Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Juan Cole has an interesting comment about the Israeli actions against Yassin. It bothers me how little mainstream reaction there has been in Australia. Do we care so little?
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Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Appeasement or action: the lessons from Madrid - OpinionWebDiaristNoelHadjimichael - www.smh.com.au
I disagree with this article. The author suggests that the only two alternatives are to bow down to theocratic islamic government and 'fight the war on terror'. While I disagree with the war in Iraq, I think that the various interests in Iraq are learning a lot about consultation and compromise during the occupation. It is hard to say whether they are just paying lip service until the Americans depart, or if they are really willing to negotiate, but I think that people like Hadjimichael make a mistake when they emphasise the 'War on Terror'.
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I disagree with this article. The author suggests that the only two alternatives are to bow down to theocratic islamic government and 'fight the war on terror'. While I disagree with the war in Iraq, I think that the various interests in Iraq are learning a lot about consultation and compromise during the occupation. It is hard to say whether they are just paying lip service until the Americans depart, or if they are really willing to negotiate, but I think that people like Hadjimichael make a mistake when they emphasise the 'War on Terror'.
Monday, March 01, 2004
I just arrived at the airport after a taxi ride with a Lebanese driver. The topic got on to the gangs and the difficulties of raising children. I was not surprised to hear his complaint that he was not allowed to be as strict with his children as he wanted.
It is really disturbing that this is the stock standard answer that many people give. While I can relate to his difficulties in accepting defiance from kids, and perhaps I have been lucky with mine, but I dont think so. I think that persistant firm but loving care will produce good children. The problem that too many people (including the Lebanese community) is that they do not know another way that the authoritarian method of parenting.
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It is really disturbing that this is the stock standard answer that many people give. While I can relate to his difficulties in accepting defiance from kids, and perhaps I have been lucky with mine, but I dont think so. I think that persistant firm but loving care will produce good children. The problem that too many people (including the Lebanese community) is that they do not know another way that the authoritarian method of parenting.
