Project on Middle East Democracy

Project on Middle East Democracy
The POMED Wire Archives


Category: EU

EU Leaders Call for Dialogue and Reform in Egypt

January 31st, 2011 by Naureen

On Monday, European Union foreign ministers met to discuss the events in Egypt and called for “peaceful dialogue” between protesters and the government. They called for democratic reform that pave the way for “fair and free elections” and for an “orderly transition” to a broad-based government in Egypt. EU foreign affairs chief Baroness Ashton called for immediate talks with opposition saying, “It’s absolutely critical that the government engage in open, frank, direct dialogue.” Foreign ministers urged Hosni Mubarak to embark on reform but stopped short of demanding he leave. Several ministers, including British Foreign Secretary William Hague and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwellesaid it was important that Egypt did not fall into the hands of extremists.


Posted in EU, Egypt, Elections, Protests, Reform | Comment »

EU Registers Concern about Egypt’s Elections

December 8th, 2010 by Evan

Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, released a statement calling the recent election in Egypt “insufficient.” Citing reported irregularities, restrictions on media and independent observers, and violence against opposition activists, Ashton encouraged Egyptian to respond to international concerns and “permit domestic and international monitors to observe future elections.”


Posted in EU, Egypt, Elections, Human Rights | Comment »

POMED Notes: “The United States and Turkey: A View from the Obama Administration”

March 17th, 2010 by Chanan

The Brookings Institution, in collaboration with Sabanci University, held the sixth annual Sakip Sabanci Lecture with Philip H. Gordon, Assistant Secretary of European and Eurasian Affairs, to discuss the Obama administration’s perspective on Turkey, its relationship with the United States and the European Union, and its role across the Middle East and throughout the world.

For POMED’s notes in PDF, click here. Otherwise, continue reading below.

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Posted in Afghanistan, DC Event Notes, EU, Iran, Iraq, Islam and Democracy, Israel, Middle Eastern Media, Pakistan, Political Parties, Turkey, Uncategorized, sanctions | Comment »

Secretary Clinton: Major Human Rights Speech at Georgetown

December 14th, 2009 by Jason

Secretary Clinton delivered an important address (PDF transcript) on the Obama administration’s approach to human rights today at Georgetown University.

Reinforcing the message of President Obama’s Nobel speech, Clinton affirmed “the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are not only the source of our strength and endurance, they are the birthright of every woman, man, and child on earth.” As such, Clinton defined America’s mission as “expanding the circle of rights and opportunities to all people - advancing their freedoms and possibilities.”

Furthermore, a just society must not only respect civil and political freedoms, but also protect its citizens from the “oppression of want - want of food, want of health, want of education, and want of equality in law and fact.” In fact, “democracies that deliver on rights, opportunities, and development for their people are stable, strong, and most likely to enable people to live up to their potential.” As such, Clinton asserted “supporting democracy and fostering development are cornerstones of our 21st century human rights agenda.”

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Posted in Afghanistan, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, EU, Egypt, Foreign Aid, Human Rights, Iran, Iraq, Journalism, Judiciary, Multilateralism, NGOs, Technology, US foreign policy, Uncategorized, United Nations, Women | 3 Comments »

Report: Human Rights on the Decline Part II

December 12th, 2009 by Jason

As we reported earlier, the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) has released a comprehensive and thorough report, called “Bastion of Impunity, Mirage of Reform,” on the state of human rights throughout the Arab world. The full report in Arabic spans 254 pages and chronicles in detail the backsliding on human rights in the region while also identifying a few points of optimism. In addition to the full report, CIHRS has released a translation of the report’s introduction written by their general director, Bahey eldin Hassan, as well as a 21-page summary of the report in English.

