of new democratic elections ("U.S. Attack on Taliban Compound Kills 23 in Pakistani Border Area," news article, Sept. 9). In a Pentagon-commissioned, five-missile airstrike that was hardly coincidentally timed, Washington's agenda was clear: to alert Islamabad that allegiance in the war on terrorism is a nonnegotiable item. READ MORE
Congress Must Extend Tax Credits for Renewable and Efficient Sources
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Candidate, and US Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD)
(The Hill, September 10, 2008)
Governors and state legislators are doing it. Mayors are doing it. Universities are doing it. Businesses and individuals are doing it. The greening of America is occurring for a host of environmental, economic, religious, security and humanitarian reasons. However, Congress remains noticeably recalcitrant.
During this year's most sweltering energy crisis, this Congress approved no new energy legislation. READ MORE
The Omar el-Bashir Indictment: A Precedent for Global Accountability?
By Danny Kaysi, CAR Undergrad Student
(Common Ground News Service, September 9, 2008)
The world deserves a supranational and neutral international court in which political interests and stakeholders are unable to deter investigations into the actions of leaders who sanction murder and other inhumane acts.
Omar el-Bashir may be our chance to empower such a court.
If the International Criminal Court (ICC) is able to bring Sudan’s president, Omar el-Bashir, to justice, its legitimacy will increase. READ MORE
Jerusalem Post Features ICAR Professor Marc Gopin
By Greer Fay Cashman
(Jersusalem Post, September 6, 2008)
On the final day of the seventh annual Sulha, a three-day festival that took place in Latrun last week, Prof. Rabbi Mark Gopin delivered a message from the Syrian mufti. Gopin has met with the mufti a number of times, and was asked on his last visit to Syria to pass a message to Israel and the Palestinians. "The dream is to establish peace in the region based on good neighborliness. I deliver to Muslims, Jews and Christians in the Holy Land my blessings for cooperative action and believe that if enough people want peace and make small steps in its direction, everything is possible," wrote the Syrian mufti. READ MORE
Crime and the Economy are Directly Related
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Candidate
(Financial Times, September 5, 2008)
Sir, In an apparent editorial about-face ("Crime and the credit crunch", September 2), you claim that larger police forces and harsher prison sentences are responsible for lower levels of crime and that the link between economic growth and crime is weak. This is hardly consistent with previous editorials - which I heartily endorse - prescribing economic development as an effective soft-power means of reducing violence in places like Afghanistan. READ MORE
Drill Here, Drill Now? No: Sustainability Lies Elsewhere
Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Candidate, and US Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA)
(Richmond Times-Dispatch, August 30, 2008)
To drill or not to drill, that is the question. But is it? Offshore oil reserves, once online -- a feat that would come long after the new president's first term -- will garner less than three years of supply. Drilling in Alaska's National Wildlife Refuge will surface even less. When the U.S. supplies 3 percent of the world's oil reserves but demands 25 percent, short-term fixes will invariably make for insufficient long-lasting solutions. READ MORE
Jerusalem Post Features ICAR Professor Marc Gopin
By Abe Selig
(Jerusalem Post, August 26, 2008)
Sitting in the shade near the Trappist Monastery vineyards at Latrun on Tuesday, Khaled Abu Awwad reflected on his time in an Israeli prison, and how he came to peach the values of peace as opposed to those of war. "I think that pursuing peace takes more courage, more strength even, than fighting," Abu Awwad said. "To take all of those emotions, that anger and suspicion, and control it, to be able to sit down with your enemy and look him in the eye - that's much more challenging than fighting him. Fighting is your first reaction, it's natural." READ MORE
Mason Gazette Features ICAR Students Nicole Goodrich and Idil Izmirli
By Nick Walker
(Mason Gazette, August 25, 2008)
This year, 1,450 Americans - six of whom are Mason students or alumni - will travel abroad through the U.S. Fulbright Student Award.
