Freedom House Releases Internet Freedom Report
April 26th, 2011 by Naureen
Last week, Freedom House released its report on internet freedom in 37 countries around the world. The report found that while the number of internet users have increased, “governments have stepped up efforts to regulate, and in some instance tightly control, the new medium.” The study highlights the increase in the number of blocked and filtered sites as well as the arrest of bloggers and internet users posting information contrary to the government’s views. It also notes the fact that a large number of governments, such as Saudi Arabia, have deliberately blocked access to information related to politics, social issues, and human rights. It also notes the sophistication of these regimes to filter and control content or even shut down the internet, as was the case in Egypt. The report notes that intensified censorship and arrest of users came “in the context of popular protests or contentious elections” in countries like Bahrain, Iran and Tunisia and highlights the importance of sites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter in social and political activism during the recent and ongoing events Egypt, Tunisia, and Bahrain. In the study, Jordan was listed as a “country at risk” due to the monitoring of some activity by authorities and the adoption of a new law on cybercrimes that may be used to limit free expression on the internet.
Jordan, Turkey and Egypt received a “Partly Free” designation while Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Iran were labeled as “Not Free.” Iran received the lowest internet freedom score due to the internet restrictions put in place following the 2009 Green Revolution, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard’s stake in the Telecommunications Company of Iran and the banning of encrypted e-mail sites like Gmail.
Posted in Bahrain, Civil Society, Corruption, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Elections, Freedom, Iran, Jordan, Protests, Reform, Saudi Arabia, Technology, Tunisia, Turkey | Comment »
Monarchies Better Suited to Retain Power Says Hamid
April 25th, 2011 by Alec
Shadi Hamid argues that the Middle Eastern countries that are most susceptible to revolution are the republics; witness Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Libya, and perhaps Algeria. In these countries, an unpopular president allows for disparate opposition elements to unite for the purpose of effecting regime change. However, in monarchies like Jordan and Bahrain, says Hamid, Kings draw on “greater historical and religious legitimacy” despite being capable of repression like republican autocrats. They also tend to hold reasonably free polls and allow legal opposition, creating a veneer of reform while concentrating real power in the ruling family. In contrast, rulers in Tunisia and Egypt resorted to “flagrantly rigged elections” to maintain power. Hamid further argues that Kings can always claim ‘plausible deniability’ when things go wrong and can blame and dismiss government while staying above the fray. Despite new calls for constitutional monarchies in places like Jordan, Bahrain, and Morocco, these ruling families still stand a good chance of remaining in power. Pro-democracy opposition, he says, will have to find a new model for change: “No matter what they do, it won’t be easy. Let’s just hope it won’t be bloody.”
Posted in Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco, Protests, Reform | Comment »
Senator McCain Discusses Protest Movements Across the Middle East
April 25th, 2011 by Naureen
In an interview with The Cairo Review of Global Affairs, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) expressed his belief that the U.S. should resume its leadership of NATO operations in Libya, recognize the Transitional National Council as the “legitimate voice of the Libyan people,” and arm the rebels lest the situation turns into a stalemate which empowers al-Qaeda or Muammar Gadhafi‘s regime. He also called on President Barack Obama to formally declare that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has lost his legitimacy as a ruler by slaughtering his own people. However, he cautioned against calls for regime change as failure to secure regime change could hurt the United States’ credibility. He also stated his opposition to direct U.S. involvement in Syria noting that he does not see a way for the U.S. to help the opposition in any way other than through expressions of solidarity with the protesters.
Discussing Egypt, Senator McCain stressed the importance of ensuring a successful transition in Egypt given the regional importance of the country. He expressed his belief that the Supreme Military Council under the leadership of General Mohamed Tantawi has handled the transition “very well so far.” The Senator also expressed his concern over the situation in Yemen where it is unclear what will come next. McCain also noted the different situations and complexities in the various protest movements across the Middle East and also noted the impact it has had in places like China and Russia.
Posted in al-Qaeda, Bahrain, Civil Society, Corruption, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, EU, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Human Rights, Jordan, Libya, Military, Morocco, NATO, Protests, Reform, Syria, Tunisia, United Nations, US foreign policy, Yemen, Youth | Comment »
Jordan: National Dialogue Committee to Conclude Work in Four Weeks
April 25th, 2011 by Ali
Jordanian Senate President Taher Masri said the work of the National Dialogue Committee is running smoothly and should conclude in under a month. The four subcommittees which comprise the National Dialogue Committee are charged respectively with general framework, political parties, elections and constitutional amendments. The committee has been criticized for lacking youth representation and for serving as more of a royal think tank.
