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Qatar Foundation
This house believes the face veil is a barrier to integration in the West
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1 edition published in 2007 in English and held by 8 libraries worldwide The topic triggered a heated debate, in the context of the controversy raging in the West about the face veil worn by a section of Muslim women. Those who supported the motion argued that Muslims living in western societies must avoid wearing Niqab, since it is not obligatory in Islam and because it is considered as a mark of separation by the larger society. The other side maintained that wearing Niqab is totally an issue of personal freedom and the western societies, which claim to be liberal and pluralistic, are not justified in making a hue and cry on a simple piece of cloth. Speaking for the motion were Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, the first Muslim to be made a Life Peer in the United Kingdom, and Reem Maghribi, founder of Al Sharq, the premier English language British-Arab culture and lifestyle magazine. Ahmed Younis, former national director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council in the US, who will soon join as adviser to senior US government officials, and Ayshah Ismail, a teacher at a UK Muslim Girls school who voluntary wears Niqab, opposed the motion.
This house believes that George W. Bush has kicked open the door to democracy in the Middle East
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1 edition published in 2005 in English and held by 8 libraries worldwide On Wednesday, March 30, the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development presents the fifth in its series of Doha Debates, a forum for discussing the most current and controversial issues in the Arab and Islamic worlds. Modeled on the legendary Oxford Union debates, the Doha Debates are hosted by the internationally acclaimed broadcaster Tim Sebastian, formerly of the BBC's HARDtalk programme. Sebastian presents a motion to the audience -- usually, as in this case, a statement intended to provoke the audience and the guest speakers. Two panelists speak in favor of the motion and two speak against it. Sebastian questions each speaker and then encourages them to take on each other's arguments. Afterward the panelists take questions from the audience, who ultimately vote for or against the motion. Standing up for the Bush administration's foreign policy will be Fouad Ajami, the Majid Khadduri Professor and director of Middle East Studies at the Johns Hopkins University School for Advanced International Studies, and Salameh B. Nematt, the Washington DC bureau chief for Al-Hayat and LBC. Speaking against the motion will be Ghayth Armanazi, chairman of the Arab International Media Forum and former Arab League Ambassador to London, and Dr. Azzam S. Tamimi, head of the Institute of Islamic Political Thought in London. The Doha Debates are just one effort in the Qatar Foundation's mission to promote active, participatory education in Qatar and the region. The monthly series is intended to nurture open dialogue on the burning issues in the Arab and Islamic worlds, and to explore new solutions to old and intractable problems.
This house believes that the Middle East road map for peace is dead
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1 edition published in 2005 in English and held by 8 libraries worldwide The Road Map peace plan for the Middle East is in distress, and a new mood in the region could inspire the leaders of Israel and the Palestinians to get back to the negotiating table. Speaking at the Debate held February 23rd 2005, researchers discuss the topic as a vital one that concerns the whole Middle east Region and the international security. Speaking for the motion are Dr. Flynt Leverett, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution's Saban Center for Middle East Policy in Washington, DC., and Alastair Crooke, a co-founder of Conflicts Forum, an independent, non-profit organization that hosts professionals united by a common interest in overcoming current barriers between Islam and the West. Speaking against the motion are Ghassan Khatib, Minister of Labor for the Palestinian Authority since 2002, and Rabbi Michael Melchior, a Meimad-Labor Party member of the Israeli Knesset and Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Sport.
This house believes that Iraq's neighbours have no wish to see a democratic Iraq
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1 edition published in 2005 in English and held by 8 libraries worldwide Sponsored by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), the Doha Debates are a monthly series of dialogues intended to explore critical issues facing the Arab and Islamic world. Former host of the BBC's HARDtalk, Tim Sebastian, chairs the debates. The debate, which is being televised, took place on January 17 and focused on Iraq's upcoming elections. The motion before the house was 'This House believes that Iraq's neighbors have no wish to see a democratic Iraq.' It's a proposition that takes us right into the heart of the deep divisions, the hatreds and conflicts being played out in the region and, of course, it is in advance of Iraq's scheduled elections on January the 30th. Now there have been plenty of fine statements about non-interference in Iraq's internal affairs, and plenty of accusations about some pretty nasty and direct interference. So what is the truth and what is at stake? The speakers for the motion were Dr Mohamed Aldoury, former Iraqi ambassador to the UN under Saddam Hussain, and Patrick Theros, former US ambassador to Qatar and president of the US Qatar Business Council. Speaking against the motion were MP Clare Short, who resigned her Cabinet post to protest the Blair administration's support for the invasion of Iraq, and Abdel Bari Atwan, editor of the influential London-based newspaper Al-Quds Al-Araby.
