POMED Notes: “U.S. Leadership on Democracy and Human Rights at the United Nations Human Rights Council”
April 17th, 2011 by Naureen
On Thursday, Freedom House, in partnership with the Democracy Coalition Project and the Open Society Foundations, hosted a briefing on the importance of U.S. engagement at the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Advocacy Director at Freedom House Paula Schriefer moderated the event and introduced the following panelists: Dr. Thaung Htun, Representative for UN Affairs from the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma; Hadi Ghaemi, Executive Director at the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran; Carlos Portales, former Chilean Ambassador; and Eileen Donahoe, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
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Posted in Concert of Democracies, DC Event Notes, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Military, Reform, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Nations, US foreign policy | Comment »
Princeton Lyman Named New Special Envoy to Sudan
April 4th, 2011 by Naureen
Last week, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that Princeton Lyman, Special Advisor for Sudan at the U.S. Department of State, had been named as the U.S. new special envoy for Sudan. She stated that this is a critical moment in Sudan’s history as the country seeks to undergo a peaceful separation into two states in July, following the results of the January referendum. Clinton noted the challenges that Sudan will face including the humanitarian situation in Darfur and the violent standoff in the Abyei region of Sudan. She urged both sides to exercise restraint and noted that the deployment of forces by both sides violates the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
Posted in Diplomacy, Elections, Human Rights, Sudan | Comment »
POMED Notes: “Libya: Defining U.S. National Security Interests”
April 1st, 2011 by Naureen
On Thursday, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing to discuss the current situation in Libya and U.S. involvement. The committee—chaired by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), with ranking member Howard Berman (D-CA) in attendance—, requested the testimony of Deputy Secretary James B. Steinberg.
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Posted in al-Qaeda, Arab League, Bahrain, Civil Society, Congress, Congressional Hearing Notes (House), Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Human Rights, Libya, Protests, sanctions, Sudan, Syria, Terrorism, Tunisia, United Nations, US foreign policy, Yemen | Comment »
Sudan: Clashes Between SPLA and Militias Kill 69
March 18th, 2011 by Alec
The South Sudanese army clashed with southern militias on Thursday that left 69 soldiers and militiamen dead. South Sudan has accused the Northern government in Khartoum of arming the militias in an attempt to destabilize the South ahead of its planned declaration of independence in July. Fighting has been taking place in three South Sudanese states that are vital to the country’s oil production although production levels have not been affected by the violence. Relations between North and South have gotten progressively worse since the peaceful referendum on southern independence. Talks between the North’s ruling National Congress Party, the party of President Omar al-Bashir, and the Southern government have been suspended. Diplomatic efforts by South Africa to convince South Sudan to resume talks have been unsuccessful amid harsh accusations of Northern complicity in the violence.
Posted in Diplomacy, Military, Sudan | Comment »
Sudan: Abyei Violence And The White House Response
March 9th, 2011 by Alec
According to UN reports, an estimated 20,000 people have fled the contested Abyei region of Sudan, situated on the border of north and south Sudan. Tensions resulting from the recent independence referendum in the south erupted into violence last week with clashes between Arab nomads supportive of the Khartoum government and sedentary African ethnic groups supportive of the south. Abyei was scheduled to have a concurrent referendum on whether to join an independent south or remain with the north but logistical failures prevented one from taking place.
The White House released a statement on Wednesday in response to the growing humanitarian crisis deploring the violence and calling on northern and southern leaders to take immediate steps to restore calm and prevent further violence. The presence of military forces by either side was condemned as a violation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement to which both north and south are a party. The statement reiterated the requirement that both northern and southern governments provide the UN Mission in Sudan “full and unfettered” access to accomplish its mandate and further called on Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir to meet face to face to help resolve the issue.
