David Holdridge

March 17, 2011

Let Egypt lead on Libya

As President Barack Obama examines military options to intervene in Libya’s escalating humanitarian crisis, it is increasingly clear that a U.S.-led effort would be detrimental in effectively addressing both short-term needs and the region’s long-term stability.

Instead, Egypt should step up and declare its intent to establish and enforce a “humanitarian corridor” to Benghazi.

The time is drawing to a close where America can seemingly work at such cross purposes in the Middle East and North Africa.

David Holdridge, President of Bridging the Divide, participated on a panel of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) practitioners titled "ICT for Development: A Vector of Innovation Across Sectors." Holdridge spoke on behalf of "Made in Beirut" as the next step for developing  Arabic content and architecture for locally owned ICT ventures. The event on October 16th was sponsored by the American Embassy and the Ministry of Communication and brought together representatives from the ICT sector across the Middle East.

On October 6th, David Holdridge and Sarah Moulton met with Congressman Brian Baird (3rd District-Washington)  to discuss the BTD and IJMA3 plans for the reformation of foreign assistance. 

The use of American tax dollars or tax exempt citizen donations to effect a sustainable progression toward Peace and Justice overseas will not happen without local ownership of the design and implementation of the investment. This is the sine qua non of development regardless of location. To make positive enduring change in human behavior and attitudes, the impetus and the drive must come from within. The notion that the west can deliver a blueprint for developing a foreign community or nation is fanciful.