According to Hassan’s introduction, while there have been important strides to “ease repressive measures” in the Middle East under the Forum of the Future regional initiative, in no country were there “real constitutional, legislative, or institutional gains that could upset the balance of power between authoritarian regimes and the forces of reform.” Hassan blames this failure on the narrow focus on electoral reform at the expense of human rights, the contradictory actions of the G-8 countries, attempts by the Arab League to co-opt reform with their own homegrown initiatives, and the European and American fear of Islamist electoral victories. Finally, Hassan contends “the last spark in the initiatives was quashed once and for all with the arrival of a new US administration” apparently unwilling to support democracy rhetorically.

Now, Hassan warns that the minor gains made over the past five years are under a “counterattack by Arab governments. Among other examples of backtracking, the Arab league disabled the Arab Charter on Human Rights, which only had 10 of 22 signatory countries to begin with. As with the CIHRS report last year, Hassan concludes that “lack of political will on the part of most regimes in the Arab region was the key to understanding and explaining chronic human rights problems in the region.”

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Posted in Algeria, Arab League, Bahrain, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, EU, Egypt, Elections, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Gulf, Hamas, Hezbollah, Human Rights, Iraq, Islam and Democracy, Islamist movements, Israel, Jordan, Journalism, Judiciary, Kurds, Lebanon, Legislation, Military, Morocco, Multilateralism, Muslim Brotherhood, NGOs, Palestine, Political Islam, Political Parties, Protests, Public Opinion, Publications, Reform, Saudi Arabia, Sectarianism, Syria, Tunisia, US foreign policy, United Nations, Western Sahara, Women, Yemen | 1 Comment »

Nobel: Obama’s Speech and Reaction

December 12th, 2009 by Jason

President Obama accepted his Nobel Peace Prize yesterday in Oslo, Norway. In his acceptance speech (full text), Obama affirmed that the award “speaks to our highest aspirations - that for all the cruelty and hardship of our world, we are not mere prisoners of fate. Our actions matter, and can bend history in the direction of justice.” Throughout the speech, Obama balanced the tension between the aspiration for peace and the necessity of war.

President Obama reminded the audience that America’s historical leadership in “constructing an architecture to keep the peace” that has advanced “the ideals of liberty, self-determination, equality and the rule of law.” Through the sacrifice and service of its citizens, the United States has promoted peace, prosperity and democracy “not because we seek to impose our will” but out of “enlightened self-interest, because we seek a better future for our children and grandchildren, and we believe that their lives will be better if other peoples’ children and grandchildren can live in freedom and prosperity.”

Elaborating further, President Obama explained that peace is not simply a lack of conflict, but rather it must “based upon the inherent rights and dignity of every individual.” Therefore, President Obama promised that “even as we respect the unique culture and traditions of different countries, America will always be a voice of those aspirations that are universal.” Because that voice sometimes must be delivered directly to authoritarian regimes, Obama rejected “sanctions without outreach, and condemnation without discussion [that] can carry forward a crippling status quo.” As such, the world “must try as best we can to balance isolation and engagement; pressure and incentives, so that human rights and dignity are advanced over time.”

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Posted in Afghanistan, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, EU, Freedom, Human Rights, Military, Multilateralism, Neocons, Terrorism, US foreign policy, US politics, al-Qaeda, sanctions | Comment »

Palestine: Jerusalem as Dual Capital

December 9th, 2009 by Zack

Laura Rozen reports that foreign ministers in Europe have issued a joint statement saying that “a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states,” calling on the Israeli government to “to cease all discriminatory treatment of Palestinians in East Jerusalem.”  However the move did drop a Swedish proposal that explicitly supported East Jerusalem as a Palestinian capital (see our post).  Al-Arabiyya goes on to explain that Europeans will not “recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders,” thereby refusing to recognize Israel’s right to occupy the area.”  The Arabist has a post detailing the political wrangling that went on in order to soften the statement about Jerusalem.