This house believes that Arab governments are not interested in genuine reform
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1 edition published in 2004 in English and held by 8 libraries worldwide "Throughout most of the Arab world, poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy rates are on the rise while the quality of education, healthcare, and social safety-nets for the poor and elderly are falling to unprecedented levels. Despite these failures, the repressive governments under which they occur remain firmly entrenched. While authoritarian governments facing similar circumstances have toppled elsewhere -- as we saw in Ghana and Indonesia -- the Arab world is different. Some observers suggest its cultural and religious values are responsible. But this is simply not the case. In fact, several unique features hinder reform and block the democratic progress. First, Arab governments have poured even more money into security in recent years. This spending not only includes monitoring and punishing the opposition using traditional methods, but also exerting pressure on civil organizations and the media and even changing the composition of electoral districts. All of these efforts make it harder for citizens to organize and confront the hugely powerful regimes. Second, ruling regimes also squash reform by warning citizens that any demand for change will threaten order and stability and unleash chaos. Despite spontaneous protests increasingly seen throughout the Arab world in recent years, the government's message -- delivered largely by religious institutions and the media -- has sufficiently scared people from pursuing the kind of organized, sustained activity that could bring about real change. Third, while the elites rule with an iron fist, the resistance responds with kid gloves. Opposition leaders have failed to develop a serious message and platform about what kind of change is possible. This lack of leadership does little to reassure an anxious public that the opposition will not make an already bad situation worse. Fourth, change is unlikely to come from Islamist movements either. Although these forces have sparked excitement in Arab politics, their leaders are more interested in pursuing an ideological and religious agenda than in forging compromises with the regimes to improve people's lives. And fifth, a small group of individuals who form close alliances based on their common interests are leading these regimes. By banding together, these Arab elites limit the possibility of internal conflicts that led to the collapse of authoritarian regimes in Latin America and Eastern Europe." -- from Carnegie Endpwment for International Peace (abridged) -- http://www.carnegieendowment.org
This house believes that Arab women should have full equality with men
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1 edition published in 2005 in English and held by 8 libraries worldwide A few weeks ago, women in Kuwait finally caught up to their counterparts in Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and much of the rest of the Arab world, when they were given the right to vote and run for office, the result of a 35-23 vote in parliament. Kuwaiti women won the right, however, under the condition that they abide by Islamic law. What limits will such a condition, placed by Islamic lawmakers who had previously succeeded in blocking the vote, put on the women's newly earned right to participate in the decision-making of their country? According to some fundamentalist Muslim teaching, women in Islam are not allowed the right to hold positions of political leadership. They are, however, allowed the right to divorce, inherit property, be educated and conduct business. Should Arab women enjoy equal status with men? Does equality necessarily mean the same rights? This Wednesday, June 1, four distinguished speakers will explore these and related arguments in the seventh in the series of Doha Debates, presented by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. Chaired by former BBC presenter Tim Sebastian, the Doha Debates revolve around a motion presented to a live audience -- in this case, 'This House believes that Arab women should have equality with men.' Two speakers argue for the motion and two speak against it. Sebastian draws out the speakers, challenging their positions, and then opens the debate to questions from the audience. Finally the audience votes to accept or reject the motion, based on the merits of the arguments the speakers have made. Speaking in favor of the motion will be Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan, a Kuwaiti presenter of numerous Islamic programs on local and satellite television. He will be joined by Toujan Faisal, the first woman elected into the Jordanian parliament. Speaking against the motion will be Sheikh Jihad Brown, an Islamic scholar and a consultant for various Islamic projects in the region. He will be joined by Khola Hassan, an author who has been outspoken on the position of women in Islam.