The number of Mason scholars winning the Fulbright award continues to increase. One Mason scholar was selected in 2006, and three in 2007. READ MORE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Jacqueline Milczarek
(CTV News, August 23, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on CTV before Obama's announcement that Joe Biden was selected as the Vice Presidential running mate. Simmons examines the selection of Biden and the demographics which he should shore up for Obama including older voters, Catholics, and the white working class. WATCH BROADCAST
The Lessons of the Russian-Georgian Conflict
By Susan Allen Nan, ICAR Professor
(New York Times, August 22, 2008)
“Cold Friends, Wrapped in Mink and Medals,” by Bill Keller (Week in Review, Aug. 17), says that Moscow and Beijing have forgotten to close the history books. Based on the American response to the fighting in Georgia, Washington should be added to that list. Washington has asserted unconditional friendship with President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia, and snubbed Russia with the Poland missile treaty while labeling Russia an international pariah. Recent history shows that cold war thinking will secure neither people nor pipelines. READ MORE
Future for Ossetia
By Susan Allen Nan, ICAR Professor
(The Guardian, August 20, 2008)
Bravo for Max Hastings' acknowledgement of the Russians' need for respect and the pragmatism of taking their needs into account (Comment, August 18). What would such an approach mean for South Ossetia? Rather than being stuck to the positions of old lines on territorial integrity that the US drew in the sand long ago, we could engage freely in creative thinking to develop new relationships that meet each country's need for security - and also for access to oil pipelines. Can you imagine a Caucasus Community developing into a Caucasus Union? READ MORE
Can We Envisage and Build a Peaceful Caucasus?
By Susan Allen Nan, ICAR Professor
(Financial Times, August 19, 2008)
From Dr Susan Allen Nan. Sir, An elderly woman in Gori, quoted in your report "Medvedev sets deadline for troop withdrawal" (FT.com August 17), asks: "What will happen here?" That question offers a wiser focus than the reactive conflict escalation demonstrated by Georgian, South Ossetian and Russian forces, and by the inflammatory US rhetoric of the past nine days. The Georgian-Russian war and history of Georgian-South Ossetian clashes demonstrate that military means will not resolve this conflict. Over the long term, nobody will win the current battles; no one group can sustain power over the others. READ MORE
The War in Georgia
By Susan Allen Nan, ICAR Professor
(Washington Post, August 19, 2008)
Having visited Tskhinvali several times in the past decade as a scholar and practitioner of conflict resolution, I sorrowfully view the outbreak of war between Georgia and Russia as the classic and all-too-familiar escalation of conflict. While my Georgian, South Ossetian and Russian friends suffer the terrors of war, I hope that we who are far removed from the fighting and its humanitarian consequences can recognize this catastrophe as a wake-up call. Nobody wins when we follow the traditional trajectory of conflict escalation, trying to impose a political settlement by force. The old way of seeking power over others simply does not work in today's interdependent world. READ MORE
FOX News Interviews ICAR Professor Susan Allen Nan
By Steve Chenevey
(FOX 5 Morning News, August 18, 2008)
Susan Allen Nan, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University on Fox News 5 DC, speaking about the ceasefire between Russia and Georgia and the agreed pullout of Russian troops. Nan laments the revived cold war mentality that power and military means can solve these problems. She envisions a future where the needs of all of the parties and considered and addressed multilaterally and peaceably. Interview conducted on August 18th, 2008. WATCH BROADCAST
CTV News Interviews ICAR PhD Student Michael Shank
By Jacqueline Milczarek
(CTV News, August 18, 2008)
Michael Shank, a conflict analyst with the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, discusses the resignation of Pakistan's President Musharraf. Shank attributes Musharraf's ouster to his extreme unpopularity among the people of Pakistan and their disapproval of the close alliance with the U.S. and its War on Terror. He suggests that the United States should change tack and support the platform of the opposition parties in negotiating with tribal leaders, providing much needed economic development, investing in educational infrastructure, and supporting the nonviolent leadership of the Northwest Frontier Province's political parties. Interview conducted by Jacqueline Milczarek on August 18th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