Foreign Policy relays an Israel official’s response to the idea: “The peace process in the Middle East is not like IKEA furniture.” But the magazine argues the Swedish draft was not taken directly from the Fatah platform, but is a composition of ongoing efforts.  At the same time, Al-Arabiyya writes that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is disappointed about the watered down language, arguing that “the Swedish draft was a good draft because it put in clear cut terms the issue of East Jerusalem. Then came the final, vague form.”

MotherJones has run an article chronicling a non-violent resistance movement in the West Bank village of Jayyous, where the Israeli separation barrier has cut off the village from much of its agriculture. 

In Lebanon, Abbas underscored the idea that Palestinian refugees are subject to Lebanese laws and explained that “If Hamas persists in its refusal to allow the [presidential and parliamentary] polls to take place in Gaza, I will not agree to the vote in the West Bank.”


Posted in Diplomacy, EU, Elections, Hamas, Israel, Mideast Peace Plan, Palestine | Comment »

Turkey: Possible Partner?

December 7th, 2009 by Zack

In a Daily Star editorial, Rami Khouri sets Turkey up as the Middle East’s “only real country.”  He embraces Turkey’s “mix of lively domestic politics, a dynamic social and cultural life, and a strong and internationally expanding eco­nomy.” Furthermore he lauds the country’s commitment to “freedom of speech and association that allow domestic politics to proceed in the direction defined by a majority of the citizenry; civilian authority over the armed forces and security agencies; and, pragmatic, humble realism in coming to terms with the realities of a pluralistic society where minorities demand rights that the majority should acknowledge.”  For Khouri, Turkey is a “refreshing” example of a large ruling party accountable to the votes of the citizenry and a leader in sensible foreign policy.

In contrast, Soner Cagapty argues that Turkey is embracing an anti-Western, pro-Islamist foreign policy by pursuing rapprochement with Russia, Iran, and the Sudan.   Turkey’s move away from the West, and particularly its historically strong relationship with Israel, is being prompted by increasing Qatari investment and growing trade with Syria, which Cagapty terms “Econo-Islamism.”

Suat Kınıklıoğlu, the AK Party deputy chairman for external affairs, responds to such “superfluous” concerns that Turkey is developing a “neo-Ottoman” imperialist foreign policy by arguing that the country is merely attempting to “reintegrate Turkey into its immediate neighborhoods, including the Balkans, the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Similarly, Marc Lynch, after giving an introduction to  Prime Minister Erdogan’s previous diplomatic record, writes that he does not see any malice in Turkey’s expanding diplomatic role in the Middle East.  He argues, “Turkey’s cultivation of good relations across the spectrum makes perfect sense for a player on the periphery without a direct stake in old battle lines which wants to maximize its diplomatic clout.”  As such Turkey is an ideal partner for the U.S. because it can “bridge the gap” between players on both sides of the region’s deeply rooted conflicts.

Ahead of Erdogan’s visit to Washington, Joshua Walker argues that Turkey, who is seeking a greater regional role and who already has taken on significant responsibility, is President Obama’s ideal partner to support Afghanistan operations.  Morton Abramowitz and Henri Barkey agree that Turkey could become a vital partner in the region.  As such they argue that Obama will have to overlook differences, including Turkish policies that favor Islam over previous accords, and push Erdogan to embrace the reforms necessary to join the E.U.


Posted in Diplomacy, EU, Reform, Turkey, US foreign policy | Comment »

EU: Grand Strategy for Democracy?

December 3rd, 2009 by Jason

Kimana at Democracy Digest explores the new democracy promotion strategy of the European Union, the world’s largest spender on democracy and development. Previously, the European countries have failed to act in unison while undertaking democracy promotion and development projects. However, under the new Agenda for Action strategy, the EU will now act with greater unison. The new strategy calls for taking a country specific approach to democracy promotion, understanding that every target country poses unique challenges and opportunities.

