There is no Western Conspiracy Against the Arab World

After the high expectations brought by the "Arab Spring", the Arab world is divided: there are those who believe that the region is at the mercy of Western conspiracies and those who no longer doubt that the problems plaguing the Arab world are caused by the Arabs themselves.

Many believe that Western colonialism created divisions and limitations that did not exist before in the Arab world and now seeks to weaken Arab countries and use them for their own interests, including for Israel's security, oil, limiting illegal immigration, and as a venue for the realization of a new Cold War with Russia and China.

At the same time, there are those who consider that the current crisis of the Arab world is a product of the recent history of these countries, where corruption and bribery often run rampant. This prevents the emergence of healthy and modern states, and instead supports regimes with a lack of respect for human rights who harm the economic standing of their country and prevent democracy from taking root.

To take part in our current #DD17 Musabaqa, you can submit a video of 99 seconds or less stating your position and making compelling arguments in favor of or against the motion by 20 August 2015, 11:00pm GMT. Six winners from anywhere in the Arab world will be invited to Casablanca Morocco, where the live debate will take place to take part in an intensive two-day debate workshop, and two of the Musabaqa winners (chosen among the six) will participate in our live televised debate in September, alongside top Arab opinion leaders. The debate will be broadcast live on Al Jazeera Mubasher. Winners of Musbaqat Munathara are determined by audience vote, so feel free to share your video on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Voting will end on 23 August 2015 at 11:00pm GMT. Good luck everyone, and we look forward to your contributions!