Al Jazeera Interviews ICAR Professor Susan Allen Nan
(Al Jazeera, August 17, 2008)
Susan Allen Nan, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University on Al Jazeera English commenting on the Russia-Georgia and the limits of the American approach of unconditional support for Georgian President Saakashvili. Nan observes that a more constructive and influential approach would have to consider then needs and interests of all the people on the ground. Interview conducted on August 17th, 2008. Video courtesy of Al Jazeera English. WATCH BROADCAST
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Dennis Sandole
By Jacqueline Milczarek
(CTV News, August 17, 2008)
Dennis Sandole, Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University on CTV commenting on the Russia-Georgia crisis and the responses from French President Sarkozy, Germany's Angela Merkel, the United States, Poland, and NATO. Sandole offers alternate security frames which are inclusive, rather than exclusive. Interview conducted by Jacqueline Milczarek on August 17th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Scott Laurie
(CTV News, August 16, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on CTV after the appearance of McCain and Obama at the Civil Forum hosted by evangelical leader Rick Warren. Simmons notes that values issues important to evangelicals are shifting to include things like the economy and observes the significance of Obama's admission that evil does exists. Interview conducted by Scott Laurie on August 16th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Jacqueline Milczarek
(CTV News, August 14, 2008)
[Television Interview, CTV News, August 14, 2008] Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on CTV discusses the effect of Oprah Winfrey's support for Obama's campaign and the signals she sends to voters, particularly those that would not have participated otherwise. Simmons also examines the significant role that Hillary Clinton will have at the convention and John McCain's strong response to the crisis in Georgia. Interview conducted by Jacqueline Milczarek on August 14th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
KLAA 830 AM Radio Interviews ICAR Professor Dennis Sandole
By Brian Oxman and Kathryn Milofsky
(KLAA, August 13, 2008)
Dennis Sandole, professor of conflict resolution and international relations at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, is interviewed on KLAA's Insight radio program regarding conflict between Georgia and Russia. Sandole talks about the conflict's current dynamics, its impacts on US-Russia relations, cold war residue, the role of natural resources (oil) in fueling this conflict, and potential ways in which the conflict can be managed. LISTEN TO INTERVIEW
US News & World Report Features ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Katherine Skiba
(USNWR, August 12, 2008)
Twenty-year-old Doug Massengill grew up poor, raised by grandparents in a rural enclave in North Carolina, a state that hasn't picked a Democrat for president since Jimmy Carter first ran in 1976. Today, the North Caro-lina State University junior is pounding the pavement for Barack Obama, defying familial Republican roots and persuading peers to register to vote and give Barack Obama the nod. "He really represents the promise of the younger generation," Massengill says. This southern state is crowded with almost a half-million college and university students, and Massengill is convinced that if he can lure them to the polls, "North Carolina is Barack Obama's to win." READ MORE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Dan Matheson
(CTV News, August 11, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on CTV discussing Nader's candidacy in the context of the American political left. Simmons also comments on the negative turn the McCain campaign has taken by invoking celebrity and gender by using Paris Hilton, as well as the subdued responses of President Bush and both of the major candidates to the war between Russia and Georgia. WATCH BROADCAST
Global Peace Index Ranking Doesn't Flatter the U.S.