Posted in Civil Society, Elections, Freedom, Jordan, Legislation, Political Parties, Youth | Comment »
Analyst Notes The New Age of Pan-Arabism
April 22nd, 2011 by Naureen
Writing at Foreign Policy, Parag Khanna notes the new age of Pan-Arabism that is characterized by societies demanding good governance and an inclusive political process. He states that the anti-authoritarian revolutions are “truly borderless” following Al Jazeera’s shaming of Arab autocrats — with the exception of Bahrain — and young activists training together across the region. Khanna also highlights the Arab League’s backing of a no-fly zone in Libya and considerations of peacekeeping forces for Palestine and Lebanon as “examples of a meaningful transnational Arab political sphere coming into being.” Khanna states that “the next great step toward a new Arab renaissance will come through physically overcoming the region’s arbitrary political borders” following the model of the European Union which has moved towards investing in cross-border infrastructure. He states that the Gulf countries could easily finance projects such as the Palestinian Arc project and trans-Arab transport corridors.
Posted in Arab League, Bahrain, Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, EU, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Gulf, Gulf Cooperation Council, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Protests, Qatar, Reform, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Youth | Comment »
Sec. Clinton and Former Sec. Kissinger Discuss U.S. Foreign Policy and the Middle East
April 22nd, 2011 by Naureen
Speaking on Charlie Rose series, “Conversations on Diplomacy,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger discussed U.S. diplomatic efforts. Clinton highlighted the the new challenges facing U.S. foreign policy as the focus shifts away from state-to-state relationships to networks and multilateral relations and organizations. She also noted the implications of new technologies and new media. Kissinger noted the “huge changes” in state structure taking place across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Even amongst all these changes, the United States continues to remain a dominant power in the world that countries across the world turn to for leadership and aid. Clinton stated however, that “one of our biggest foreign policy challenges right now is to get our own house in order…we have to consolidate our own economic and political position in order to be able to continue to influence events in the future.”
Discussing the “Arab Spring,” Secretary Kissinger stated that the revolutions are still unfolding, as such we must be cautious of being overly optimistic. He noted, however, that we must not be too hasty in judging the outcome of the uprisings based on the proclamations of a few and ensure real transitions occur. Clinton noted that it is U.S. interest “to see a peaceful, stable transition to a more representative form of government in which institutions are able to democratize over time.” She also noted the lack of economic growth and development in the region as a reason for the people’s frustrations. Clinton and Kissinger also discussed the threat of Iran and the country’s hope to take advantage of the instability in the region. Kissinger also stated that the situation in Libya is peripheral to the events in the broader Middle East.
Posted in Civil Society, Corruption, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Elections, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Gulf, Human Rights, Iran, Islam and Democracy, Jordan, Libya, Military, NATO, Protests, Reform, Syria, Tunisia, US foreign policy, Yemen | Comment »
Sec. Burns Presents Diplomacy for Human Rights Award to Amb. Beecroft
April 21st, 2011 by Naureen
On Thursday, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns will present the Diplomacy for Human Rights Award to the U.S. Ambassador to Jordan Stephen Beecroft “for his extraordinary commitment to defending human rights and advancing democratic principles in Jordan.” In his role as ambassador, Beecroft has engaged the government on a broad range of human rights issues which has led to progress on both individual cases and systematic reform.
Posted in Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Freedom, Human Rights, Jordan, Reform | Comment »
Jordan: Islamists Move Front and Center in Protests, TIME Report
April 18th, 2011 by Alec
Jordan’s main Islamist opposition party, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), has been largely silent over the past months during Jordanian street protests. However, the party has moved to the forefront of protests having rallied a 1,000 person-strong demonstration in Amman this past Friday, reports Karen Leigh of TIME Magazine. Another Friday protest also turned violent as pro-monarchists clashed with Salafi jihadists in Zarqa. Anti-regime protests in the Kingdom had been spearheaded by the self-named March 24 youth movement but have pulled in fairly small numbers to rallies in Amman over recent weeks. Hamzah al-Mansur, the head of the IAF, has been making several TV appearances and has increased his profile in print media as well since Friday. Leigh states that the IAF is ramping up mobilization efforts to regain momentum against the newly appointed Prime Minister Maaruf Bakhit.
Posted in Islamist movements, Jordan, Political Islam, Political Parties, Protests, Reform | Comment »
New FY2011 Budget Bill Released
April 12th, 2011 by Naureen
On Tuesday, Congress released H.R.1473, the FY2011 bill which will fund the federal government through September 30th. The bill, which is $78.5 billion less than the President’s FY2011 request, includes $39.9 billion in cuts from FY2010 levels. House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) lauded the bill stating, “Never before has any Congress made dramatic cuts such as those that are in this final legislation.” Senate Appropriations Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-HI) stated: “The final compromise legislation negotiated with the House of Representatives contains significant spending reductions, but protects the vital economic and security interests of the United States.”
