Elgindy Calls for U.S. Support of Palestinian Reconciliation
April 29th, 2011 by Kyle
Khaled Elgindy, writing at Foreign Policy, argues that the Palestinian reconciliation will pose “serious political, diplomatic, and legal challenges for U.S. policymakers,” but that American opposition at this time would “be both futile and counterproductive.” Elgindy argues: “the agreement is a major breakthrough for the Palestinians, whose four-year split has paralyzed domestic politics, hindered peace efforts, and demoralized ordinary Palestinians.” Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s denunciation of the deal, Elgindy argues that the agreement is beneficial for the peace process and this backlash is “irrational, short-sighted, and ultimately self-defeating.” He supports this claim arguing that a “divided and permanently weak Palestinian entity is of little value to Israel, its security, or the peace process. Making ‘peace’ with only part of the Palestinians cannot be sustained for very long.” With the U.S. government calling on Arab governments to be more responsive to their people, Elgindy states that it would “send all the wrong messages” to the Palestinians and the rest of the Arab World to not recognize Palestinian unity, a demand of the Palestinian people. Elgindy argues that this will be a major test for the Obama administration’s “handling of the Arab Spring as well as the moribund peace process” and will shape Arab public perceptions on the U.S. and its ability to “adapt to the new regional order.”
Posted in Diplomacy, Israel, Palestine, US foreign policy | Comment »
Fmr. Israeli Amb. to UN Criticizes Fatah-Hamas Unity Deal
April 29th, 2011 by Alec
Writing at Foreign Policy, former Israeli ambassador to the U.N. Dore Gold argues that the recent Fatah-Hamas unity deal makes permanent peace with Israel, less, not more likely. Gold states that the reconciliation is part of Mahmoud Abbas’s push for recognition of Palestinian statehood at the U.N. General Assembly in September but says such efforts suffer from a “fundamental misconception.” Gold reiterates that the General Assembly has no power or authority to make decisions about the existence of new states. The Assembly can pass a non-binding resolution supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state; but Abbas would have to actually declare it himself and then seek recognition from countries individually. Hamas, Gold states, is recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S., Canada, and the EU and, “serves as a proxy for Iran.” This will make it hard for the Palestinians to gain backing from major Western powers. He also points out that Hamas has continued to state its opposition to the existence of Israel and that it plans to continue “on the path of jihad.” The groups refusal to accept the Quartet (U.S., EU, U.N., Russia) conditions of renouncing violence and recognizing Israel’s right to exist will jeopardize European diplomatic support for Abbas’s initiative. Gold closes by arguing that Abbas has “recalculated” his interests in the wake of the Egyptian revolution but in doing so has jeopardizes the chances of peace with Israel.
In a staff editorial, Ha’aretz argues that Israel should abandon its attempts to forestall the process of international recognition of Palestinian statehood. While the editorial recognizes that the establishment of a Palestinian state without an agreement with Israel would not be a “magic solution” that ends the conflict, Ha’aretz asserts that Israel would benefit internationally by, “standing genially beside the nascent Palestinian state’s cradle.” Israel, the editorial argues, can be master of its own fate by being the first to welcome the Palestinian “sister-state,” and negotiate the issues of borders, refugees and settlements as two sovereign states. This will bestow upon the Palestinians the same responsibilities required of states regardless of who controls the government and allow Israel to regain its standing in the international community.
Posted in Israel, Mideast Peace Plan, Palestine, United Nations | Comment »
Scholars Discuss the Arab Spring in the Context of Lebanon’s 2005 Emancipation
April 21st, 2011 by Naureen
Last week, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy hosted an event entitled, “Lebanon Today: Internal Politics and the Arab Spring.” Speaking at the event were May Chidiac, president of MCF Media Institute; Michael Young, opinion editor for the Beirut Daily Star; Hisham Melhem, Washington bureau chief of Al-Arabiya; and Michael Doran, visiting professor at New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service.