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student, and US Rep. Gregory Meeks
(Richmond Times-Dispatch, August 10, 2008)
In the tradition of politically charged Olympics of the past, the 2008 summer games in Beijing have become an arena to contest some of the world's most egregious conflicts. From concerns over China's crackdown on Tibetan rights to the country's slothful response vis-a-vis Darfur, government and business leaders alike are seizing the opportunity to wage political proxy wars, with the aim of using sport to influence China's handling of human rights and genocide. READ MORE
Ethiopia: Domestic and Regional Challenges
By Terrence Lyons, ICAR Professor
(CSIS Africa Policy Forum, August 7, 2008)
Ethiopia is becoming increasingly authoritarian and potentially faces a convergence of challenges that will stretch the regime’s capacity to manage multiple crises. The ruling Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) party weathered the immediate domestic crises that followed contentious national elections in 2005. Non-competitive local elections in April and the promulgation of a draft proclamation to restrict civil society organizations in July indicate that the regime is intent on deepening its control. Across the strife-torn Horn of Africa, Addis Ababa faces an extraordinarily tense and militarized border with Eritrea as the debilitated Algiers peace process that brought their 1998-2000 war to an end has collapsed. READ MORE
Brownback's Hypocrisy
By Paul Snodgrass, ICAR MS Alumnus
(The Hill, August 5, 2008)
Should the Chinese listen to Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) when he condemns them for planning to spy on the Internet traffic of visitors to Beijing for the Olympics? (article, “Senators want IOC to reverse Olympic censorship deal,” July 31.) Brownback surrendered his credentials as a defender of privacy rights when he voted in support of the USA Patriot Act, and more recently, for FISA reform legislation, which granted immunity to telecom companies that unlawfully shared their customers’ private information with the government. READ MORE
Development Objectives Outweigh National Security Interests
By Marci Moberg, ICAR M.S. Student
(CSIS Forum, August 4, 2008)
Increasing pressure to focus U.S. development assistance primarily on U.S. national security interests misunderstands the original objectives of development assistance and will ultimately risk our personnel and national security.When Congress signed the Foreign Assistance Act in 1961, the focus and objectives of U.S. development assistance were born.When Congress signed the Foreign Assistance Act in 1961, the focus and objectives of U.S. development assistance were born. READ MORE
Mason Gazette Features ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By James Greif
(Mason Gazette, August 4, 2008)
A new study from a Mason researcher finds that professors who adopt an attitude that is often disparagingly called "politically correct" are as tolerant and fair-minded as those who do not, even if they differ over what they think political life demands of a scholar.
The study, titled "Ascriptive Justice: The Prevalence, Distribution and Consequences of Political Correctness in the Academy," was published in the June 2008 issue of the academic journal the Forum. READ MORE
Female Suicide Bombers
By Julie Shedd, ICAR PhD Student
(International Herald Tribune, July 31, 2008)
Regarding the article "Female suicide bombers kill 48 in Iraq" (July 28): Why are we still shocked by female suicide bombers? We express shock that women could engage in that much violence, but history shows us that women are as capable of indiscriminate violence as men. Female suicide bombers have been with us since the 1980s and have shown how effective female human bombs can be in Sri Lanka, Chechnya and the Middle East. If women can go into combat for the United States military why is it so difficult to understand that they can also be on the front lines of a radical cause? READ MORE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Dennis Sandole
By Dan Matheson
(CTV News, July 30, 2008)
Dennis Sandole, Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University on CTV responding to the nationalist protests against the arrest of Radovan Karadzic. Sandole discusses the reason that Serbian leaders have been the focus of the International Criminal Tribunal on the former Yugoslavia and stresses the need for processes beyond trials and prosecutions to help bring about constructive change in Serbia. WATCH BROADCAST
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Dennis Sandole
By Jacqueline Milczarek
(CTV News, July 27, 2008)
Dennis Sandole, Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University on CTV responding to the arrest of Karadzic, a Serbian nationalist who faces charges of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Sandole highlights the role of identity politics and history to explain the timing of this arrest, the lingering support for nationalists like Karadzic, and the bravery of leaders trying to move the country away from its troubled past. WATCH BROADCAST
Inside Higher Ed Features ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Scott Jaschik
(Insider Higher Ed, July 25, 2008)
