Experts in the News - December 2006

The page below lists a sample of recent commentary by political scientists in the news media.

Adams Oloo (University of Nairobi) describes the importance of women participating in the Kenyan election process. She states that "if women are not involved in setting the agenda there is little they can do in actualizing it…"[read article] - December 30

Michael Genovese (Loyola Marymount University) articulates that Americans are looking for a moderate method in dealing with policy items. "The message of the last election was that people wanted someone who could see both points of view…" [read article] -December 28

Dante Scala (St. Anselm College) observes the competitiveness presented with both Republican and Democratic candidates the as the 2008 presidential primaries near… [read article] - December 24

Toby Dodge (Queen Mary College – London) and Greg Gause (University of Vermont) note that Saudi and Jordanian fear Iranian influence through the Shia populations. This fear could have the potential for negative consequences…[read article] -December 22

Ian Lustick (University of Pennsylvania) argues that the recent economic and political costs of the "war on terror ultimately could be harmful to the United States while others claim that terrorism is a dangerous and long-term threat which needs to be addressed…" [read article] - December 18

Roger D. Petersen, (Massachusets of Technology) suggests that there are deeper problems to extremism than just Islam. He states that extremist behavior is “about human social networks and the way that they operate…" [read article]- December 18

Jeffrey Legro (University of Virginia) recently pointed out in his book Rethinking the World: Great Power Strategies and International Order, that a lot is required “for a real shift in worldviews regarding foreign policy. A new strategy must be more than visionary; it must provide attractive and practical solutions to current challenges…” [read article] – December 17

Alan Clem (University of South Dakota) acknowledges that there is a lot of unsettling “debate going on about the outcomes of Senators Tim Johnson's leaking blood vessel.” Clem states that it's too early to come up with concrete conclusions…” [read article] – December 17

Steven Spiegel (UCLA) comments on US foreign policy towards the Middle East over the past eleven presidents and it can be divided into three categories: “warmth toward Israel, diplomatic activism and presidential approach toward the Middle East…” [read article] – December 13

John Bretting (Univeristy of Texas- El Paso) defends Congressman Silvestre Reyes for not being able to pass a pop quiz on national and international intelligence. Bretting strongly belives that Reyes has the necessary information to be qualified for the position… [read article] – December 12

Richard Eichenberg (Tufts) describes American’s opnions towards the Iraq war as very pessimistic due to lack of progress in reaching a concrete conclusion… [read article]-December 12

Larry Hufford (St. Mary's University-San Antonio) and Andy Hernandez (University of Texas-San Antonio) have various interpretations of the evolvement of Texas politics. Huffurd claims that voter turnout in runoff elections is "notoriously low" in the south Bexar County precincts while Hernandez states that “there’s a new dynamic in play…” [read article] – December 11

Ed Renwick (Loyola University) and Susan Howell (University of New Orleans) comment on U.S. Rep. William Jefferson ability to take office despite allegations of fraud and embezzlement…[read article] - December 10

Andy Taylor (N.C. State University) explains the benefits that Charles Taylor holds by being a member of the appropriations Committee for 13 years. He is able to “bring home the bacon” for the 11^th Congressional district…[read article] – December 8

Gerald McBeath (University of Alaska-Fairbanks) comments on Sarah Palin and her ability to overtake former Democratic Gov. Tony Knowles, in a time when many Republicans lost their seats in both the House and Senate… [read article] – December 6

Peter L. Francia (East Carolina University) an expert on labor's role in American politics states that “labor groups have significant influence in Nevada and Iowa. By securing labor's support, John Edwards hopes to emerge as the biggest challenger to Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton…” [read article] -December 5

Jeff Berry (Tufts University) comments on Barak Obama’s lack of experience in foreign policy or military experience, stating this fact as Obama’s “Achilles heel…” [read article] - December 5

Jack Pitney (Claremont-McKenna College -Claremont) discusses how a large pool of candidates for the 2008 elections will soon dwindle into a small category of names. He suspects “a lot of the people talking of running now or even announcing exploratory committees will flunk the invisible primary…” [read article] – December 5

Charles Bullock (University of Georgia) comments on Georgia's former senator Max Cleland’s decision to not seek a 2008 rematch against Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss. Bullock states that "Cleland was among the best-known potential Democratic challengers..." [read article] - December 4

Lance LeLoup (Washington State University) comments on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning exam which was “designed to help fundamentally change education in Washington state, but for many reasons, including too little money for school reform, the test has become more of a political hot button than an icon for educational excellence…” [read article] - December 2

Amaney Jamal (Princeton University) states that civic engagement by Muslims has been increasing, but “there has been a shift in focus from influencing Middle East policy to strengthening domestic institutions.” [read article] - December 1<ST1:PLACE w:st="on