«Исламское государство» в контексте политических изменений на Ближнем Востоке
The article "The Islamic State phenomenon in the framework of the political changes in the Middle East" is dedicated to the "Islamic State", one of the most powerful and dangerous extremist organizations. Author realizes in this article: research of the genesis and causes of appearance of the movement "Islamic State"; analysis of the sociopolitical and geopolitical situation of the Iraqi Sunni community after the American invasion of 2003; bringing to the light factors of the high scale propagation of the Islamic extremism in Syria and Iraq; research of the military and political potential of the "Islamic State" and factors which could impede its expansion. Author considers "Islamic State" as an emergent phenomenon giving huge impact on the political situation in the Middle East. It provoked repartition of the old frontiers existed since the Sykes-Pico treaty of 1916. To the author's opinion oppression of the Iraqi Sunni community by the government of Nuri al-Maliki was the main cause of the Sunni revolt in Summer of 2014. Sunni tribes of Northern Iraq and former Baath party members were the driving forces of the revolt but then Jihadi extremists hijacked this revolt. To the author's mind elimination of the "Islamic State" is impossible without reconciliation between various religious communities in Syria and Iraq.
Fourth Generation Governance -- Sheikh Tamimi defends the Islamic State of Iraq
Abstract : On October 15, 2006 al-Qa'ida in Iraq (AQI) and its allies declared an independent Islamic State across a swath of Western Iraq. The Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) was widely scorned by Western counterterrorism experts, many of whom rightly concluded that the ISI would never be capable of developing the material and bureaucratic infrastructure widely expected of a modern state. The ISI has not been embraced in the Mideast either. More secularist elements of the Iraqi insurgency condemn it. Most importantly to al-Qa'ida, well-known jihadi scholars, who could provide the ISI critical legitimacy, have been slow to support the new organization. The scholars are apparently concerned about the strategic wisdom and theological correctness of establishing an Islamic State now. The ISI's defenders -- ranging from jihadi pundit Shaykh Atiyatallah to Al-Qa'ida commander Abu Yahya al-Libi -- have developed a series of theological, philosophical, and practical arguments to justify the ISI's existence to the ulema -- Islamic scholars. The most comprehensive defense, entitled "Informing the People about the Birth of the Islamic State of Iraq," was authored by Uthman Bin Abd al-Rahman al-Tamimi and released by Furqan Media, the ISI's official media development unit. This book is significant for two reasons: (1) it delineates the ideological schism within the jihadi movement over the ISI's existence, and (2) Tamimi defends the ISI by combining modern globalization theory with Koranic and hadith-based justifications to fundamentally redefine what a modern Islamic nation state should be. To limit the ISI's long-term effectiveness, the United States should carefully attack its material and human infrastructure inside Iraq and the intellectual infrastructure that Tamimi is trying to erect in "Informing the People." Specific recommendations are to challenge Tamimi's intellectual framework for the ISI, confuse the ISI's leadership picture, and beat the ISI on the ground.
China's experience on population control: The elusive model
Abstract After the Cultural Revolution China initiated a very intensive family planning programme. Although statistical data are not available, there is enough information to conclude that the custom of postponing marriage and planning births is gaining momentum. The new socio-economic environment is much more conducive to the acceptance of family planning by the young adults than was the case in previous campaigns. Contraceptives, abortions and sterilizations are free of charge and readily available through the extensive public health system. Most important to the success of the programme are the unique methods of motivation which involve virtually all segments of the society.