The terror attacks in Paris and the apparent bombing of the Russian charter flight over the egyptian Sinai have once again exposed the confusion of the Arabs and Muslims when it comes to the Islamic State (ISIS) and the Syrian crisis. Although ISIS has killed more Muslims than Christians, Jews and others over the past few years, most Arab and Islamic countries still have their heads buried in the sand and continue to pretend that the radical Islamists are a problem of the West alone. Sadly, modern history has shown how all too often they look to the West to resolve their internal crises. Today, the only Arabs and Muslims actively engaged in the war on Islamic State and its affiliates are Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, egypt’s Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the Iraqi government, Iran, and its Lebanese proxy, hezbollah.
Another exception comes in the shape of Syrian and Iraqi Kurds, who recently recaptured Sinjar from ISIS, following similar earlier successes in Kobani and Kirkuk. Of course, it comes with a price tag attached. The Kurds hope their military successes will bring them closer to realising their dream of an independent Kurdistan, incorporating parts of Syria, Iraq, Armenia and, most importantly, Turkey.
This story is from the November 30, 2015 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 30, 2015 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The 'Invisible' Dalits
The debate over sub-categorisation of castes is likely to shape the political discourse in the upcoming state elections
Caste Census: To Conquer Or Conserve?
The caste census is generating heated debate, but even its most ardent proponents are not able to articulate a plan about how to use the resulting data
THE FATEFUL COMEDY
Actor-director Rajat Kapoor talks about adapting Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov into a Hindi play
Mad Hatter
When a leader takes off his topi and holds it in his hands while appealing for votes, it signals something extraordinary
Circle Within Circles
The caste question in Muslims.
Backward March
The Maratha reservation question may continue to mire the next government in the state
The 69% Exception
Quota within quota: lessons to be learned from Tamil Nadu
United Indifference
The perils of tweaking tribal identities
Two Nations, Two Destinies
The widely differing balance of power between the military and civilian leadership in India and Pakistan has significantly impacted democracy in the two countries
Crème de la Crème
The mainstream society thinks reservations are against right to equality. It’s high time they are seen in the context of right to justice.