A major new study of the political correctness of faculty members may challenge assumptions all around. For those who deny that there is an identifiable group of PC professors, the study says that there is in fact a group with consistently common perspectives, largely based on their views of discrimination (that it exists and matters). But for those who say that these tenured radicals have all the power in academe, the study finds that politically correct professors’ views on the role of politics in hiring decisions aren’t very different from the views of other professors. READ MORE
Canada AM Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Seamus O'Regan
(CTV News, July 25, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on Canada AM discussing Obama's Berlin speech to over 200,000 Germans. Simmons comments on the increase in global engagement that Obama's foreign policy promises and describes the candidate's aptitude as a pre-persuader, framing events in such a way as to create new realities. WATCH BROADCAST
Game Emblematic of Party Politics
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
(Roll Call, July 23, 2008)
[Published, Roll Call, July 23, 2008] Last week's 47th Annual Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park, between the Republicans and the Democrats, could not have been more emblematic of the state of American party politics ("GOP Wins Trophy in Nail-Biter," July 18). That the Republicans won for the eighth straight year, taking 11 of the last 12 games, is not insignificant. Despite this year’s nail-biter, the recent record implies that Republicans know how to do "America" - in this case, baseball, a favorite American pastime - much better than the Democrats. READ MORE
Mukasey's Disturbing View on Holding Gitmo Detainees
By Ross Gearllach, ICAR M.S. Student
(The Hill, July 23, 2008)
Attorney General Michael Mukasey’s recent request that Congress act to allow the government to hold prisoners without the ability to challenge their imprisonment betrays a disturbing level of carelessness on the part of the attorney general (article, “Mukasey urges Congress to act on Gitmo detainees,” July 21). READ MORE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Kate Wheeler
(CTV News, July 21, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, on CTV discussing the reception of presidential candidate Barack Obama in Iraq and Afghanistan. Simmons says that the citizens of former colonies like Afghanistan and Iraq are aware that Obama has a chance to become the first person of African descent to lead a great power. Simmons also discussed McCain's response to Obama's trip and the upcoming selection of running-mates. Interview conducted by Kate Wheeler on July 21st, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
US Needs to Take Lead on Reducing Emissions
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
(USA Today, July 14, 2008)
That China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa nudged the richer G8 nations to "take the lead in achieving … greenhouse gas emissions reductions" is entirely appropriate, despite the fact that it flies in the face of American finger-pointing ("Bush lauds G-8 leaders for work on environment, trade issues," USATODAY.com, July 9). U.S. leaders have long launched assaults on China's and India's inaction, claiming that Asia's giants contribute more carbon than America. READ MORE
Larger Meaning of 'Use it or Lose it'
By Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Student
(The Hill, July 10, 2008)
That Congress is pressuring oil companies to "use it or lose it" on public lands is understandable enough given constituent discontent with rocketing petrol prices (article, "Energy bill out of gas," July 8). But this narrow and nebulous agenda is near-sighted for two reasons. READ MORE
CTV News Features ICAR PhD Student Michael Shank
By Dan Matheson
(CTV News, July 9, 2008)
Michael Shank, a conflict analyst with the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, discusses Iran's recent missile tests in an atmosphere of heightened rhetoric and earlier military demonstrations by the US and Israel. Shank advocates for high level diplomacy, calling for a repeat of the the recent diplomatic successes achieved on North Korea's nuclear program. Interview conducted by Dan Matheson on July 9th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV.WATCH BROADCAST
Reconciliation in Rwanda: Building Peace Through Dialogue
By
Vanessa Noël Brown, ICAR M.S. Alumna
(Conflict Trends Magazine, Issue 1, 2008)
Facilitated dialogue in the aftermath of a national
conflict can counteract otherwise destructive debates
and promote reconciliation. Through the thoughtfully
orchestrated use of dialogue, there is cause for optimism
that Rwanda can reposition its narrative, filled
with cycles of interethnic violence, to become one of
Africa’s 21st century success stories. Dialogue is being
used in various forms throughout the country, from
formal discussion clubs to academic conferences, to
help Rwandans strengthen national unity and equality. READ MORE
New York Times Features ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Patricia Cohen
(New York Times, July 3, 2008)
When Michael Olneck was standing, arms linked with other protesters, singing “We Shall Not Be Moved” in front of Columbia University’s library in 1968, Sara Goldrick-Rab had not yet been born. When he won tenure at the University of Wisconsin here in 1980, she was 3. And in January, when he retires at 62, Ms. Goldrick-Rab will be just across the hall, working to earn a permanent spot on the same faculty from which he is departing. READ MORE
