Spring 2011 Critical Thinking Research on Middle East Revolutions

WANTED: A Grand Strategy for America

Ferguson, Niall. “WANTED: A Grand Strategy for America.” Niallferguson.com Harvard University, 14 February 2011. Web. 16 March 2011.

Link: http://www.niallferguson.com/site/FERG/Templates/ArticleItem.aspx?pageid=237

Summary: Niall Ferguson’s article begins with Otto von Bismarck’s handling of the revolutionary wave of mid-19th-century German nationalism and then Niall goes on to current day and claims that Obama failed at adequately handling the Egyptian Revolution. From there he goes on to say that “no president can be expected to be omniscient” and that other presidents have failed to handle some foreign affairs. The article then returns to the current crisis in Egypt and Niall concludes with the statement that Obama essentially has no plan.

Caitlin Pallai

How Revolutions Happen: Patterns from Iran to Egypt

Almond, Dr. Mark. “How Revolutions Happen: Patterns from Iran to Egypt.” BBC.com. British Broadcasting Company. 13 February 2011. Web. 16 March 2011.

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12431231

Summary: Dr. Mark Almond talks about several revolutions throughout history such as the Iranian Revolution, Tiananmen Square, the Ukraine Revolution, the Egyptian Revolution, etc. By comparing these revolutions, Dr. Almond makes the point that there are certain recurring elements of a revolution and Dr. Almond believes the most substantial element that causes revolution would be that “Violent death has been the most common catalyst for radicalizing discontent in the revolutions of the last 30 years.” (He gives this as one of the causes of Egypt's revolution, including the longevity of the regime.)

Caitlin Pallai

Credit the Egyptian People for the Egyptian Revolution

Zunes,Dr. Stephen. "Credit the Egyptian People for the Egyptian Revolution." Stephenzunes.org. 17 February 2011. Web. 3 March 2011.

Link:http://stephenzunes.org/category/topic/egypt/ (And then click on title of the article, which directs you to another site)

Summary: Dr. Stephen Zunes argues that the true credit for the Egyptian revolution lies with the people not the military, United States, the internet and WikiLeaks, the Muslim Brotherhood, or a spontaneous reaction to the Tunisian Revolution. Furthermore, the revolution highlights the power of non-violent protest.

Caitlin Pallai