Posted in Sudan, US foreign policy | Comment »
Clinton’s Statement at Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing
March 3rd, 2011 by Naureen
Speaking in front of the Senate Appropriations Committee on State and Foreign Operations, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed her recent meetings with world leaders in Geneva over the situation in Libya and stated that the USAID had deployed humanitarian teams to help refugees fleeing to Tunisia and Egypt. She also stated that the situation in the region and in Libya is an example of this administration’s use of combined assets of diplomacy, development, and defense, which is only successful with “a budget that supports all the tools in our national security arsenal.” Clinton also stated that Americans are seeing returns on their investments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan and across the Middle East where we have been working to “open up political systems, economies, and societies,” and are supporting democratic transitions. She also discussed the cuts that have already been made by the department following the QDDR recommendations and argued that the 16 percent cut for the State Department and USAID, which passed in the House last month, would be devastating to our national security. “Each time we shrink from global leadership, events summon us back to reality” and often at an unspeakable cost. She also stated, “[T]he world has never been in greater need of the qualities that distinguish us, our openness and innovation, our determination, our devotion to universal values. Everywhere I travel, I see people looking to us for leadership.”
Posted in Afghanistan, Congress, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Foreign Aid, Iraq, Libya, Reform, Sudan, Tunisia | 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 »
POMED Notes: “Referendum in South Sudan and the Road to Independence”
February 25th, 2011 by Alec
The Heritage Foundation hosted a panel discussion on Thursday entitled, “Referendum in South Sudan and the Road to Independence.” Ray Walser, Ph.D., Senior Policy Analyst at The Heritage Center moderated the event with Jon Temin, Director of the Sudan Program at USIP (United States Institute for Peace), Amb. Richard Williamson, former U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, and Amb. Ezekial Lol Gatkuoth, Head of Mission to the U.S. for the Government of South Sudan speaking.
For full notes, click below. For PDF, click here. For video, click here.
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Posted in Event Notes, Sudan | Comment »
Sudan: Clashes in South Sudan Kill Over 100
February 14th, 2011 by Alec
Rebels loyal to Lieutenant General George Athor, who split from the south Sudanese army last year, attacked a base in Jonglei state in south Sudan last week. According to south Sudanese military spokesman Colonel Phillip Aguer, rebels also attacked two towns in Upper Nile state as well. The total number of people killed in the violence is estimated to be 105 people, including 39 civilians. This comes on the heels of violence last month in Upper Nile state that killed 54 people. Alan Boswell, writing for Time, states that there have been other rebellions against the SPLA (Sudan People’s Liberation Army) over the past year based along tribal lines of conflict. Boswell warns that such tribal politics will probably dominate South Sudan’s new government and may lead to more violence.
Posted in Military, Sectarianism, Sudan | Comment »
Sudan: Al-Bashir Accepts Referendum Results, Clinton Expresses U.S. Support
February 7th, 2011 by Naureen
On Monday, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir announced his acceptance of the referendum results and his commitment to maintaining good relations between the North and the South. Southern Leader Salva Kiir welcomed al-Bashir’s comments. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton congratulated northern and southern leaders for “facilitating a peaceful and orderly vote” and commended the Government of Sudan for accepting the outcome. She expressed U.S. support during the upcoming transition process and called on the Government of South Sudan to “launch a process of inclusive governance and take steps to improve good governance and service delivery” and to form strong security and economic relations with the North. Clinton also announced that the U.S. is initiating the process of withdrawing Sudan’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation.
Update: President Barack Obama has stated that the U.S. will officially recognize South Sudan in July.
Posted in Elections, Sudan | Comment »
Sudan: Journalists Arrested in Crackdown on Opposition Protests
February 3rd, 2011 by Alec
Egypt is not the only country that is witnessing a crackdown on media. Reporters from opposition newspapers in Sudan were arrested late Wednesday night for covering a meeting of opposition activists. Sudan has seen protests over the past week inspired by events in Tunisia and Egypt. They have been much smaller in number but widespread. Activists have been arrested and beaten. Twelve journalists in total are reportedly being held by Sudanese authorities. One student protester has died since the protests began.
