From Terhan To Tunis

     Followers of this blog will remember the summer of 2009 when we reported on the Iranian uprising, and how social media, namely Twitter, had been influential in spreading the message of dissent. Youtube videos of protesters being beaten, or worse, were all over cable news. While many predicted the end of the Iranian theocracy, it never came to pass. Instead, the authorities crack down hard, and little has been changed in the months following.
     Then came the protest this month in Tunisia. For some time now, discontent has been rising in Tunisia. Prime Minister Ben Ali, who has been in power since 1987, had always been an authoritarian leader, but the national economy was growing. GDP tripled under his administration. Yet, northern Africa, and much of the Arab world, was changing. Unfortunately for Ben Ali, Tunisian youths were getting mobile phones and creating facebook accounts just at a time when employment was slowing. They were seeing the modern world, but were left with only despair. Then a young, unemployed Tunisian named Mohamid Bouazizi set himself on fire after he was slapped by a police officer for selling fruit along the road. As the protest grew, fueled by groups created on facebook, Ben Ali came under increasing pressure. On January 15th, he was declared "absent" by the Supreme Court, and fled to exile in Saudi Arabia.
     Comparisons to the "green revolution" in Iran are probably unavoidable, with one big distinction. These protest were successful. It remains to be seen what kind of government Tunisia will create, but it seems everyone knows (or thinks they do) the politics of these protesters. First of all, their politics are not religious. They are based on freedom of expression and creating opportunities for all. From the western viewpoint, this seems positive. Now, protest are spreading to Egypt, and the government has blocked Twitter. Acts of self-immolation have taken place in Algeria. There are unconfirmed reports of protest in Yemen. Today, Iraqi citizens attacked police after a car bomb killed dozens. This could be the beginning of true self-government in the Islamic world.
     We should not get our hopes to grand, however. The West, Europe and the United States, have been colonizing Africa and the Middle East for centuries, and this will not be quickly forgotten. While human rights watchers will be pleased at new democratic governments, these new voters may not be eager to follow directions.
   

Obama On Target

     The Constitution demands that the President address Congress on a regular basis to discuss the state of our union. Today was Obama's second such address.
     Many talked of the mess that President Obama was in after the mid-term election. Obama himself called it a shellacking. Since the election, however, he has managed to strike a deal with Republicans on tax cuts, and signed legislation ending the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. His speech he gave after the assassination attempt on Gabrielle Giffords was an overwhelming success, and his approval ratings have returned to 51%. This state of the union was seen as a key moment for Obama to keep his momemtum rolling.
     So, how did he do? Obama's theme was "Winning the Future." He spoke of the innovation that America is famous for, and called on the country to keep striving ahead in the 21st century. To this aim, he called for education reform, citing his "Race to the Top" program. He called on elected officials to give teachers proper respect, but also demanded accountability. For this educated work force to truly thrive in the United States, we need the infrastructure to support it. We are being outspent by China, Russia, and Europe, and our infrastructure is crumbling. It is vital for American business that they have reliable communication and transportation.
     It wasn't all progressive utopia, though. The President spoke of the corporate tax rate, filled with loopholes, yet among the highest rates on earth. This system guarantees that big corporations can avoid paying taxes all together, while most small business suffer under oppressive tax rates. Tax reform has been a goal of conservatives and progressives for a long time, but too many interest groups have a stake for any progress to be made. Obama has placed the issue on the agenda, and he has proved effective at forming unlikely political coalitions.
     Of course, any policy matter that one could think of was addressed in some way. From energy to healthcare to foreign wars, Obama took positions designed to gain support from moderates and business leaders without alienating his base. Did he accomplish this? It's hard to say. Many liberals don't want the President to compromise with the center-right, and to them, this speech with be just another disappointment by Obama. Given the new political landscape in Washington, however, he may not have much choice.
     Obama has always been an effective communicator. In fact, he probably should do it more. He has tried his best to govern as a progressive, and probably has turned off some of those who voted for him in 2008. In the next two years, he will no doubt drift to the center. This will be great for his re-election campaign. While many consider him too cool, he is best when he appears to be the grown-up. Defend his base, and find common ground with fiscal conservatives, and he will sail to a second term. Then we'll see what kind of liberal he really is!

Olbermann And Out

     As many have mentioned, Friday, January 21st, was the last episode of Countdown with Kieth Olbermann. Olbermann had been an MSNBC host since 2004.
     The drama started in November. Olbermann was suspended for four days from MSNBC for making political donations to democratic candidates, including Gabrielle Giffords and failed Senate candidate Jack Conway. Reports were that Olbermann had planned to go on ABC's Good Morning America to discuss the situation, but was threatened with being fired. Olbermann has a colorful history with his superiors, from his very public exit from ESPN, to his employment by Rupert Murdoch, and previous battles with MSNBC management. Although everyone involved at MSNBC is keeping very tight-lipped over his departure, he is said to have received a generous severance and will not be able to appear on television for some months.
     Olbermann gained many liberal fans during the Bush years when he became one of few to oppose the Iraq war. He has managed to alienate some over partisan rhetoric. He supported Barack Obama during the Democratic primary for president, and angered many supporters of Hillary Clinton. It appears he may have made a similar mistake in his support for individual candidates, at least in the eyes of his bosses at MSNBC. While political commentators certainly have the right to support certain candidates over others, perhaps they are better suited to stick to discussing individual issues. Political candidates come with all kinds of strengths and positions that one should consider carefully, and some viewers may assume things about the host that are not true.
     With that being said, we can discuss the next phase of Olbermann's career. Many are already soliciting him for public service. Olbermann is certainly passionate and educated about the issues. There can be no doubt about where he stands or what he brings to the table. In fact, many of his positions may be good for the United States and middle-class Americans, but having Olbermann as a politician may not be a good idea. He is known for his heated political rhetoric, at a time when everyone else is talking about toning it down. He has made dozens of "Special Comments," many about fellow Democrats that would inevitably be his colleagues.
     Lawrence O'Donnell is set to replace Olbermann at 8pm on MSNBC. O'Donnell is a veteran of Washington and Hollywood, having been a contributor to The West Wing. For a more personal look at Kieth Olbermann.