Under the bill, the funding level for the State Department and Foreign Operations totals $48.3 billion, a $504 million reduction from FY2010 levels and $8.4 billion less than the President’s FY2011 request. However, it represents an increase over the proposed cuts in H.R.1, which sought to reduce the State and Foreign Operations budget by $3.8 billion. The bill freezes most of the spending near FY2010 levels. It also makes available up to $250 million for democracy and development assistance in Egypt and asks that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton submit a spending plan with a “comprehensive strategy” to promote these two goals. The bill requires a report by Clinton on the progress of Egypt’s political transition and preparations for free and fair elections, but notably shifts this a requirement from Egypt’s foreign military financing, as proposed in the Senate’s version of the FY11 bill in March, to its economic assistance. Also compared to the March Senate version, the bill omits $5 million in democracy assistance to Tunisia and also prohibits appropriating foreign military funding to Yemen in addition to Bahrain, unless waived by the Administration. It also notes that funds appropriated under the State and Foreign Operations heading may be made available to support other democratic transitions in the Middle East and North Africa.
To see the full list of cuts to various programs click here.
Posted in Bahrain, Congress, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Elections, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Human Rights, Jordan, Tunisia, US foreign policy, Yemen | 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 »
Cook Argues Middle East Could Be a Nightmare in the Short Run
April 6th, 2011 by Kyle
Steven Cook, writing in the Atlantic, believes that the Arab spring could end on the “banks of the Nile” due to the “defenders of the status quo in the region.” Cook asserts that Muammar Gadhafi’s attacks on the Libyan people were the “ultimate counterrevolutionary step” and President Barack Obama was correct in stating the U.S. has a, “very practical interest in making sure that the changes that are sweeping through that region are occurring in a peaceful nonviolent fashion.” However, Cook argues that Tripoli is not the only center of counterrevolution and possibly not the most important; this title he reserves for Riyadh. Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s support for Bahrain’s ruling Sunni minority and potentially Yemen, Cook argues that Riyadh although not directly connected to all counterrevolutions across the region “offers implicit encouragement” to the status quo. Cook affirms that factions of revolutionaries may in the end take up arms and play into the hands of the counterrevolutionaries by perpetrating mass violence. In closing, Cook alleges that the growth of potential democratic players in the region could create an existential crisis that in the short term could lead to a “divided, contested, and destabilized region.”
Posted in Algeria, Bahrain, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Protests, Reform, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen | Comment »
Oman: Demonstrations Persist Through Weekend
April 4th, 2011 by Ali
More than 150 demonstrators rallied outside of government buildings in the Omani capital of Muscat on Saturday. The demonstrations were in response to the police crackdown in the northern industrial port city of Sohar over the past week. Last Tuesday, police removed about 100 demonstrators who had camped out in two of the city’s major roundabouts for five weeks. In response, about 400 demonstrators protested in the city last Friday, culminating in clashes between demonstrators and police officers who employed tear gas, rubber bullets and according to some reports, live ammunition. Several people were injured and one man died as a result of a head injury from a rubber bullet. Reports conflict as to whether he is the second or third person to die as a result of the unrest. In addition, some 60 demonstrators who were arrested on Friday were reportedly released this weekend. While protests have called for increased political freedoms, they have fallen short of calling for the removal of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who removed twelve cabinet ministers last week.
Posted in Freedom, Jordan, Oman, Protests, Reform | Comment »
Jordan Update: PM Affirms Rights of Protesters, Discusses Reform
March 28th, 2011 by Naureen
On Monday, Jordanian Prime Minister Maaruf Bakhit affirmed the rights of protesters in Jordan stating, ”[t]he freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are constitutional rights as long as they are peaceful, civilised and do not harm people. The government, which is keen on preserving these rights, will allocate certain places for demonstrations, to protect protesters and avoid obstructing the lives of others.” His comments come after bloody clashes last week in which 160 people were injured. Bakhit urged restraint and warned against “proposals of sedition,” referring to calls to limit King Abdullah II‘s powers to pave the way for a constitutional monarchy. On Sunday, Jordan’s parliament voted against limiting the king’s constitutional authority. The prime minister also called on 15 members of a government appointed commission for dialogue to reconsider their resignations “in order to accomplish the major national task of carrying out reforms.”
Fahed Al-Khitan, a Jordanian political columnist, called on the king to intervene and address protesters’ demands for constitutional reform lest it lead to civil war: “If reform does not take place, the sense of animosity could lead to clashes between citizens.”
