Clinton: Mideast Faces Disaster Without Reform

On Thursday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on Arab leaders to enact political and economic reform: “While some countries have made great strides in governance, in many others people have grown tired of corrupt institutions and a stagnant political order. They are demanding reform to make their governments more effective, more responsive, and more open. And all this is taking place against a backdrop of depleting resources [...] But in too many places, in too many ways, the region’s foundations are sinking into the sand. The new and dynamic Middle East that I have seen needs firmer ground if it is to take root and grow everywhere.”

She warned that “those who cling to the status quo may be able to hold back the full impact of their countries’ problems for a little while, but not forever. If leaders don’t offer a positive vision and give young people meaningful ways to contribute, others will fill the vacuum.” Clinton pledged US support for countries which make strides towards reform and called for greater cooperation between businesses, government and civil society to address the region’s problems.