May Chidiac noted how protests in the Arab world echo “the spirit of the Lebanese model” as they abandoned anti-Israel and anti-West rhetoric for legitimate demands of good governance, economic opportunities and political freedom. Chidiac also called for the U.S. and international community to support the March 14th movement. Michael Young discussed three lessons for the Arab Spring from Lebanon: first, that foreign intervention is often necessary for liberation movements to succeed; second, the liberation may clash with Western interests; and third, the importance of luck. Young discussed how many in the Arab world fail to acknowledge the importance of the 2005 emancipation as they see a weak Syria as advantageous to the West and Israel. Hisham Melham stated that the Arab Spring differs from the events in Lebanon in 2005 as they represent a social and political revolution rather than an emancipation from foreign occupation. He also notes the reversion to sectarianism in Lebanon. Melham also called on the Obama Administration to take a stronger stance on the situation in Syria. Melham along with Michael Doran argued that regime change in Syria could benefit the U.S. as it would improve dynamics with Lebanon, Palestine, Israel and Iraq.
Posted in Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Freedom, Hezbollah, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Military, Palestine, Protests, Reform, Syria, Tunisia, US foreign policy, Yemen | Comment »
Palestine: Gazan Youth Promote National Reconciliation
April 20th, 2011 by Alec
Young, educated, and tech-savvy activists in Gaza are helping organize the self-named March 15 movement seeking to promote Palestinian national reconciliation between the rival Hamas-Fatah. On March 15th, youth activists protesting in Gaza City clashed violently with Hamas police who attacked protesters on motorbikes. One of the activists, Asma al-Ghoul, a local feminist and journalist in Gaza City, says that the “fear inside the people” is dissipating. As the movement begins to gain momentum she says she no longer feels alone. March 15 activists say that ultimately, they are seeking an end to Israeli occupation but see reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah as a necessary prerequisite. One of the movement leaders, nicknamed Abu Yazan, also reiterated that most Palestinians in Gaza were looking for a peaceful way to end the occupation and oppose Hamas’ missile launches at Israel. Members of the movement have met with Hamas officials to discuss their greivances but have received mixed messages. While some officials have expressed sympathy for the activists, Hamas has stated it will not tolerate protests in the strip. Says Ebaa Rezeq, another March 15 activist: “We have started something and we are not finished. We are fighting for a cause, not for a movement.”
Posted in Hamas, Israel, Palestine, Protests | Comment »
Adelman Calls for Congressional Cuts to Foreign Aid Budgets
April 19th, 2011 by Kyle
Writing at Foreign Policy, Ken Adelman, asserts that support for the U.S. foreign assistance budget is misguided and that arguments in support of these programs become “shallower” upon closer investigation. He argues that: “Four of the largest U.S. foreign-aid recipients today — Egypt, Israel, Pakistan, and Afghanistan — all take contrary positions on issues of critical importance to the White House.” Adelman also criticizes a recent article by Joseph Nye, stating that Nye’s argument over the relationship between foreign aid and the U.S.’s ability influence decisions in these countries is “unclear at best.” He cites Israel as an example as “Israel, rebuffs Washington constantly, on momentous issues of peace,” and is also the “No. 1 recipient of U.S. aid.” Adelman argues that countries initially view foreign aid with gratitude, but eventually with “entitlement.” On the issue of development assistance, Adelman believes that the top recipients of U.S. foreign assistance have not “developed all that much” and if they did it “could be due to other factors.” In closing he argues that the U.S. “soft power” namely the State Department has failed to effectively fund “modern-day freedom fighters” in Libya, Iran, Syria and Egypt.
Posted in Afghanistan, Congress, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Israel, Libya, Reform, Syria, US foreign policy | Comment »
Ambassador Verveer To Travel to Egypt, Israel, West Bank
April 14th, 2011 by Naureen
Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanie Verveer will travel to Egypt, Israel and the West Bank from April 15th through April 22nd. During her visit, the ambassador will meet with government officials, political party representatives, civil society leaders and the media to discuss the need for inclusion of women in the political process and their role as peace builders. She will also meet with business leaders, youth organizations and women’s NGOs to highlight their women’s empowerment initiatives.
Posted in Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Freedom, Israel, Mideast Peace Plan, NGOs, Palestine, Protests, Women, Women's Rights | Comment »
Clinton, Kerry Offer Middle East Policy Remarks at Brookings Conference
April 13th, 2011 by Ali
Tuesday marked the opening of the U.S.-Islamic World Conference hosted by the Brookings Institution, the Qatari Government and the Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a speech that emphasized U.S. commitment to cooperating with Middle East countries to achieve shared interests in values. Clinton said the region-wide uprisings have exposed the myth that “Arabs do not share universal human aspirations for freedom, dignity, and opportunity.” The Secretary gave particular attention to women’s rights, which she viewed as important to democratic consolidation. She noted that the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation will provide up to $2 billion to encourage private sector investments to the Middle East and North Africa, and encouraged closer economic integration across the region. She also called upon President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen to resolve the political crisis in his country in a orderly and peaceful manner and condemned the violence of the Syrian government in its crackdown on protests.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) spoke in a panel discussion moderated by Newsweek editor and CNN host Fareed Zakaria. He said that worries over Libya are unjustified given Mummar Gadhafi’s military and economic position. He counseled patience over increased military action, recommending more focus on Egypt’s transition. The Senator also hinted at a renewed push by the Obama administration for the Middle East peace process. He argued that it was counterproductive of the administration to publicly pursue the settlement issue and that a new dialogue should focus on borders.