However, Kimana warns that the new strategy “risks running into the wall of EU consensus building, generating a lowest common denominator approach that does not compel member states to converge.” Ultimately, Kimana contends “the Council’s initiative to put democracy support on the table should be welcomed, despite the lack of concrete measures. But a coherent European strategy for democracy support is unlikely unless and until there is a genuine convergence of interests and transparency becomes the new lingua franca.”


Posted in Democracy Promotion, EU, Foreign Aid | Comment »

Palestine: Jerusalem Divided?

December 2nd, 2009 by Zack

Haaretz has obtained a draft statement on the Middle East peace process put together by Sweden, the nation currently holding the E.U. presidency.  The document calls for the division of Jerusalem between Israel and a Palestinian state and implies the E.U. would recognize a unilateral Palestinian declaration of statehood.  The European proposal does not recognize changes to pre-1967 borders, pledges economic support for a Palestinian state, promotes a continued settlement freeze, calls for Gaza to be reopened, asks “all Palestinians to promote reconciliation behind President Mahmoud Abbas,” and requests that all involved actors recommit to the peace process. 

Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni has condemned Sweden for its attempt to dictate the status of Jerusalem.  While defending Israel’s fear of a Palestinian state, Carlo Strenger writes on the irony that 61 years ago Israel’s independence was declared despite Arab opposition and that now the situation may reverse.  He argues that E.U. recognition and capital support could, in fact, reignite the peace process. 

Alex Fishman argues that Abbas’ position in the PA “must be saved” and he sees the settlement freeze as an Israeli lifeline to maintain Abbas as the chief Palestinian force within negotiations.  Mashe Arens shares that belief and goes further to claim that Palestine’s fractured leadership and demographics have pushed dreams of statehood further away than ever.


Posted in Diplomacy, EU, Israel, Mideast Peace Plan, Palestine, Reform | Comment »

Turkey: Democracy and the Kurds

November 24th, 2009 by Zack

The Washington Post has written an editorial criticizing Turkish PM Recep Erdogan  for backsliding on his commitment to democratic principles.  Despite the fact that Erdogan is pushing through Kurdish reforms, the dimming prospects of Turkey joining the E.U. has led Turkey to adopt an unwanted stance on Israel and a coziness with Iran, Syria and Sudan, as well as cracking down on Turkish media.  The editorial concludes that Erdogan must stop “coddling Muslim dictators — and stop following their practice of silencing domestic opposition.”

The New York Times on the other hand has published an editorial focusing on the courage of Erdogan’s Turkish reforms.  While the editorial notes the same worrying trends, it argues Turkey is responding to U.S. efforts to push democracy and that Europe “must finally make clear that if Turkey bolsters its democracy and respects the rights of its minorities, it will be welcome in the European Union.”


Posted in Diplomacy, EU, Elections, Foreign Aid, Kurds, PKK, Reform, Turkey, US foreign policy | Comment »

Iran: More Censorship, More Arrests

November 24th, 2009 by Jason

After apparently rejecting a nuclear deal last week, Iran signaled it could send its uranium abroad for enrichment if given “100 percent guarantees” it would be returned. However, Michael Crowley at the Plank quotes George Perkovich, who warns that nuclear negotiations cannot succeed while Iranian internal politics remains under such disarray.

Meanwhile, The New York Times reports that the Iranian regime ”appears to be starting a far more ambitious effort to discredit its opponents and re-educate Iran’s mostly young and restive population.” Among other initiatives, they have deployed Basij militia to teach the Islamic Revolution in elementary schools, the Revolutionary Guards have acquired the country’s telecommunications monopoly, and the Guards will open a news agency within the next few months. But, according to Mehrzad Boroujerdiof Syracuse University, similar “previous efforts to reinstall orthodoxy have only exacerbated cleavages between citizens and the state.” Iranian authorities have also banned the country’s largest-circulation newspaper after it published a photograph of a Baha’i temple. Approximately 300,000 Baha’is live in Iran, but they are often persecuted as a minority faith.

