http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12373767
Turmoil in the middle east has become undoubtedly viral. The prime minister of Iraq has decided not to seek a third term after his current term ends in 2014. He hints at the cause of the violence in egypt. He is quoted as saying "One of the characteristics of a lack of democracy is when a leader rules for 30 or 40 years.....Change is necessary." I suspect this change he is referring to had something to do with his decision to give half of his pay back to the treasury in recognition of the gap between the rich and the poor. This is more evidence of the domino effect the turmoil in egypt is causing. It would be nice if other leaders followed his example and gave half of their salary back to include the U.S. That would not even put a dent in the gap between the rich and the poor but it is a good gesture. Maybe one day in a perfect world all of the rich would give half of their wealth to the poor, but would that solve everything or just cause other problems?
Te'Nisha Jones- section 16200
I think Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki is taking a big step to change. He is worried about what will become of the Islamic countries. He is definitely showing other leaders that it is time to consider the interests' of its people. Referring to Egypt, he said: "The people have the right to express what they want without being persecuted." Maliki, has done a good gesture and hopefully others will follow the same path as Te'Nisha said. If the rich gave money to the poor, it would be economically good, but it also would lead to other problems. I believe it would take strict laws or convincing for the rich to give their money to the poor. The rich would expect something in return and most would not see beyond their points of view. Hopefully Maliki's action will show other leaders its time for a change.
ReplyDeletePosted by:
Elina Segal
TA:Ryan 11 a.m. Section
Elina, I agree that stratification is a problem which will not easily be solved, particularly if it is dependent upon the agency of those who benefit most from its perpetuation, the wealthy. I feel Maliki's act speaks more, however, to the actions of leaders and further reinforces his position for change and the denial of despotism. I think it is a yet more significant model for leaders in the region because it come from within, and Iraq shares in the same struggles in which these countries are currently engaging. Given Iraq's oil resource wealth (and the dynamics of petropolitics), this act is even more impressive. Finally, I hope the U.S. does not attempt to claim any credit as a result of its "bringing democracy to Iraq."
ReplyDeletePosted by Liana Bran
TA: Armel, 1 pm section