High-Level Engagement by US and UK is Needed vis a vis Iran
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
(Financial Times, July 1, 2008)
Sir, Let us for a moment consider the merits of engagement ("A very small step: Pyongyang's nuclear declaration is no breakthrough", editorial, June 27). Three successes in 2008 are particularly salient and worth citing. US ambassador Christopher Hill's persistent diplomatic penetration of North Korea's notorious and noxious isolationism has finally unearthed some tractable - and previously conflict-ridden - landscape. READ MORE
Liberal Persuasions
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
(Economist, June 28, 2008)
I attended the recent conference on Islam in Kuala Lumpur and can confirm that the Dutch preference for pre-empting religious flare-ups was well expounded not only by a Dutch lawyer, Famile Fatma Arslan, whom you mentioned, but also by an adviser to the Dutch foreign ministry (“When religions talk”, June 14th). While groups like the Organisation of the Islamic Conference prefer legal methods to limit “defamation of religion”, the Dutch approach leans less on law and more on an astute use of early-warning mechanisms to avoid social tensions. READ MORE
New Treaty for Iran and Israel
By Marc Gopin, ICAR Professor
(Middle East Times, June 25, 2008)
It is often said in the Arab world that the road to Jerusalem goes through Washington, with the implicit assumption that only the Americans can bring the Israelis to the negotiating table. But there is a distinctly different dynamic emerging from the waning days of the U.S. presidency of George W. Bush. The road to Washington may in fact pass through Jerusalem. READ MORE
Toronto Star Features ICAR Professor Kevin Avruch
By Olivia Ward
(Toronto Star, June 22, 2008)
Canada has embarked on a painful voyage of discovery through years of misery inflicted on aboriginal children who were forced into residential schools. The process of truth and reconciliation has also connected us with the dark histories of other countries throughout the world, in a collective memory of injustice and hope for healing old wounds. READ MORE
Campus Radicals: A New Muslim Student Group Tries to Rouse the Moderates
By Jana El Horr, ICAR PhD Student, and Sana Saeed, ICAR MS Alumna
(Wall Street Journal, June 20, 2008)
The school year that just ended brought to the fore a couple of controversies over Muslim students on U.S. campuses. The University of Michigan announced in the fall that it would be spending $25,000 on footbaths for Muslim students. In the spring, Harvard's decision to provide women-only gym hours to accommodate some members of the campus Islamic society sparked debate in the ivory tower and beyond. Yet away from the often-harsh media glare, a profound shift has begun across the country. READ MORE
Conference Cites a Growing Gap in Muslim-Western Relations
Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
(Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 17, 2008)
Last week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, suffering internal political setbacks and susceptible to overthrow by opposition, hosted a major tete-a-tete on the growing gap between the Muslim world and the West. The prime minister is a moderate; his agenda was laudable: to strategize sensible solutions to bridge the divide between Islam and countries considered quintessentially "western," with particular emphasis on the United States, the European Union, and Australia. READ MORE
Who Are the Real Friends of Israel?
By Marc Gopin, ICAR Professor
(Khaleej Times, June 14, 2008)
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), one of the most powerful lobby groups in the United States, just concluded its annual Washington conference. It drew a long line of administration officials and the presidential candidates to its doorsteps, all touting orthodox lines on what it means to be pro-Israel-messages carefully crafted to please the lobby. READ MORE
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Jacqueline Milczarek
(CTV News, June 7, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University on CTV following Hillary Clinton's suspension of her campaign and support for Obama. Simmons anticipates that Clinton's supporters will vote for Obama over McCain and observes that Obama is embracing a 50-state strategy or "Dean's Gambit." Interview conducted by Jacqueline Milczarek on June 7th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By
Marcia MacMillan
(CTV News, June 3, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University on CTV discussing the conclusion of the Democratic Primaries and Obama's apparent clinching of the nomination. Simmons analyzes the historic significance of this outcome, the role of the Clintons in the Democratic party, the need for Obama to tell the story about his relationship with Pastor Wright and Trinity, as well as potential running mates. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
CTV News Interviews ICAR Professor Solon Simmons
By Scott Laurie
(CTV News, May 31, 2008)
Solon Simmons, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University talking about the Democratic Party's decision on the seating of delegates from Florida and Michigan. SImmons describes the process as a "smoke filled room without the smoke," suggesting that deals may be made and the outcomes are uncertain. Video courtesy of CTV. WATCH BROADCAST