Despite these initiatives, Omid Memarian praises Frontline’s “A Death in Tehran” documentary that “exposes the Iranian government’s fierce but failed endeavors to manipulate the truth.” According to Memarian, the spread of the Internet and mobile devices represents a “paradigm shift” in communication that the Iranian government is ill-equipped to control. However, the regime can still imprison its citizens. The journalist Ahmad Zeidabadi was sentenced to five years in prison and, earlier this month, student leader Abdollah Momeni was sentenced to eight years. Furthermore, prominent reformist Mohammad Atrianfar was released on $500,000 bail after being sentenced to a six-year prison term. In response to the continued crackdown, the opposition has called for another protest on December 7th, known in Iran as Student Day.


Posted in EU, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Journalism, Judiciary, Middle Eastern Media, US foreign policy, sanctions | Comment »

Losing Patience

November 20th, 2009 by Jason

Members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany met today to discuss how to move forward concerning Iran. The IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei rejected the use of sanctions, arguing they would make Iran more intransigent. Speaking in Asia, President Obama explained “we’ve seen indications that for internal political reasons or perhaps because they are stuck in some of their own rhetoric” Iran has been unable to agree to any nuclear deal.

One source of Iran’s intransigence, according to Meir Javedanfar, is that Ayatollah Khamenei no longer has “time, patience or sympathy for those who may question him.” For example, Ali Akbar Mohtashamipour, the Iranian who founded Hezbollah in Lebanon, is no longer “treated like a hero” as would be expected. Javedanfar explains “the reason is simple: he is a reformist.”

In response to Geneive Abdo’s prediction that Ayatollah Khamenei will be the last Supreme Leader, niacINsight worries that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would seek to assume full political control in that scenario, converting Iran into a military dictatorship.

Mark Tooley in the Weekly Standard observes that American evangelical Southern Baptists “are pushing for more U.S. pressure against Iran’s nuclear program while also offering solidarity to Iran’s suppressed domestic opposition.” In a recent joint Jewish-Evangelical resolution, they call for “strict sanctions” while reserving military action as a “last resort.” The editorial staff of The Washington Times, however has lost its patience. They clamor for getting “ready to bomb Iran” as the “last best chance for peace,” calling the case for using force a “slam-dunk.”

Freedom House offers another method of supporting the Iranian opposition. It has urged the U.N. to pass a resolution sponsored by Canada condemning Iran’s human rights abuses, mirroring similar calls from Iranian pro-reform activists. In a press release, they call the human rights situation in Iran “particularly egregious.”

Finally, Tehran Bureau has posted their documentary “A Death in Tehran” online about Neda Agha-Soltan, the woman shot and killed during the post-election protests.


Posted in Diplomacy, EU, Freedom, Hezbollah, Human Rights, Iran, Islam and Democracy, Military, Multilateralism, Oil, US foreign policy, US politics, sanctions | Comment »

Last Supreme Leader?

November 19th, 2009 by Jason

President Barack Obama announced that the U.S. and its partners have begun to discuss ”consequences” after Iran apparently rejected a nuclear deal. Nonetheless, U.S. officials insist that negotiations have not run their course yet. Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office has released a cost estimate (PDF) on the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (H.R. 2194), estimating $2 million in implementation costs.

Geneive Abdo contends that while the events of this summer have strengthened hardliners in the short-term, the opposition has succeeded in ensuring Ayatollah Khamenei will “be the last all-powerful Supreme Leader of the Islamic republic, even if the theocratic system manages to survive this tumult.”  According to Abdo, clerics in Qum, led by Ayatollah Montazeri, are currently debating how to remove Khamenei’s post of velayat-e faqih which sits uneasily within the traditional Shi’ite ambivalence to political power.

Meanwhile, Tehran Bureau relays a report from an “informed source” that Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani is purportedly seeking to replace President Ahmadinejad. The Bureau also cites an Afghan newspaper article that accuses Ahmadinejad of acting like “one of the world’s many Sultans who empty the treasury, not to render the frontier region habitable, but to bring it under his own control.”

