Gabriel Helou

John Locke : The Second Treatise of Civil Government 1690

The interpretation of Friedrich II of benevolent despotism: "My people and I have come to an agreement which satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please." Obviously, Morsi adopted  the abovementioned interpretation in dealing with the Egyptian people.  

It is noteworthy that some Arabs “support” the latest protests against Nouri Al-Maliki’s Government. However, it seems that those same Arabs “forgot” that the US invasion of Iraq had been launched from their own countries.

Morsi regime is still pursuing the same past policies with regard to the Opposition, which aim at banning, even criminalizing any form thereof. Opponents continue to be “simply” accused of attempting to overthrow the regime !  Criminal investigations will be opened with prominent Opposition figures, as well as with a Supreme Constitutional Court judge – which could lead to prosecution ! These undemocratic methods don’t forebode a promising future for Egypt !  

In a recent interview with “Haaretz”, President Mahmoud Abbas threatened to dissolve the Palestinian Authority (PA) if Israel doesn't stop settlement construction and if no progress is achieved in peace negotiations, following the Israeli elections scheduled for January 22 nd , 2013. After decades of unstopped settlement activity throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as well as failed attempts to hold peace negotiations, whether direct or indirect, the time is ripe to dissolve the PA. Indeed there is no other way to exert pressure over Israel except by dissolving the PA. Clearly, the US - despite its declared role of peace sponsor - is not expected to pressure Israel, nor is the EU. By dissolving the PA, Palestinians would underscore the fact that Israel bears the responsibility of the political deadlock. And by extension such a step would affirm Palestine's status as a "State under occupation".

All parties - Arab and foreign alike - that have intervened so far in the Syrian crisis haven't done so in order to end it, but rather to prolong it, to render it yet more complicated. Indeed had they intervened in "good faith" ( bona fide ), the crisis would have been solved a long time ago. They have all interfered - each party in its own malicious way, for its own interest. The process of prolonging the Syrian crisis began with the intervention of the Arab League, which was manipulated by different sides. It was not well intentioned - not such that could curtail the crisis.

“The video shows a man holding a baby being shouted at by a police officer, who then slaps him, twice, while he is still holding the baby.”

“A Saudi mother of four was sentenced to five days in jail and 10 lashes for remarrying her Syrian husband without obtaining official approval to marry a foreigner .” Of course, the West hasn’t even rebuked Saudi Arabia.

President Hollande's recognition of the Algerian suffering - without issuing an apology - is nothing but "throwing dust in the eyes": “French President Francois Hollande on Thursday said he recognised that the “suffering” inflicted on the Algerian people during French colonial rule was “brutal and unfair” – but stopped short of issuing an apology .”

Arab regimes claim that human rights are a "Western invention" as an excuse to justify their abuses. It would be more significant to hold an "Arab Human Rights Day" than a "World Arabic Language Day". Arabs observe "World Arabic Language Day" while the usage of this Language is more often than not restricted; some issues can't be touched !

Here's an AP roundup of some of the countries with the greatest restrictions on access to the Internet .  

The video playlist of the EP ALDE President Guy Verhofstadt

1,400 “fake judges” were reported to be overseeing the constitutional referendum in Egypt. Employing “fake judges” to oversee the referendum process isn’t a smart move. On the contrary, it only harms the country. But, a pparently, the use of those judges aims at banning certain categories of the Egyptian people from casting their ballot.

Article 3 of the Constitutional Declaration promulgated by Morsi on 8 December 2012 set“15 December 2012” as the date to hold the referendum on the draft constitution for Egypt. On 12 December, Morsi issued a Presidential Decree stating that the referendum would be held in two stages, i.e: 15 and 22 December. A constitutional declaration can only be annulled or amended by another constitutional declaration, or by a constitution. A Presidential Decree doesn’t have the same legal effect as that of a constitutional declaration. Therefore, Morsi can’t change the date set by the Constitutional Declaration by means of a Presidential Decree. As such, his Decree violates Article 3 of the Constitutional Declaration, and is therefore null and void, and without any legal effect. The referendum must be held in one stage and in one day, as primarily set forth in Article 60 of the Constitutional Declaration promulgated by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces on 30 March 2011. Arti...

The installation of NATO Patriot anti-missile batteries in Turkey can only be described as political prostitution (prostitution politique).

I've just heard that President Mahmoud Abbas might soon consider establishing a confederation with Jordan.   A confederation is a union of 2 or more independent and sovereign States - established by a treaty - in order to deal with common matters.   Common matters include, but are not limited to: economy, defence, foreign affairs. A confederation also creates a central government.

Arab regimes should launch among themselves a "Friends of Human Rights Violations" conference, where each of them enjoys full membership ! How can a regime that subjugates its people to bow before the King host a conference earmarked to human rights? A conference that is supposedly held in support of human rights shouldn't expose a giant portrait of a dictator.  There is no way to describe today's Marrakesh conference other than an insult to human rights. Just look at the human rights record of the Arab countries which attended the  Marrakesh conference. Respect human rights, and respect our minds !

10 December marks the 64th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Ask Arab peoples about its observance !! Article 15 of UDHR: "(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality. (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality…" This Article is one of the most flagrantly violated UDHR Articles by Arab regimes - without any condemnation by the international community ! Top of Form Article 19 of UDHR: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference…” Top of Form The situation of this Article in all Arab countries is catastrophic ! Top of Form I leave the situation of Articles 1, 3, 5 and 9 of UDHR in all Arab countries for your own free assessment. Ironically, the most repressive Arab regimes in matters of human rights strive to preach and export "democracy" to other Arab countries ! Text of UDHR

"For first time, Britain, France may recall ambassadors to protest Israel's settlement construction Moves against Israel will be made in next the few days following Netanyahu’s decision to move ahead on planning in E1 and build 3,000 housing units in the settlement blocs, and in East Jerusalem, say senior European diplomats. Britain and France are poised to take action − possibly including the unprecedented step of recalling their ambassadors, according to senior European diplomats − in protest at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to move settlement construction ahead in the area known as E1, between Ma’aleh Adumim and Jerusalem. “This time it won’t just be a condemnation, there will be real action taken against Israel,” a senior European diplomat said ."

“As the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to grant the Palestinian Authority the status of a nonmember state on Thursday, the global body accidentally published a tweet calling for a "1-state solution" to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. "On Day of Solidarity with Palestinians, Ban Ki-moon stresses urgency of reaching 1-state solution," the post read.”

“As the Palestinians celebrated the United Nations General Assembly's decision to upgrade the Palestinian Authority's status, President Mahmoud Abbas said that the resolution will require the world hold Israel accountable for the infractions it has committed since 1967. The Palestinian leader told reporters in New York on Friday evening that the General Assembly's decision has turned "Palestine into a state under an occupation, and most of the world's countries think so as well, voiding the Israeli claim that this is a disputed territory."”