Posted in Human Rights, Journalism, Protests, Sudan | Comment »
Sudan: Egypt Inspired Protests Continue
February 1st, 2011 by Alec
In the wake of the certification of South Sudan’s independence referendum and inspired by the ongoing uprising in Egypt, Sudanese students and activists in the North have been protesting against the government of Omar al-Bashir since Sunday. The protests have been relatively small, consisting of a few hundred people, with one student killed by security forces thus far. The government is blaming the opposition for trying to “create chaos” and has also cracked down on opposition newspapers and arrested journalists. Activists, calling for more protests on Thursday, are largely organizing via Facebook and Twitter.
Posted in Protests, Sudan | Comment »
POMED Notes: “Tunisia and the Arab Malaise”
January 31st, 2011 by Naureen
On Tuesday, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars hosted a discussion on the uprising in Tunisia and the prospects for the Tunisian example spreading across the Arab World. Dr. Haleh Esfandiari, Director of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center moderated the event and introduced the speakers: Alan Goulty, former British Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia and current Senior Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center, and David Ottaway, Senior Scholar at the Wilson Center and former Cairo Bureau Chief of the Washington Post.
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Posted in Egypt, Event Notes, Jordan, Protests, Reform, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen | Comment »
Sudan: Two Failed Sudans Instead of One?
January 26th, 2011 by Alec
Maggie Fick writing at Foreign Policy, lists a number of political problems facing South Sudan after its referendum on independence. Although Salva Kiir has brought political and military rivals into his administration, the lack of a common post-referendum goal and enemy may cause political splintering: “the greatest challenge for an independent southern government will be to overcome the growing internal threats to its authority without resorting to repression.” Charles Kenny argues the situation in the south will improve, pointing to its comparatively higher GDP than most of its immediate neighbors and the ability of new states to provide basic services post-independence. He also says that fears of a “resource course,” mainly that of the South’s abundant oil reserves, are overblown, and if managed carefully, will help spur growth. Southern leaders have also shown commitment to good governance which will help the new nation stabilize politically.
Posted in Sudan | Comment »
POMED Notes: “Sudan at the Crossroads”
January 23rd, 2011 by Naureen
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs held its first Members’ briefing on Tuesday. The briefing focused on the future of Sudan following the completion of referendum elections on secession. To discuss the issues facing the country, the committee – chaired by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and with Congressman Howard L. Berman (D-CA) in attendance – requested the testimony of three individuals: Princeton Lyman, Special Advisor for Sudan, U.S. Department of State; Richard S. Williamson, Partner, Salisbury Strategies LLC and Former Special Envoy to Sudan and Ambassador to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights; and Omer Ismail, Advisor, The Enough Project.
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Posted in Congressional Hearing Notes (House), Elections, Foreign Aid, Oil, sanctions, Sudan, United Nations | Comment »
USAID Administrator Shah Unveils “USAID Forward” Reforms
January 20th, 2011 by Naureen
On Wednesday, USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah discussed the implementation of a series of “USAID Forward” reforms, based on the recommendations of the QDDR, and announced a new and more transparent evaluation policy. Shah also stated that “we have prioritized economic growth and democratic governance in everything we do.” He pointed to funding new open government technologies, such as mobile phone-based election monitoring systems in Afghanistan. Shah also echoed remarks made by Defense Secretary Robert Gates that economic development is a more cost-effective way of preventing conflict. In the context of USAID’s role in preparing for the Sudan referendum, he asserted the agency is “working hard to ensure that an inspiring expression of democracy does not lead to yet another bout of regional bloodshed.”
Posted in Foreign Aid, Sudan | Comment »
Will Tunisian-Style Revolution Spread?