Mark Bowden reminds us that the 1970 Iranian revolution was originally nationalist and set up a secular provisional government, but the hostage crisis provided an opportunity for Ayatollah Khomeini to Islamicize the revolution and the government. Now, Bowden argues the mullahs are placed in a difficult position: the methods they must use to maintain their power are the very methods of the Shah that compelled the people to march in the streets and propel the mullahs into power.

Such methods have led judicial authorities to investigate the “suspicious” death of Ramin Pourandarjani, a doctor who voiced his concern over allegations of prisoner abuse. Nonetheless, Europe and the U.S. have remained largely  silent over human rights abuses in Iran, as explored by Edith Novy.

Finally, Babylon and Beyond has also picked up on the story of Iranian opposition activists lobbying Time Magazine to name Neda Agha-Soltan as Person of the Year.


Posted in EU, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, US foreign policy, United Nations, sanctions | 1 Comment »

Moldy Remains of the Palestinian State?

November 12th, 2009 by Jason

Haaretz reports that President Mahmoud Abbas will likely accept a recommendation to delay elections currently scheduled for January. The head of the Palestinian Central Elections Commission confirmed that they told Abbas “we cannot have elections at the time he scheduled them,” especially because of Hamas’ refusal to participate. However, there are no signs Abbas will give in to American pressure to resume peace talks with Israel without a full settlement freeze. Abbas’ threat to resign was a major point of discussion between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu in a long one-on-one meeting this week.

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Posted in Arab League, Diplomacy, EU, Egypt, Elections, Foreign Aid, Hamas, Israel, Mideast Peace Plan, Palestine, Political Islam, Political Parties, US foreign policy, United Nations | 2 Comments »

No Place for Corruption?

November 9th, 2009 by Jason

Under international and domestic pressure to reform, Afghan President Hamid Karzai declared on Sunday that there is no place for corrupt officials within his new government.  President Karzai also suggested that donor countries share some of the blame for corruption in Afghanistan for failing to establish accountability in their assistance programs.

Former presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani has challenged Karzai to become a “statesman” and lead Afghanistan out of its current morass.  To do so, Karzai must follow through on developing “peace and security; good governance; justice and rule of law; development, education and jobs; peace and reconciliation; and regional and international partnerships.” According to Ghani, “it is not the absence of capability but the exclusion of capable people from the government that has hollowed the state from within.” Ghani concludes that “once the government is committed to the people’s security and wellbeing, public opinion can become a strong source of leverage on the insurgents to opt for peace and justice.”

Meanwhile, there are increasing signs that President Obama will send approximately 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, though it is unlikely any decision is yet final. Regardless of the final number, National Security Advisor Jim Jones affirmed “we will put much more emphasis on battling corruption and putting competent and honest people in positions of authority” during an interview with Der Spiegel. However, Michael Cohen doubts whether “improved governance alone - devoid of any sort of coercive techniques - will convince the population to side with the government.”

In response to calls for a British withdrawal, Boris Johnson argues in The Telegraph that while it “is difficult to promote women’s liberation and democracy … and habeas corpus when you have a constant risk of attack by a resurgent Taliban,” it is ultimately the right thing to do. Furthermore, Theo Farrell in The Guardian observes that despite all the “grim” news coming out of Afghanistan, developments in Helmand province may provide some reason for optimism. For example, schools and health clinics are being built, poppy cultivation is down, wheat planting is up, and security is improving.


Posted in Afghanistan, Democracy Promotion, EU, Elections, Military, Multilateralism, Reform, Taliban, US foreign policy, US politics, al-Qaeda | Comment »

New Trials in Iran

November 9th, 2009 by Jason

The U.S. has tried to resuscitate the nuclear deal with Iran by sending back-channel messages that it is willing to store Iran’s nuclear stockpile in a neutral, trustworthy country like Turkey. But Iran has not responded to these proposals, instead offering that the uranium should be stored in the Iranian-controlled island of Kish under international inspectors. Tehran’s head nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, affirmed that he wants to reach an agreement ”as quickly as possible,” but Western officials have become increasingly skeptical.

