Middle East Policy

Here are the recent news and developments concerning the political life and democratic stirring in Egypt gathered from the Egypt Monitor . Egypt watch is of extreme importance for the Middle East democratization research. For my comment on this subject go to Arab Democracy and Egypt Paradigm . Egypt Democracy Watch: (Covers the latest two months) People's Assembly Preparing a Report on Constitutional Amendments On July 11, the People's Assembly- lower house of parliament- starting to discuss constitutional amendment to be presented to president Mubarak. A report will be handed to president Mubarak, who in turn will choose the amendments to be introduced. Mubarak Abolishes Jail Sentences for publication Offenses In a sudden last minute move, on July 10, president Mubarak instructed members of parliament from the ruling National Democratic Party to abolish publication offenses in a new law on the press. This move came to ease the tensions between civil society activists and the...

This is the news section of the current issue of the Arab Reform Bulletin Published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace : Headlines: Syria: Continuing Crackdown on Dissent Egypt: Controversial Press and Judiciary Laws, Arrests, U.S. Aid Debate Kuwait: Reformists Gain in Elections Iraq: Amnesty Plan Yemen: Run Up to Presidential Election Bahrain: Debate over Anti-Terror Bill; New Association Law Saudi Arabia: Reduced Powers for Morality Police Jordan: Islamist MPs Arrested; Evidence of Torture in Prisons Algeria: Referendum to Amend Constitution; Prominent Journalist Released Morocco: Electoral Law Debate; Wave of Arrests of Justice and Charity Members Democracy Assistance Dialogue: Sanaa Conference Syria: Continuing Crackdown on Dissent Seventeen state employees in Syrian ministries were dismissed by Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Al Otri on June 14 without explanation, but human rights activists believe it was because they signed the Beirut-Damascus declaration, a petiti...

The totalitarianism constitutes one system. The totalitarianism has one nature in many aspects and shapes; it pragmatically develops a reciprocal structure and unified means under a consistent code of conduct—all rest on violence. Apart from ideologies, religious or not, the problem has one name, one identity and one essence; it is the totalitarianism. A comprehensive reading of the current state of the region between the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf will clarify and support this thinking. The totalitarian dictatorships and terrorists are in an alliance of convenience. Although they have two different ideologies and agendas, they have mutual basic interest and pursuit is to keep freedom and democracy along with their culture out of this region. Saddam had known this fact early and began soon after his defeat in the gulf war ΙΙ the Islamization of the state notwithstanding the official totalitarian secular ideology of al-Ba'ath. Moreover, he had a chance of about 12 years to do th...

The Amnesty International has released its 2006 report , which covers events from January - December 2005. Here are some excerpts from the regional overview of the Middle East and North Africa: At first sight, the pattern of widespread abuse that has long characterized human rights in the Middle East and North Africa remained firmly entrenched in 2005. Indeed, considering the appalling toll of abuses perpetrated by all parties to the conflict in Iraq, the continuing struggle between Israelis and Palestinians, and some of the views expressed by Iran’s new President, the picture could have appeared very bleak. Despite this and the persistence of grave violations across the region, there were some signs to suggest that 2005 might come to be seen as a time when some of the old certainties began to look less certain and a new dynamic began to take hold. The wall of impunity behind which so many perpetrators of torture, political killings and other abuses had sheltered for so long began t...

After 9/11, the international order has failed in terms of security when the world super power became under attack followed by many other attacks throughout the world. This incident indicates a new nature of the international dangers and threats exceed the 'state borders' and the related international norms and standards. Furthermore, the 'internal affair,' the extremely important term in the international relations is subject to re-identifying because the internal situation is no longer just an internal concern and, thereby, an internal affair, it becomes an international concern too in the post-9/11 reality. Then, what I call the 'Neo-Internationalism' is sought and called for. This 'Neo-Internationalism' represents a state of international relations in which the democratic interventionism is required and legitimate for the international security and prosperity, and for forming an international order can cope with the international challenges and maint...

Who would protect us? This is the question. It is a matter of fact that the authoritarian governments, which rest on repression and lying (the official only-legitimate propaganda), fear the truth, therefore, they fear even the words and fight the free opinion and expression. The free opinion and expression are essential and effectual prerequisites for change in the Middle East as antidotes to the authoritarianism. The more the freedom of expression exists, the less the political system is authoritarian and vice versa. The freedom of conscience and expression is a real and indispensable foundation of the political reform and progress in the Middle East. The U.S. and EU should support directly the freedom of expression in the Middle East and should pressure the authoritarian governments on that, especially the totalitarian governments. It is truly a shame that mere opinion can drive a human to prison, torture and humiliation. The international community has the responsibility to protect ...

Here is a recent policy watch of the U.S. efforts, stances and statements concerning democracy promotion worldwide, especially in the Middle East: (Source: International Information Programs , U.S. Department of State.) Headlines: Hungary a Model for Iraq, Bush Says in Budapest Terrorist's Death in Iraq Is Victory for Freedom, Bush Declares U.S. Envoy Bolton Pledges Increased Push for U.N. Reforms; Effectiveness of world body to be seen by actions on Darfur, Lebanon, Iran U.N. Hariri Assassination Probe Encouraging, Syria's cooperation still questionable, U.S. Envoy Says U.S. President Arrives in Baghdad for Surprise Trip; Bush Pledges Security, Economic, Diplomatic Support to Iraq House Passes $21.3 Billion Fiscal 2007 Foreign Aid Spending Bill; Representatives reject proposal to cut assistance to Egypt Hungary a Model for Iraq, Bush Says in Budapest Bush commemorates 1956 Hungarian uprising against Soviet tyranny Washington -- Speaking on a hill from which Soviet forces fired...

This is the news section of the current issue of the Arab Reform Bulletin Published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace : Headlines: Syria: Human Rights Activists Detained; National Salvation Front Meets in London. Egypt: Crackdown on Demonstrators; Judicial Law Debated; Wafd Election. Palestine: Debate over Referendum. Lebanon: Debate over Electoral Law. Jordan: Government Approves Anti-Terrorism Law. Iraq: Key Cabinet Posts Filled. Kuwait: Run-Up to Elections. Bahrain: New Press and Association Laws; Run-Up to Elections. Algeria: New Prime Minister. Morocco: Detention of Al Adl wal Ihsan Members. Upcoming Political Events. Syria: Human Rights Activists Detained; National Salvation Front Meets in London In a continuation of the arrests and trial of human rights activists and opposition figures in the past several months, between May 14 and May 23 Syrian authorities detained 12 activists who were among 300 Syrian and Lebanese intellectuals, writers, and human rights advoc...