This house believes it is time to talk to Al Qaeda
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1 edition published in 2007 in English and held by 8 libraries worldwide The debate panelists argue whether or not nations should enter into diplomatic negotiations with Al Qaeda.
Tackling extremism' with the UN's Alliance of Civilizations
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1 edition published in 2006 in English and held by 7 libraries worldwide The second Doha Debates Special was part of the Doha meeting of the United Nations' Alliance of Civilizations. The Alliance of Civilisations is examining ways to combat extremism and improve relations between the West and Muslim world and this was the also the topic for discussion for the student audience at the Special. Two members of the UN group, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and John Esposito, founding director of the Centre for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University, were among the four panellists answering questions from the students. They were joined by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, the US-based Islamic scholar, and Diana Buttu, former spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority.
This house believes in the separation of mosque and state
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1 edition published in 2004 in English and held by 7 libraries worldwide
This house believes Britain's role in the Middle East is in terminal decline
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1 edition published in 2007 in English and held by 7 libraries worldwide On the eve of crucial Middle East peace talks in Annapolis, a special Doha Debates held in the UK examined Britain's role and influence in the region. During the debate held at the world-famous Cambridge Union on November 26th, 2007 a former Israeli foreign minister accused Britain of feeling its way in the dark in the Middle East and dismissed prime minister Gordon Brown's policy as "a state of confusion." Shlomo Ben-Ami, a leading player in the last Camp David peace talks, told the audience that "Britain's Middle East role has been taken over by the United States." Mr. Ben-Ami made the comments while supporting the motion 'This House believes Britain's role in the Middle East is in terminal decline.' His co-speaker for the motion, Liberal Democrat Baroness Kishwar Falkner slammed what she called Britain's lost credibility in the aftermath of the Iraq war. "Britain is at best irrelevant, at worst incompetent, and at the very least in decline," she said. Former UK Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind disagreed. He argued that Britain continues to have influence in the Middle East despite what he called "gross mistakes in Iraq". Joining him to argue against the motion, leading Arab commentator Raghida Dergham said that Britain still had the opportunity to influence events in the Middle East - but it was up to the British government whether it chose to use it.
This house believes that Muslims are failing to combat extremism
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1 edition published in 2008 in English and held by 6 libraries worldwide An overwhelming majority at the latest Doha Debate has criticised Muslims around the world for failing to combat extremism. Ed Husain, a British campaigner against fundamentalism, challenged the many Muslims who travel each year to Mecca to stand up to extremism 'right there'; claiming 'Saudi Arabia has totally demolished our heritage in Mecca and Medina.' Such public criticism of the Saudi Kingdom -- as well as Muslims in general -- is extremely rare in the Middle East. During the early 1990s Husain was a recruiter to fundamentalist groups at university campuses in the UK. Now deputy director of The Quilliam Foundation, a counter-extremism think tank, he insisted, "Muslims have to change their mindset of blaming others or we will be the laughing stock of the world." The motion was supported by US human rights lawyer Arsalan Iftikhar, who criticised Muslims for the mass demonstrations over cartoons in Denmark and the comparative silence over sectarian violence in Iraq. Speaking against the motion, Daisy Khan, executive director of the American Society for Muslim Advancement, claimed the era of extremism was over. Alongside her, Moez Masoud, a Muslim 'televangelist' watched by millions in the region, accused the media of ignoring Muslim calls for tolerance.
The Doha debates special with Dr. Ayad Allawi, former Iraqi prime minister
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1 edition published in 2007 in English and held by 6 libraries worldwide Tim Sebastian talks to Ayad Allawi, former Iraqi prime minister, about political events in Iraq.
This house believes Arab governments couldn't care less about Darfur
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1 edition published in 2008 in English and held by 6 libraries worldwide Debate panelists discuss whether Arab countries care about the genocide in Darfur.