Posted in Freedom, Jordan, Protests, Reform | Comment »
POMED Notes: “Next Steps for Electoral Reform in Jordan”
March 22nd, 2011 by Kyle
On Tuesday, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) held an event focused on electoral reform in Jordan entitled, “Next Steps for Electoral Reform in Jordan: A presentation with Jordan’s Director of Elections.” Michael Svetlik, Vice President of Programs for the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, moderated and introduced the speaker, Saad Shehab, who currently serves as the Director of the Elections Department at the Jordanian Ministry of Interior and has helped preparations for six parliamentary elections and four other elections.
For full notes continue below, or click here for pdf.
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Posted in Elections, Jordan, Reform | 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 »
Kerry Announces Trip to Middle East, Calls for Readjustment of Policy
March 17th, 2011 by Naureen
Speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) stated that the U.S. policy toward the Middle East needs a “readjustment to reflect the new realities of the region[...] Too often over the past decade we have seen regimes in the region chiefly as bulwarks in the fight against terrorism, while looking away from abuses we find unconscionable.” He also noted that democracy and human rights concerns have been overshadowed by our dependence on foreign oil. Kerry also announced that he will travel to the region this weekend.
Posted in Bahrain, Congress, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Foreign Aid, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Oil, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, US foreign policy, Yemen | Comment »
Middle East Monarchies Are Likely to Stay
March 9th, 2011 by Naureen
Shadi Hamid, writing in the Atlantic discusses why monarchies in the Middle East have been able to maintain power where its republic counterparts have not. He states that the old belief that monarchies are more favorable to democratization than republics seems to be changing in light of recent events where republics like Tunisia and Egypt have seen systemic change. Hamid argues that this is because in republics, the person of the president, provides a rallying point for otherwise fractious opposition whereas monarchies can draw upon “greater religious and historical legitimacy, often allowing them to retain some popularity.” He also states that monarchs are able to create the illusion of reform while strengthening their grip on power by allowing its citizens to elect members to parliaments which are essentially powerless. Hamid notes, however, that opposition groups in monarchies “are beginning to shake off their long standing caution” as protesters in Jordan, Bahrain, Morocco, and even Saudi Arabia have begun calling for constitutional monarchy. It is unclear where this will lead, Hamid states, given that monarchs have not historically ceded power willingly. In fact such democratic transitions have taken decades or centuries and were in many cases violent. Thus, Hamid states, the protesters may need to form their own model, but also points to the case of Jordan in 1989 when King Hussein initiated democratic reforms that led to the Muslim Brotherhood leading a coalition government.
Posted in Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Reform, Saudi Arabia | Comment »
POMED Notes: “Unrest in the Middle East: Scenes from the Revolution”
March 8th, 2011 by Naureen
On Monday, the Brookings Institution hosted a discussion on the democratic uprisings taking place across the Middle East and the broader implications for the U.S. and the wider region. Kenneth Pollack, Senior Fellow and Director of the Saban Center made opening remarks and moderated the event which included insights from the following speakers: Salman Shaikh, Fellow and Director of the Brookings Doha Center; Shadi Hamid, Fellow and Director of Research at the Brookings Doha Center; Daniel Byman, Senior Fellow and Director of Research at the Saban Center; and Shibley Telhami, the Anwar Sadat Professor of Peace and Development at the University of Maryland and non-resident Senior Fellow at Brookings.
To see full notes, continue below or click here for pdf.
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Posted in Bahrain, Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Elections, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Gulf, Islam and Democracy, Jordan, Military, Multilateralism, Muslim Brotherhood, NGOs, Oman, Protests, Reform, Saudi Arabia, Sectarianism, Tunisia, US foreign policy | Comment »
Reform for Gulf Monarchies Will Lead to Family Feud
March 7th, 2011 by Naureen
F. Gregory Gause III, writing in Foreign Policy, discusses the difficulties of the reform process in the Gulf countries given the large number of ruling family members in important government posts. Prior to the uprisings in Bahrain, the prime minister, three out of the four deputy prime ministers, and 10 out of the 23 cabinet ministers were from the al-Khalifa family. Similar proportions of ruling family members can be found in the cabinets of Kuwait, Saudia Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. In Oman, the Sultan holds the portfolios of prime minister, minister of defense, minister of foreign affairs, minister of finance, and governor of the central bank, Gause notes. He states that while the dynastic nature of the Gulf monarchies helped them survive regional political upheavals in the 1950s and 1960s, it constrains them now as concessions to protesters’ demands will require removing family members from power. Gause argues that by proposing reforms Gulf leaders risk inciting internal opposition to their own rule. “It would take a strong figure to bring his family to heel and accept such a reduced political role” which is not the case in either Bahrain and Kuwait where neither King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa nor Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah have a reputation as uncontested leader of his extended family. Thus, for Gulf monarchies, reform will likely come with family feuds.
Posted in Bahrain, Gulf, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Protests, Qatar, Reform, Saudi Arabia, UAE | Comment »