According to David Ignatius, “it’s a measure of the political turmoil in Tehran that the chief proponent of engagement with the United States over the past month has been the hard-line president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.” Ignatius cites Iran expert Karim Sadjadpour who observes that the key challenge for President Obama is to determine how to strike a deal “with an Iran that needs America as an adversary” without forsaking the opposition movement. For that reason, Jim Hoagland worries that while Obama was correct to engage Iran initially, the tactic “may have run its course.” Additionally, The Guardian editorial staff contends, “Stopping Iran from having nuclear weapons is a worthy strategic project. But it is not advanced by ignoring the protesters beaten by Iranian security forces.”

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Posted in Diplomacy, EU, Elections, Human Rights, Iran, Journalism, Judiciary, US foreign policy, US politics, sanctions | Comment »

POMED Notes - “Implications of the Promotion of Defamation of Religions”

October 29th, 2009 by Zack

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission held a meeting to discuss recent movements in the international community to create resolutions against the defamation of religion.  The event hosted Joseph Cassidy, Director of the Office of Multilateral and Global Affairs in the Bureau of Democracy; Leonard Leo, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom; Angela Wu, international director of The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty; Tad Stahnke, director of Policy and Programs at Human Rights First; Zainab al-Suwaij, cofounder and president of the American Islamic Congress; and Felice Gaer, director of the Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights of the American Jewish Committee.  Panelists focused on the recent U.S.-Egyptian draft resolution protecting the freedom of speech as well as other anti-religious defamation efforts in the international community.

For POMED’s full notes of the event, please click here.


Posted in Congressional Hearing Notes (House), DC Event Notes, EU, Event Notes, Freedom, Pakistan, Reform, US foreign policy, United Nations | Comment »

POMED Notes - “A Regional Overview of the Middle East”

October 29th, 2009 by Zack

The House Foreign Affairs Committee received testimony from Ambassador Jeffrey D. Feltman, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. The committee questioned Feltman about U.S. policy and diplomatic efforts regarding Iran, Israel and Palestine, Lebanese government develop, Syrian relations, and other issues confronting American interests in the Middle East.

For POMED’s full notes of the event, please click here.


Posted in Afghanistan, DC Event Notes, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, EU, Egypt, Elections, Event Notes, Foreign Aid, Hamas, Hezbollah, Human Rights, Iran, Iraq, Islam and Democracy, Israel, Lebanon, Legislation, Mideast Peace Plan, Multilateralism, North Africa, Political Islam, Reform, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Terrorism, US foreign policy, United Nations, sanctions | Comment »

E.U. Bolsters Democracy Promotion

October 27th, 2009 by Jason

The European Union passed a resolution last week ”defining an E.U. vision of democracy-building and support” beyond Europe’s borders. The text of the resolution asserts “democracy and human rights are fundamental values” and declares “the promotion and protection of all human rights is a basic prerequisite for the existence of a democratic society.” Therefore, the resolution calls on E.U. member states to “ensure the effective mainstreaming of human rights and democracy-building in all policy areas.”

Toward these ends, the E.U. donated $64 million to Lebanon under the 2009 Annual Action Program that governs relations between the E.U. and Lebanon. The funds are part of a larger European initiative called the European Neighborhood Policy that seeks to foster reform and human rights in Mediterranean countries.

In addition, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon asserted last week that “democracy is both an end in itself and a means to empowering women, giving voice to civil society and achieving the Millennium Development Goals.”


Posted in Democracy Promotion, EU, Foreign Aid, Human Rights, Lebanon, Reform, United Nations | Comment »