I have not posted here for over a year. I had essentially abandoned this blog, which had started as a class project back in November 2009. But the title and subject of the blog captured my attention again in light of the Middle Eastern, North African and Western uprisings and reactions to the negative effects of the globalized economy.
I began watching the uprising just as Egypt became involved. The disturbances, which initially began in Tunisia appeared to me to be an isolated occurrence, as it was portrayed in Western media. I then began following the events on aljazeera.net and presstv.ir and I found the points of view most enlightening.
In my take on history, there have always been reactions to economic shifts and dislocations, however, I believe what is different at this time is the speed with which these reactions to the dislocations are taking place. At the heart of this speed of reaction is the use of the new media. It is not only the new media, but how it is used to enhance local and widespread dissemination of information while bypassing all attempts at centralized control. I foresee a sea change in how the West has to approach its foreign policy in the area. There have been instances, while viewing the news reports and commentary, when I have felt that the West, in particular the U.S., may not have its usual influence over events. I will continue to watch the events as they are reported and periodically make my own comments here.
I will return to comment on continuing events in the Middle East.
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