Juan Cole today http://www.juancole.com has posted ten items of good news from the Muslim world, which, with one exception, have been largely unreported in the media. I simply list them, although some might question whether they are all "good news."
10. Opening of first coeducational university in Saudi Arabia in 2009
9. GDP growth rate of 7.5% in Qatar (lots of natural gas)
8. US Muslims reasonably well integrated into society (in contrast with much of Europe)
7. rising use of internet in Arab world
6. Albania having 10% GDP growth rate, highest in Europe
5. increased democracy and womens' rights in Kuwait
4. Indonesia holding successful elections and increased support for moderate Islam, partly due to influence of former resident Obama
3. good economic performance in Turkey, not hit too hard by recession and growing at 5.8% GDP between 2002 and 2008
2. stabilization in Lebanon with peaceful elections in June without Syrian interference
1. anti-regime demonstrations in Iran (the one much-reported on item)
The "good news" may be a zero sum game.
ReplyDelete