3 thoughts on “Jared Cohen Interviews”

  1. After watching all the videos, it was interesting to see how each interview was more and more casual (if you watched them in the order of 1,2,3). Jared Cohen’s focus on the youth culture of Iran as a “hidden” opposition force is one of the more fascinating angles/perspectives I’ve seen for a reflection of the Middle East. Cohen’s ability to compare the youth of Iran with the youth of America seems to be an incredibly crucial yet underrepresented facet to establish relationships with citizens in developing countries.
    In his BBC interview, Cohen emphasizes the “channel for engagement” being the global youth identity in this digital age. It was Cohen’s ability to talk with the youth in Iran about topics such as sports, music and movies that opened the exchange of knowledge and opinions between the youth and Cohen. The running theme throughout the intereviews appeared to be the “battle of alternatives”, which Cohen explained as being both the type and availability of opportunities for the youth in Iran. Essentially, the youth have the option to be apart of an extremist religious or militant group or the option to remain censored. With the inundation of bribes and other luxuries (cell phones, air conditioning, etc.) the youth have little room to refuse, perpetuating the cycle of conflict.
    Prior to these videos, I had never considered the full implications internet servers (facebook, twitter, youtube) had to offer to developing countries. It’s bizarre to realize I use my blackberry and facebook everyday to connect with people in a 4 mile radius for simple issues while youth across the world use these same applications to coordinate protests and meeting for civic empowerment! I believe that Jared Cohen has unveiled a critical and growing aspect in this age of technology. As the Iranians are using these programs to create their own alternatives in their personal lives and the general society, it is only a matter of time before other developing countries recognize the strength of digital communication for means of change.

  2. After watching these videos, I felt relieved. The reason I say this is because of how open-minded Jared Cohen is. He is a Jew who grew up in Connecticut, but resembled no hard feelings towards Arabs or Muslims at all. In fact, in the first video, he spoke of Islam with a tone of respect, like he would any other religion, noting that it is a religion of peace, interpreted differently (perhaps incorrectly) by radicals/extremists. Nothing he said seemed biased at all, and his purpose in traveling to the Middle East was to gain an understanding regarding the thoughts and opinions of those on the €˜other side.' He just wanted to get to know the youngsters of these countries, and in doing so, he realized there was not much difference between them and himself. They were able to bond over talks of games and other boy-related topics. Also, he realized the importance of the young generation around the world, so when he traveled, he didn't look at people in relation to what political parties/militant groups/nations they were affiliated with, but focused on the fact that they are all young people with more in common than they think. For example, he states that he essentially hung out with young men who took part in Hezbollah and their activities against Israel, but when they would meet up in places like McDonald's one would never think these kids were part of a militant group. Young boys are the same all around the world: they all want to rebel and defy authorities, but they also want a sense of identity and to belong. Cohen explains that for the most part this is why youngsters have joined groups such as Hezbollah. While they would rather be receiving an education and beginning the road to success, they will be alienated if they don't take part in what is seen as €˜religiously necessary.' Cohen also brings up another good point when he says that no one is born wanting to be in a militant group. It is true.
    Altogether I found Cohen inspiring because he proves how young people can actually impact the world in ways we never thought of before. A main reason as to why this is possible is because of technology. Technology is something that unites all young people (regardless of ethnicity, religion, or place of origin). Facebook, twitter, youtube, and other internet sites allow individuals to express their feelings and opinions about issues that they might not have the liberty to discuss (or openly have an opinion about) in their own countries.
    Cohen has realized that the young people of this world will be leading the world in the near future and that it is important for individuals to focus on similarities between themselves and others instead of differences. It will certainly make the world a better place, and maybe even create peace.

  3. Jared Cohen offers an interesting demographic, that over sixty per cent of the Middle Eastern population is under the age of thirty. He writes about this population in his book, Children of Jihad. He spent most of his time in Iran, and, like in the Rick Steves video that we watched, Cohen mentions that most of the people he interacted with were pro-US. He also mentions that the youth in Iran and around the Middle East are like any other youth population in the world; they are active and rebellious. This youth thus becomes important to foreign policy because they really are "the future of the Middle East."
    I was very impression by Jared Cohen in all three videos. He is very enthusiastic about his case study, and it seemed like he could talk about the Middle East for days. It is interesting to see how Cohen varies what he talks about and the way he talks about it with each video, which were all filmed in very different contexts. It seems like it would be very hard to summarize your ideas in a four minute interview with Colbert, but I felt that Cohen handled it very well, especially with all of Colbert's outrageous comments and questions. Overall, Cohen has me sold. I think he is one hundred per cent right to stress the importance of social networking on the Internet in Middle Eastern countries. It is interesting, however, to think that Facebook might be the answer for the Middle East.

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