The new Iraqi speaker
Rebirth of the nation-state, an end to pan-arabism
The new Iraqi speaker, Hajm al-Hassani, made this statement:
“I am an Iraqi before I am a Sunni.”
In my opinion, pan-arabism laid the basic framework that has allowed pan-Islamism. Ethnic identity was replaced with religious requirements. Everything was framed against the other, Palestinians were used as pawns for the “Arab cause,” and nations (and subsequently religious groups) failed to be held accountable for their own domestic problems.
Perhaps, and let’s be hopeful, that this is a new beginning.
Now this is a great start…
Will this continue the change in the middle east?
1 Comment »
One Response to “The new Iraqi speaker”
Raven on 04 Apr 2005 at 07:36 #
Let’s see if stays alive.