Category Archives: Politics

Egypt-Turkey: Long, turbulent history

Posted on December 10, 2013 by nervana111

Initially published in Islamist Gate  Ottoman Sultan Selim I, the conquerer of Egypt “History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” This famous quote by Mark Twain is highly relevant to the relationship between Egypt and Turkey. Egypt’s decision … Continue reading →

Posted in Egypt, Middle East, Politics, Turkey, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Abuse of “Takbir” from Ballot Boxes To Woolwich

Posted on May 24, 2013 by nervana111

For many non-Muslims, “Allahu Akbar,” or God is Great has become synonymous with radicalism, brutal murders, rape, and even cannibalism committed in the name of Islam. It is hardly surprising, as the Islamic slogan has been repeatedly used and abused … Continue reading →

Posted in Britain, Islam, Politics | Tagged , , , , , | 14 Comments

‘Non’- Romantic Sectarianism

Posted on April 30, 2013 by nervana111

If your Lord had pleased, surely all those who are on the earth would have believed, all of them; will you then force men till they become believers? __ Quran 10.99 Originally published in Daily News Egypt Beni Suef– A story of … Continue reading →

Posted in Egypt, Islam, Politics, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Lebanon’s New War of the Bearded Enemies

Posted on April 24, 2013 by nervana111

          There was nothing more perplexing and confusing than watching the unfolding events of the Lebanese civil war. It was ruthless, ugly, and dirty, and it taught me as well as many Arabs the harsh reality … Continue reading →

Posted in Lebanon, Politics | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Morsi’s Pyrrhic Victory

Posted on December 25, 2012 by nervana111

I wrote this piece for Egypt Source, Atlantic Council. Here it is, in case you missed it. Following weeks of tension and violence over Egypt’s divisive draft constitution, the second round of voting in the referendum is complete. The unofficial results indicate a … Continue reading →

Posted in Egypt, Politics | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Turkey, Syria, and the Cyprus Scenario

Posted on October 14, 2012 by nervana111

  In his article in The New York Times,  Sonar Cagaptay cited possible scenarios for Turkish intervention in Syria: “If the situation continues to escalate, Turkey’s history suggests that it is likely to follow one of three paths: continued low-intensity … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Syria, Turkey | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Iran, Syria, Interests Vs Liabilities

Posted on August 26, 2011 by nervana111

How far is Iran willing to go in order to save the Assad regime from crumbling? No one can truly answer this question; in fact, I think even Assad may not know the answer for sure. it is certainly true … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Politics, Syria | 2 Comments

The Mullahs will pick up the pieces

Posted on August 8, 2011 by nervana111

It is almost impossible to predict how Syria might emerge after Assad. Many hope for a stable, democratic state. Though, instability, civil war and an Islamic state are also real possibilities. Regardless of the outcome, the collapse of the Assad … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Israel, Politics, Syria | Tagged , , | 6 Comments