Posted in Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Human Rights, Israel, Libya, Military, Multilateralism, NATO, Palestine, Protests, Qatar, Reform, US foreign policy, US politics, Women's Rights | Comment »
Former Israeli Ambassador Stresses Uncertainty in Syrian Developments
April 11th, 2011 by Ali
Former Israeli Ambassador Itamar Rabinovich, wrote a feature in Foreign Affairs describing Israel’s current posture toward Syria. The piece does not mention Israeli President Shimon Peres’ recent statement on Syrian democracy being in Israel’s long-term interests. In contrast, he highlights Israel’s anxiety over the volatility in Damascus, particularly the threat of a Muslim Brotherhood takeover.
Posted in Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Islamist movements, Israel, Muslim Brotherhood, Protests | Comment »
Israeli President Calls for Support of Region’s Democratic Transitions
April 8th, 2011 by Naureen
On Tuesday, Israeli President Shimon Peres called on the international community to support a democratic transition in Syria along with the democratic youth movements across the broader Middle East. He also stated that Israel was ready to give up the Golan Heights, as part of a peace deal with Syria, if the country would break ties with Iran and Hezbollah. He called for a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as “a means of supporting and aligning with the wave of revolutions sweeping the Arab world.” Peres also welcomed the opening of political space in Egypt after acknowledging the role Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak played in the peace process. Speaking on the situation in Jordan, however, Peres called for the international community to support King Abdullah II stating, ”He is a responsible leader who is trying to serve his people.”
Posted in Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Freedom, Iran, Islam and Democracy, Israel, Jordan, Mideast Peace Plan, Protests, Reform, Syria | Comment »
Possibilities for a Post-Assad Syria
April 6th, 2011 by Alec
Bilal Y. Saab, writing for The National Interest, argues that a collapse of the regime would have ripple effects across the Middle East and the country’s network of external relations could collapse. He outlines two ways in which a post-Assad Syria could develop. On the positive side, Syrian intervention in Lebanese politics could essentially be eliminated along with its support for Hezbollah. This would significantly weaken Hezbollah he argues. The collapse of the Assad regime could also deprive Hamas of a political base in Damascus. This development could help spur the stalled Peace Process between Israel and the Palestinians, he posits. There could also be a regional power balance shift as a Sunni Syrian leadership may opt for terminating its partnership with Iran which would create an arc of Sunni states in the region which would greater serve U.S. interests. Furthermore, a democratic Syria could help security and stability in Iraq.
On the negative side, regime collapse could lead to sectarian conflict which could spread to neighboring countries and destabilize the whole region. This is particularly worrisome in Lebanon where the specter of armed sectarian conflict is never far from the surface. If Syrian Kurds start to demand autonomy, the Turkish military may feel the need to get involved. Saab also states that a new government in Syria could be dominated by a more militant and assertive group of Syrian nationalists that are determined to wrest the Golan Heights back from Israel. The Syrian branch of the Muslim brotherhood, being more radical and extreme than its Egyptian counterpart, could invite al-Qaeda to “set up shop” in the country. Saab indicates that the best outcome that would serve U.S. interests best would be for Bashar al-Assad to dismantle his regime but remain in power.
Posted in al-Qaeda, Civil War, Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamist movements, Israel, Kurds, Muslim Brotherhood, Political Islam, Protests, Reform, Sectarianism, Syria, Turkey, US foreign policy | Comment »
Jadaliyya Roundtable on Syria: Part Two
April 1st, 2011 by Naureen
As part of a Jadaliyya Roundtable, editors of the blog asked analysts Steven Heydemann, Fred Lawson, David Lesch and Patrick Seale to respond to a series of questions on the current situation in Syria. In part two of the roundtable, contributors were asked to respond to the following question: ”What do you consider to be missing or exaggerated in the discussion/writings/policy on the Syrian uprisings?”
