It is true that on the current world stage we can see elements of a "clash of civilizations" between Islam and the West. However, a more serious (if slowly emerging) clash of competing visions for the future is unfolding within Arab and Islamic civilization.

As Arabs suffered from the defeat of 1948, when Israel was established, and as they rallied behind a mass based movement of Arab nationalism, non- Arabs in Arab lands were in a peculiar position. Kurds in the 1950’s and 1960’s had a limited place in an Arab world marching towards Arab unity and nationalism. On another level Kurds were expected to assimilate in a grand movement of Arab Nationalism rather than focus on the divisive issues of identity, language, and possible secession. To be a Kurd or a Berber or an Assyrian was not welcome in an Arab world rising from defeat, and colonialism.

As Arabs suffered from the defeat of 1948, when Israel was established, and as they rallied behind a mass based movement of Arab nationalism, non- Arabs in Arab lands were in a peculiar position. Kurds in the 1950’s and 1960’s had a limited place in an Arab world marching towards Arab unity and nationalism. On another level Kurds were expected to assimilate in a grand movement of Arab Nationalism rather than focus on the divisive issues of identity, language, and possible secession. To be a Kurd or a Berber or an Assyrian was not welcome in an Arab world rising from defeat, and colonialism.

No Arab people have been so traumatized by dictatorial rule, foreign adventurism, and war as the Iraqis under Saddam Husayn. To a considerable extent, the cause has been the Iraqi regime's failure to build a national identity that includes all Iraqis. It was this absence of integration that contributed directly to the rise of Saddam Husayn, who emerged from Iraq's need for a power stronger than its divisions.

No Arab people have been so traumatized by dictatorial rule, foreign adventurism, and war as the Iraqis under Saddam Husayn. To a considerable extent, the cause has been the Iraqi regime's failure to build a national identity that includes all Iraqis. It was this absence of integration that contributed directly to the rise of Saddam Husayn, who emerged from Iraq's need for a power stronger than its divisions.

Iraq's invasion of Kuwait ushered in a new phase in inter- Arab relations. For the first time, an Arab state had violated the territorial integrity of another Arab state, occupied its capital, and displaced its population. Following the liberation of Kuwait by the U.S.-led international coalition, the search began for ways to prevent a repetition of Iraq's attempt to gain hegemony through naked aggression. The Gulf states and the U.S. adopted a containment strategy after the war but the region has still weathered several crises of the magnitude most recently experienced in 1998.

Iraq's invasion of Kuwait ushered in a new phase in inter- Arab relations. For the first time, an Arab state had violated the territorial integrity of another Arab state, occupied its capital, and displaced its population. Following the liberation of Kuwait by the U.S.-led international coalition, the search began for ways to prevent a repetition of Iraq's attempt to gain hegemony through naked aggression. The Gulf states and the U.S. adopted a containment strategy after the war but the region has still weathered several crises of the magnitude most recently experienced in 1998.

Saudi Prince Abdallah’s peace initiative endorsed at the Beirut Arab League summit in March 2002 raises a number of issues and questions that the Arab world must address: Can the Arab states enter a new age of economic, political, and social development without a just peace that puts an end to the Israeli occupation of Arab lands and relieves the region of a state of war that offers only a desolate future?

Saudi Prince Abdallah’s peace initiative endorsed at the Beirut Arab League summit in March 2002 raises a number of issues and questions that the Arab world must address: Can the Arab states enter a new age of economic, political, and social development without a just peace that puts an end to the Israeli occupation of Arab lands and relieves the region of a state of war that offers only a desolate future?

Tens of millions of Arabs witnessed the toppling of Saddam Hussein last spring, and saw in his fall reflections of their own situation. Rightly so, for Iraq's transition can mark the start of the fall of the "Arab Wall"--the invisible barrier of authoritarianism and rigidity that isolates the region as surely as the Berlin Wall once cut Europe in two.

Beneath the surface, the Arab condition is not well. Regimes that appear stable may be merely arthritic. Bombastic leaders are actually anxious, popular opinion is in flux.

Beneath the surface, the Arab condition is not well. Regimes that appear stable may be merely arthritic. Bombastic leaders are actually anxious, popular opinion is in flux.

Tribes are one of the basic components of society in Kuwait and the Gulf. In light of democratic movements and elections in Kuwait, tribes have continued to play a role in politics. Many questions surround the role of tribes in politics and the ability of tribes to manipulate the political process.

Tribes are one of the basic components of society in Kuwait and the Gulf. In light of democratic movements and elections in Kuwait, tribes have continued to play a role in politics. Many questions surround the role of tribes in politics and the ability of tribes to manipulate the political process.

“Women have proven their interest in being involved in Politics in Kuwait. However, women’s involvement in leadership does not exceed 5%."