This house believes that the war on terror has become a war against Islam
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1 edition published in 2005 in English and held by 6 libraries worldwide This week, former Iranian president Hashemi Rafsanjani became the latest in a long line of politicians and pundits to declare that the United States-led war on terror is, in fact, a war on Islam. Is that too sinister a reading of American motivations -- Is the war on terror a well intended campaign led by the only nation powerful enough to see it through? Or is it not sinister enough -- is the US driven by an imperial ambition that does not differentiate between Christian and Muslim? This Thursday, April 28, four distinguished speakers will explore these and related arguments in the sixth in the series of Doha Debates, presented by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. Chaired by former BBC presenter Tim Sebastian, the Doha Debates revolve around a motion presented to a live audience -- in this case, 'This House believes that the war on terror has become a war on Islam.' Two speakers argue for the motion and two speak against it. Sebastian draws out the speakers, challenging their positions, and then opens the debate to questions from the audience. Finally the audience votes to accept or reject the motion, based on the merits of the arguments the speakers have made. Speaking in favor of the motion will be Dr. Mustafa Ceric, the Grand Mufti of Bosnia, who has been active in efforts to counter fears about Islam since the attacks of September 11, 2001. He will be joined by Anas Altikriti, a founder and former president of the Muslim Association of Britain and an organizer of demonstrations against the war in Iraq. Speaking against the motion will be Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf of New York City, founder of the American Sufi Muslim Association and the Cordoba Initiative, an inter-religious effort to improve relations between the US and the Muslim world. He will be joined by Ramzi Khoury, advisor to the editor-in-chief of the Saudi Gazette.
This house believes the Sunni-Shia conflict is damaging Islam's reputation as a religion of peace
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1 edition published in 2008 in English and held by 6 libraries worldwide Participants at the latest Doha Debate have strongly defended Islam's image after repeated accusations that it had been damaged by the Sunni-Shia conflict in Iraq. In a series of robust exchanges, there was strong disagreement about the effects of violence between Islam's two largest denominations. Juan Cole, Professor of History at the University of Michigan, said recent polls showed that Americans believed Islam contained more violent extremists than other religions and sectarian fighting must have contributed to that impression. "People in the United States are beginning to see Muslims as inherently violent,"; he said. Seconding the motion, General Ali Shukri, an advisor to the late King Hussein of Jordan, insisted clerics were not doing enough to counter extremist Muslim beliefs. Opposing the motion, Imam Sayid Hassan Al Qazwini, leader of North America's largest Islamic centre in Detroit, said there was "no conflict between Sunnis and Shias." He added that any dispute was between minorities on each side and "the majority get along and are peaceful." Supporting him, Dr. Hesham Hellyer, Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and Director of the Visionary Consultancy Group, rejected the notion that conflicts between Sunnis and Shias had done any damage to the reputation of Islam. "The West has been critical of Islam for a thousand years and portrayed it as violent -- and that has nothing to do with the Sunni-Shia divide." He also criticized the Western media for exaggerating religious divisions, a view endorsed by most contributions from the floor.
This house believes the Middle East would be better off with John McCain in the White House
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1 edition published in 2008 in English and held by 5 libraries worldwide The latest Doha Debate has conclusively warned America that a victory by John McCain in the US Presidential election would further damage relations with the Middle East. Hafez al-Mirazi, the former host of Al-Jazeera's Arabic weekly television show From Washington said that just as President George W. Bush had made the Middle East "worse than it was eight years ago" so his "hawkish Republican mate" would do the same. In an opening statement that drew loud applause, Mr. al-Mirazi warned that Sarah Palin, McCain's running mate, was from the same warmongering mould as Dick Cheney, Bush"s vice-president, "who happens to be a quail hunter." Dr. Michael Signer, foreign policy adviser to Democratic Senator John Edwards' presidential campaign in 2007-2008 and a foreign policy expert, also attacked the motion and the dangers a McCain victory would present. Describing Barak Obama, the Democrat nominee, as "thoughtful and deliberate", he said such qualities were of paramount importance during the present troubled times. He said Senator Obama was an African-American who spent his formative years in Indonesia, a Muslim nation, and would be a president "who wants to understand and listen, rather than just talk." Danielle Pletka, Vice President for Foreign and Defence Policy Studies at the American Institute for Public Policy Research, supported the motion, suggesting that Senator McCain was the only Presidential candidate who would not "walk away" from Iraq, leaving the region to return to sectarian violence. Dr. Saad al-Ajmi, former Kuwaiti Minister for Information and Culture, said he supported the motion largely because he feared that Senator Obama would pull US troops out of Iraq prematurely.