In response, Heydemann states that the current debate in Washington seems to reflect revived dreams of “‘flipping’ Syria through regime change, and re-defining the regional balance of power in ways that would work decisively to America’s advantage.” They ignore, however, the realities of what democratic transition in Syria would look like. He calls for a long-term approach in which the U.S. helps develop the capacity of the Syrian opposition and also noted Syria’s history of republican government in the 1940s and 1950s. Lawson notes that many have seemed to ignore reports that protests began in these small towns not due to local grievances and not grievances against the regime. He also questions the role of economic strain of the drought and industrial, commercial and agricultural circumstances as drivers of protests. Lesch notes the exclusive coverage of the extreme anti-government groups and pro-government groups, and states that in reality it will be the silent majority — including different elite groups — that will determine the course. Seale argues that analysts have ignored the mind-set of Bashar Al Assad who feels a sense of pride for enduring “the many crises he has had to deal with in his decade of power” and the legitimacy he has gained for his anti-Israel and anti-West sentiments. He stated in his speech that he had other priorities to be concerned with such as stability and protection of citizens and apologized for failing to enact reform.
Posted in Israel, Lebanon, Protests, Reform, Sectarianism, Secularism, Syria, US foreign policy | Comment »
The Guardian’s Map of the Arab Spring
March 22nd, 2011 by Kyle
Click on image for hyperlink.
Posted in Algeria, Bahrain, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Events, Human Rights, Iran, Iraq, Islam and Democracy, Islamist movements, Israel, Jordan, Journalism, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Military, Morocco, Multilateralism, Muslim Brotherhood, NATO, Palestine, Political Islam, Political Parties, Protests, Public Opinion, Reform, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, United Nations, US foreign policy, Yemen | Comment »
POMED Notes: “Popular Uprisings in the Middle East: The Implications for U.S. Policy”
March 18th, 2011 by Naureen
On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations held a hearing on the implications of uprisings in the Middle East has on U.S. policy. The Committee—chaired by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) – with ranking member Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN) in attendance –requested the testimony of William J. Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs.
To read full notes, continue below or click here for pdf.
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Posted in al-Qaeda, Arab League, Bahrain, Civil Society, Congressional Hearing Notes (Senate), Corruption, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Elections, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Gulf, Gulf Cooperation Council, Hezbollah, Human Rights, Iran, Iraq, Islam and Democracy, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Military, Morocco, Protests, Reform, sanctions, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Nations, US foreign policy, Yemen | Comment »
POMED Notes: ““Assessing U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities and Needs amidst Economic Challenges in the Middle East”
March 10th, 2011 by Kyle
The House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held an open hearing on U.S. policy in response to the political unrest across the Middle East as well as to discuss the economic issues facing the region, the committee – chaired by Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) and with ranking member Congressman Gary L. Ackerman (D-NY) in attendance – requested the testimony of two individuals: Jeffrey D. Feltman Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and Mr. George A. Laudato Administrator’s Special Assistant for the Middle East at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
For full notes continue below, or click here for pdf.
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Posted in Civil Society, Congress, Congressional Hearing Notes (House), Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Elections, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Islam and Democracy, Islamist movements, Israel, Mideast Peace Plan, Military, Multilateralism, North Africa, Palestine, Protests, Reform, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, US foreign policy | Comment »
POMED Notes: “Revolution in the Middle East: A Trip Report by Senator John McCain and Senator Joseph Lieberman”
March 6th, 2011 by Kyle
On Thursday the Brookings Institute hosted an event focused on the recent trip of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) to the Middle East entitled: “Revolution in the Middle East: A Trip Report by Senator John McCain and Senator Joseph Lieberman.” The event was opened by Strobe Talbott, President of the Brookings Institute and moderated by Robert Kagan, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute.
For full notes, continue below. Click here for pdf.
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Posted in al-Qaeda, Bahrain, Civil Society, Diplomacy, Egypt, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Hezbollah, Human Rights, Iran, Islam and Democracy, Islamist movements, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mideast Peace Plan, Muslim Brotherhood, North Africa, Palestine, Political Islam, Protests, Reform, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, US foreign policy, Yemen | Comment »
POMED Notes: “Assessing U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities and Needs Amidst Economic Challenges”
March 2nd, 2011 by Naureen
On Tuesday, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs held an open hearing to assess U.S. foreign policy priorities in light of the country’s current economic challenges. The Committee — chaired by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and with Congressman Howard L. Berman (D-CA) in attendance — requested the testimony of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
To see full notes, continue below or click here for pdf. To see webcast, click here.
