Do you consider yourself to be European?
May 17th 2011, 9:52 am
#122
MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 6,370
Re: Do you consider yourself to be European?
I'm not arguing with that, just saying that the speed of change in the Gulf has been much quicker. I'd estimate they've progressed about 500 years worth (in Western terms) in 50 years. Of course they've still got a way to go with things like democracy and a proper legal system.
Democracy requires solid institutions, good rule of law and for the enfranchised to be well informed - the UAE isn't even close to ready for that. Good democracy requires significant cultural changes and works best with secular governance - something the middle east isn't famous for
N.
May 17th 2011, 1:27 pm
#123
Excess Baggage
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 5,479
Re: Do you consider yourself to be European?
Agreed the speed of change has been immense in the UAE.
Democracy requires solid institutions, good rule of law and for the enfranchised to be well informed - the UAE isn't even close to ready for that. Good democracy requires significant cultural changes and works best with secular governance - something the middle east isn't famous for
N.
Democracy requires solid institutions, good rule of law and for the enfranchised to be well informed - the UAE isn't even close to ready for that. Good democracy requires significant cultural changes and works best with secular governance - something the middle east isn't famous for
N.
May 18th 2011, 12:37 pm
#124
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,127
Re: Do you consider yourself to be European?
Whats with this 'Arab Spring'? As a notion, it is as if it is somethign short lived that is about to get back to bed once we get to the 'Arab Autumn'..Wasn't these sorts of events reffered to revolutions before? Toppling of leaders, fighting against your government? Well..how can we trust the western media on this subject, as they turned circles to suqares..and even roundabouts to squares.
May 18th 2011, 2:28 pm
#125
MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 6,370
Re: Do you consider yourself to be European?
...and since neither seem to be on the cards it's going to be business as usual. I see Egypt is already stepping up persecution of the Christian Copts - the people who are descendants of the ancient Egyptians...nice
N.
May 18th 2011, 2:34 pm
#126
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Disneyland, Dubai
Posts: 15,887
Re: Do you consider yourself to be European?
This "Arab Spring" will not work unless the reform their entire way of doing things, most critically they need to secularise their entire education systems and have full legal equality for women...
...and since neither seem to be on the cards it's going to be business as usual. I see Egypt is already stepping up persecution of the Christian Copts - the people who are descendants of the ancient Egyptians...nice
N.
...and since neither seem to be on the cards it's going to be business as usual. I see Egypt is already stepping up persecution of the Christian Copts - the people who are descendants of the ancient Egyptians...nice
N.
That said, Egyptian women are actually quite empowered in the government. Nearly all of the ministries are run by 60 year old women.
May 19th 2011, 9:07 am
#127
MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 6,370
Re: Do you consider yourself to be European?
N.
