Emad Mekay

Now Gadhafi Makes the Same Mistake

CAIRO – The brutal response by Libyan leader Muammar Al-Gadhafi against pro-democracy protestors in the country indicates his determination not to leave office without a bloody battle, but his moves follow the path that eventually led to ouster of two neighbouring dictators. In a televised address Tuesday from his residential compound that was bombed by … Continue reading “Now Gadhafi Makes the Same Mistake”

Libyan Fury Challenges Gadhafi

CAIRO – The movement for change sweeping across the Middle East has now rocked Libya. Thousands of people have taken to the streets across many cities to demand an end to the 41-year autocratic rule of maverick leader Muammar Al- Gadhafi. International human rights organizations say at least 24 people have died since the protests … Continue reading “Libyan Fury Challenges Gadhafi”

Will Egypt Follow Tunisia’s Lead?

CAIRO – “Where can I find a Tunisian flag?” The question flooded Egyptian blogs, Twitter, and Facebook pages minutes after news that popular protests had forced out long-time Tunisian dictator Zine el Abidine Ben Ali. Egypt is feeling the ripple effect from Tunisia already. Egypt’s 85 million people constitute a third of the Arab population. … Continue reading “Will Egypt Follow Tunisia’s Lead?”

US Funnels Aid to Coptic Christians, Documents Show

The United States has quietly funneled millions of dollars of its annual aid to Egypt to groups among the country’s increasingly restless Christian Coptic community and to areas with large Christian populations as part of an effort to "empower" the religious minority in a little-noticed multi-year aid program, according to a review of several recent … Continue reading “US Funnels Aid to Coptic Christians, Documents Show”

Departing Wolfowitz Names New Iraq Director

The World Bank has just appointed a new country for Iraq despite security and corruption concerns, according to a leaked document. The news emerged just days after outgoing World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz promised not make any major new appointments at the institution. The Government Accountability Project, a Washington-based watchdog group, released an e-mail it … Continue reading “Departing Wolfowitz Names New Iraq Director”

Crisis Mode Grips World Bank Headquarters

There is a crisis atmosphere at World Bank headquarters here in Washington, with dozens of emergency staff meetings, more calls for the embattled president Paul Wolfowitz to step down, and clearer displays of rebellion inside the Bank. Bank sources speaking to IPS on condition of anonymity reported Friday intense emergency meeting activities "at all levels … Continue reading “Crisis Mode Grips World Bank Headquarters”

Wolfowitz Deflects Questions About Role in Scandal

As the World Bank handed out a communiqué that talked about "transparency" and "equity," beleaguered bank President Paul Wolfowitz deflected a barrage of questions from journalists seeking more information about allegations of nepotism involving a bank employee who is personally involved with him. But despite his diminishing credibility at the helm of the bank, Wolfowitz, … Continue reading “Wolfowitz Deflects Questions About Role in Scandal”

Top Wolfowitz Postings Went to Iraq War Backers

with Jim Lobe Of the top five outside international appointments made by embattled World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz during his nearly two-year tenure, three were senior political appointees of right-wing governments that provided strong backing for U.S. policy in Iraq. The latest appointment came just last month when former Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Marwan Muasher … Continue reading “Top Wolfowitz Postings Went to Iraq War Backers”

Wolfowitz’s Allies Regroup but Leave Questions Unanswered

Paul Wolfowitz, the embattled World Bank president, is receiving new support from conservative politicians and right-wing publications that previously backed his notorious role as an architect of the war in Iraq, but missing from the regrouping attempts are answers to two important questions. Paul Wolfowitz, the embattled World Bank president, is receiving new support from … Continue reading “Wolfowitz’s Allies Regroup but Leave Questions Unanswered”

World Bank Mum Over Report of Staff Injury

An Iraqi World Bank staffer has been wounded in Baghdad, according to an inside source in the Bank and an email message from a source on the ground in Iraq, the first casualty for an international organization since a bombing that targeted the Baghdad U.N. headquarters in 2003. The Bank, whose President Paul Wolfowitz is … Continue reading “World Bank Mum Over Report of Staff Injury”