January 19th, 2011 by Alec
A piece in Foreign Policy outlines possibilities for a Tunisia-style revolt happening elsewhere in the Arab world. Five countries are singled out as particularly ripe for such events: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Jordan as they share many of the same problems at the root of Tunisia’s revolt – a government legitimacy deficit, economic stagnation, endemic corruption, high unemployment, and a demographic youth bulge. Laurie A. Brand, also writing for Foreign Policy, argues that a replication of Tunisia will not happen in Jordan. She states that current protests in Jordan are targeting the government led by Prime Minister Samir al-Rifai. However, the PM and his cabinet have little real influence on policy matters, as they are decided by the King and his close advisors in practice. In Jordanian society, however, the King is usually viewed as “being above the fray” she argues. Amr el-Shobaki, in a piece for AlMasry AlYoum, also openly doubts that Egypt will follow the path of Tunisia. El-Shobaki cites Egypt’s highly sectarian and divided society, poverty, illiteracy, and underdevelopment as reasons why Egyptians cannot unite in the same way Tunisians did.
Posted in Algeria, Egypt, Freedom, Jordan, Libya, Sudan, Tunisia | Comment »
Sudan: Praise for Referendum as Preliminary Results Report Landslide Vote for Secession
January 19th, 2011 by Alec
Preliminary results from the referendum indicate a landslide victory for independence in South Sudan, as support for secession in the poll may reach as high as 99 percent. In the Juba, results point to a 97.5% vote in favor of independence. So far 2,198,422 votes have been cast in the referendum in favor of secession, which exceeds the required 1.89 million votes needed for the turnout to be declared valid. George Benjamin of Sudan’s referendum commission stated that both the National Congress Party, Omar al-Bashir’s ruling party, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) have indicated they will accept the results the of the referendum. He also said the commission was pleased with how the referendum turned out. The African Union has declared the referendum “free, fair, and credible” and the Carter Center released a statement on Monday congratulating the Sudanese for the, “successful conduct of the historic referendum on self-determination.” In a State Department press release, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised northern and southern leaders for, “creating conditions that allowed voters to cast their ballots freely and without fear, intimidation, or coercion.”
Update: On Thursday, the Sudanese Network for Democratic Elections (SuNDE) and the Sudanese Group for Democracy and Elections (SuGDE) deemed the elections to be credible and stated that their observations show that voter participation far exceeded the required 60%, indicating that the referendum results will show support for secession. The groups also offered several recommendations for future elections.
Posted in Elections, Sudan | Comment »
Sudan: Anti-Referendum Opposition Leader Hassan al-Turabi Arrested
January 19th, 2011 by Alec
Hassan al-Turabi, leader of the Popular Congress Party (PCP), was arrested this week, accused of calling for a Tunisian-style popular revolution in Sudan. Abdullah Hassan Ahmed, undersecretary of the PCP has confirmed that the party is, “making preparations for taking to the street to topple the regime.” Eight other members of the party were also arrested. Al-Turabi has been a vocal opponent of the current referendum in South Sudan, blaming Omar al-Bashir’s government for “dismembering” the country. Dr. Ghazi Salahuddin Atabani, an advisor to al-Bashir, denied that there is any political fallout in Khartoum over the referendum: “Separation took place in January 2005, when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed [...] the CPA laid the foundation for separation. It was inevitable.”
Posted in Sudan | Comment »
Sudan: Arab Leaders Uneasy Over Referendum
January 10th, 2011 by Alec
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit stated that the government would respect the results of the referendum despite fears that a vote for independence could spark the disintegration of Sudan and threaten Egypt’s economic and security interests. Nasr Farid, Egypt’s former grand mufti, joined other prominent Islamic scholars to state that independence for southern Sudan “contravenes Islamic law.” Emile Hokayem, writing for The National, elaborates on Arab fears over the possibility of a North-South split in Sudan: “Sudan would be breaking up just as Kurdish self-determination sentiments in Iraq are rising,” and the continued history of inter-Arab sectarian conflict in Lebanon and the independence movement in Western Sahara remain troubling. Arab leaders fear that southern Sudanese independence could re-energize and exacerbate these sentiments.
Posted in Egypt, Elections, Sudan | Comment »