The Doha debates special with Shimon Peres, Deputy Prime Minister of Israel
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1 edition published in 2007 in English and held by 5 libraries worldwide In the first high-ranking Israeli visit to Qatar in more than a decade, Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres was questioned by students at a Doha Debates Special event.
This house believes the Palestinians should give up their full right of return
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1 edition published in 2007 in English and held by 5 libraries worldwide The Palestinian right of return was overwhelmingly supported at the latest Doha Debate on March 28. The debate was broadcast on BBC World on April 14 and 15. The issue is seen by many as the most intractable barrier to a Middle East peace settlement. The vote came as Arab League ministers discussed the topic at a meeting in Saudi Arabia. A final draft resolution called for a "just solution" to the problem but avoided any mention of the phrase "right of return." Many Palestinians claim the right to return to lands and property that once belonged to them in what is now Israel. Israelis say that opening the door to an estimated five million registered refugees would destroy the Jewish state. Yossi Beilin, a Knesset member and Chairman of the Meretz-Yachad party, and Bassem Eid, a long-time Palestinian human rights campaigner, argued for the motion. They were challenged by Israeli academic Ilan Pappe and Ali Abunimah, co-founder of The Electronic Intifada.
This house believes only a new dictator can end the violence in Iraq
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1 edition published in 2007 in English and held by 5 libraries worldwide The killing goes on in Iraq province after province, street by street. Whichever way you look, the violence is out of control. President Bush says it's a war against terrorism. Its critics say there wasn't any, at least in Iraq, before he invaded. So what does it take to stop this mayhem when the most powerful army in the world has so far failed - which brings us to our motion tonight, 'This House believes that only a new dictator can end the violence in Iraq.' Speaking for the motion, Sabah Al-Mukhtar, an Iraqi lawyer and President of the Arab Lawyers' Association. He's a member of the Iraqi Bar Association and co-authors the Arab and Islamic Law Year Book. With him Robert Baer, a former CIA officer who spent 20 years in the Middle East and operated in Iraq during the abortive uprising in 1995. He's since emerged from the shadows to become a frequent commentator on security matters. He was also the consultant on the recent film Syriana which mirrored some of his previous exploits. Against the motion, Adnan Pachachi, well-known as the former President of the Iraqi Governing Council, formed after the 2003 American-led invasion. A year later, he was offered the post of President in the interim government, but turned it down. Also against the motion, George Galloway, expelled from the British Labour Party for his opposition to the war in Iraq. He's now the sole Member of Parliament for the party he founded called Respect, but he plans to leave Parliament at the next election, although he promises to continue his highly vocal and controversial appearances.
The Doha debates special with Dr. Mahmoud Al Zahar, senior Hamas official
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1 edition published in 2008 in English and held by 5 libraries worldwide Dr. Al Zahar was questioned by both Tim Sebastian and members of the audience, including Palestinian students, on the feud with rival Palestinian group Fatah and the prospects for peace. more
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Alliance of Civilizations Arab countries Arab-Israeli conflict Arab-Israeli conflict--Peace Bush, George W.--1946- Conference proceedings Democracy Democratization Equality Europe Families Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-Islāmīyah History Influence (Literary, artistic, etc.) Insurgency International relations Interviews Iraq Islam Islam and politics Islamic clothing and dress Islamic countries Israel League of Arab States Middle East Middle East--Palestine Middle East--Persian Gulf Region Military policy Muslims Muslim women--Social conditions Palestinian Arabs--Politics and government Political culture Political participation Political science Presidents--Election Public opinion Qaida (Organization) Radicalism Radicalism--Religious aspects Radicalism--Religious aspects--Islam Relations (Canon law) Security, International Social change Social history Sudan Terrorism United States Veils--Religious aspects--Islam War on Terrorism (2001-2009) World politics
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Muʾassasat Qaṭar
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development
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