World Press on Iran, Turkey and the Caucasus (March 10, 2011)

On March 10, 2011 The Washington Post published an article by David Ignatius headlined “A transition for Arab economies” devoted to the so-called New Marshall Plan for Arab countries. According to the author, this project is necessary for successful transition of the Middle Eastern countries to democracy and economic prosperity. That is why he welcomes the initiative.

The Los Angeles Times published an article entitled “One step at a time on Libya”. The author believes that the US President is interested in peaceful transition to democracy in the Middle East, that is why is prefer not to interfere in the internal affairs of the countries of the region, even thought the USA supports people’s struggle for political freedom.

The Guardian published an article headlined “Why the US must not intervene in Libya”. According to the author, the reason why the US administration is thinking about intervention in the Libyan affairs is that the international community is growing more and more worried about continuing violence in the African country. However, the USA shouldn’t interfere as intervening in Libya would require the US to take sides in a highly obscure conflict. Any group the US helps bring to power would be heavily tainted, and Americans would have to defend it in an explosive environment.

Turkey’s Hurriyet published an article headlined “Democracy or authoritarianism?” devoted to the issue of political freedom in the country. The author underlines that after the scandalous arrest of two journalists, Şener and Şık, a new epoch has begun in Turkey. According to him, Turkey is no longer a democratic state, but a country where opposition is persecuted and forced top surrender.

Another article published by Hurriyet is devoted to such problem as Islamophobia in Europe. The author starts with discussing the situation in France, where Muslim women are not longer allowed to wear niqab and nationalistic movement is growing stronger. The author admits that Islamophobia also exists in Germany and the UK. In the same time he thinks that this problem doesn’t coincide with migration for most of the women wearing niqab were in fact born in Europe and use such methods to preserve their identity.