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Rationally Speaking is a blog maintained by Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher at the City University of New York. The blog reflects the Enlightenment figure Marquis de Condorcet's idea of what a public intellectual (yes, we know, that's such a bad word) ought to be: someone who devotes himself to "the tracking down of prejudices in the hiding places where priests, the schools, the government, and all long-established institutions had gathered and protected them." You're welcome. Please notice that the contents of this blog can be reprinted under the standard Creative Commons license.

Friday, February 04, 2011

Michael’s Picks

by Michael De Dora

* Steven Hurst of the Associated Press provides some background on the moral conundrum the U.S. has faced in Egypt.

* Helene Cooper argues (poorly, I think) in the New York Times that American political rhetoric towards Egypt might not have helped.

* The Times details the process by which Obama urged Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to declare he would not run for re-election in September.

* Just how large is the religious right in Egypt? Two political scientists give their answer.

* Shadi Hamid clears up some misconceptions of the Muslim Brotherhood, and discusses how the U.S. can handle the Brotherhood's potentially increased role in a democracy in Egypt.

* Reza Aslan reflects on hypocritical remarks of religious American politicians regarding the Brotherhood, and discusses Egyptian democracy.

* Mike Huckabee and other friendly faces at FOX News are questioning whether Obama acted hastily.

* And many Israelis are angered by Obama's handling of the situation.

* Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair stated that Mubarak is "immensely courageous, and a force for good," and that the West should support him.
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2 comments:

  1. libhomFebruary 05, 2011 6:32 PM

    Why should we care what Israelis think about Obama's handling of the situation?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Michael De DoraFebruary 07, 2011 11:23 PM

    @Libhom, I'm not necessarily arguing we should. Look for a related post on this issue this week on RS.

    ReplyDelete

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