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Posted in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Congressional Hearing Notes (House), Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Event Notes, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Protests, Reform, sanctions, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, US foreign policy, Yemen | Comment »
Yemen: Protesters Defy Saleh
March 1st, 2011 by Kyle
President Ali Abdullah Saleh in his harshest criticism yet accused the U.S., a Yemeni ally, along with Israel of attempting to destabilize Yemen and the entire Arab world. He also stated that he would accept members of the opposition in a new government if the protesters stopped their demonstrations. In defiance of calls for an end to protests, thousands of protesters took to the streets across Yemen continuing to enunciate their demands for regime change and political reform.
An elderly man reacted in an anti-government protest in Sana’a.
Posted in Diplomacy, Freedom, Israel, Protests, Reform, US foreign policy, Yemen | Comment »
U.S. Agrees to Rebuke Israel in Security Council
February 17th, 2011 by Naureen
On Tuesday, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Susan E. Rice informed Arab governments that the U.S. will support a U.N. Security Council statement reaffirming that the council “does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity.” Colum Lynch writing at the Foreign Policy blog, Turtle Bay, states that this was a move aimed at avoiding the prospect of having to veto a stronger Palestinian resolution which call the settlements illegal. Palestinians have, however, rejected the U.S. offer after a meeting of Arab representatives on Wednesday and plan to press for a vote on its resolution on Friday, which will likely be vetoed. Lynch argues, however that this marks the U.S.’s “willingness to seek a way out of the current impasse, even if it requires breaking with Israel.” In exchange for “scuttling the Palestinian resolution,” the U.S. will support the council statement, consider supporting a U.N. Security Council visit to the Middle East and commit to supporting strong language criticizing Israel’s settlement policies in a future statement to be drafted by the Middle East Quartet. According to council diplomats, the U.S. shift in rhetoric comes as the 14 other members prepare to support the Palestinian resolution.
Addressing a question on the settlement statement, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated, “Our focus is on doing what is best to advance negotiations between the parties that will lead to a two-state solution…we are working with our partners in the Security Council, with our friends in the region, to find a consensus way forward that is consistent with our overall approach.”
Posted in Israel, Mideast Peace Plan, Palestine, United Nations | Comment »
More Amendments Proposed to Cut State and Foreign Operations Funding in the House
February 16th, 2011 by Kyle
By Monday evening, members of the House proposed their final amendments to H.R.1, the continuing resolution to fund the government through the remainder of the fiscal year. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) proposed cutting funds appropriated to the president’s economic support fund by $200 million. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) called for cutting all funds for the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund, the Foreign Military Financing Program which includes grants to Israel, Jordan and Egypt, as well as the International Security Assistance Funds appropriated to the president. Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) called for an amendment which would condition economic aid to Egypt so far as “the new Government of Egypt fulfills its commitment to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty signed on March 26, 1979, and to freedom of navigation of the Suez Canal.”
Posted in Congress, Egypt, Foreign Aid, Israel, Jordan, US foreign policy | Comment »
State Department Presents FY2012 Budget
February 15th, 2011 by Naureen
On Monday, Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Thomas Nides presented the 2012 budget for the Department of State and USAID stating that this is “a lean budget for lean times” in which foreign assistance and programs in several countries have been eliminated. He stated that this budget differs from those presented in the past as it is divided into two parts. The first is the core foreign assistance and operations budget which constitutes $47 billion and the second part which covers “extraordinary temporary costs” in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Nides stated that the budget addresses the QDDR recommendations that “we move forward on an integrated national security budget.” He also noted that the budget will include funding to support allies such as Israel, the West Bank and Jordan and for military-to-military partnerships with countries like Egypt, where funding will be contingent on how the situation evolves. In response to a question on aid to Egypt, Nides stated that $1.57 billion dollars had been allocated with $1.3 billion going to the military and $250 million for economic assistance and that ”We are willing and ready to help the Egyptian people. As it relates to 2011, we’ll have funds available as well until we hear exactly what the Egyptian people will need.”
Posted in Egypt, Foreign Aid, Israel, Jordan, US foreign policy | Comment »
