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.
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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 »
Egypt: Reformist Wing of Muslim Brotherhood Rejects Constitutional Amendments
March 18th, 2011 by Alec
Mokhtar Nour, a leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood’s reformist wing, voiced that faction’s opposition to the proposed constitutional amendments to be voted on in popular referendum. Nour criticized the referendum for presenting the amendments as a non-severable package and for denying the people their right to challenge the amendments in the courts. He also criticized the Muslim Brotherhood as a whole for its “excessive enthusiasm” in supporting the amendments and campaigning on the issue at mosques which he said amounted to “ready made directives.” He also criticized the Supreme Military Council for allowing little time for discussion and debate about the amendments proposed.
Posted in Egypt, Islamist movements, Muslim Brotherhood, Reform | Comment »
Libya: Egypt Arming Rebels, Part of Robust Arab Response
March 18th, 2011 by Alec
The Wall Street Journal reports that Egypt is sending small arms; rifles and ammunition, to Libyan rebels trying to maintain ground against the ongoing assault from Muammar Gadhafi’s forces. This is the first confirmed example of a foreign government sending arms to rebel forces and an indication of a more robust Arab response to the crisis in Libya including the Arab League support for the no-fly zone (Qatar will be actively participating in enforcement). Lebanon took the lead in drafting the language of the U.N. Security Council resolution that was passed and the United Arab Emirates has also expressed a willingness to join Qatar in aiding enforcement. The U.S. is aware of the arms shipments; although the Obama administration has been rebuffing calls from Congress to sends arms to the rebels, citing a lack of knowledge about rebel leaders.
Posted in Egypt, Libya, Military | Comment »
POMED Notes: “Sen. John Kerry on U.S. Policy Toward the Middle East”
March 17th, 2011 by Alec
Senator John Kerry (D-MA) delivered a speech at The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, on U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East in light of the recent uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt and continued unrest and protests across the entire region. Marwan Muasher, vice president of studies at The Carnegie Endowment introduced Senator Kerry and made brief remarks about the current unrest in the region.
For full notes, continue below. For pdf version, click here.
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Posted in Arab League, Bahrain, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Event Notes, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Human Rights, Islam and Democracy, Islamist movements, Journalism, Judiciary, Legislation, Libya, Middle Eastern Media, Mideast Peace Plan, Military, Muslim Brotherhood, Political Islam, Political Parties, Protests, Reform, Terrorism, Tunisia, Turkey, US foreign policy | 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 »
POMED Notes: “Voices of Tahrir: Perspectives on Democratic Reform in Egypt”
March 17th, 2011 by Anna
On Thursday, March 10, 2011, IRI hosted a video teleconference discussion with several leading civic and political actors in Egypt. On the call were Abdullah Helmy of the Reform & Development Party; Shady Taha, a leader in Al Ghad Party; Hossam El Din Ali from the Egyptian Democratic Academy; Israa Abd El Fatah, a founding member of the April 6 Youth Movement; and Kamal Nabil, a human rights activist in Egypt. Sam LaHood, IRI’s regional country director in Egypt, was also on the videoconference. The group was asked to discuss the continued push for reforms in Egypt, how to harness the current enthusiasm to achieve long-term and lasting change, and what will be needed from Egypt’s civil and political institutions to make the transition to democracy real.
Due to technical difficulties, the videoconference was cut short. However, some of the speakers did have a chance to make brief statements. In addition, audience members were able to submit questions to be answered by the panelists at a later date (their answers are below).
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Posted in DC Event Notes, Egypt, Event Notes | Comment »
Clinton Visits Cairo In Anxious Political Climate
March 15th, 2011 by Naureen
Writing for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, J.Scott Carpenter and Dina Guirguis discuss U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton‘s visit to Egypt, just days ahead of the controversial constitutional referendum in a political atmosphere in Egypt “characterized by deepening anxiety about counterrevolution, sectarian violence, and the uncertain prospects associated with civilian leadership.” Carpenter and Guirguis note that many opposition groups are concerned over the substance of the amendments and oppose them as ”they do not result from a participatory, inclusive, and genuine dialogue with the Egyptian people.” The opposition also worries that support for the referendum will simultaneously endorse the Supreme Military Council’s (SMC) overall transition plan, which favors established groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and the National Democratic Party. The authors also note that there is a growing perception that the SMC is allying itself with former regime elements and that its violent clearing of Tahrir Square last week, as well as the arrest of protesters, speaks to a possible authoritarian rebound. The writers call on Clinton to convey U.S. support for Egypt, make clear that the U.S. will lead international efforts to return funds taken through corruption, and to consider announcing plans to explore debt reconfiguration. They also urge Clinton to privately express concerns over elements of the accelerated transition being led by members of the SMC while taking advantage of the publicity to discuss human rights issues.
Posted in Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Elections, Foreign Aid, Military, Protests, Reform, US foreign policy | Comment »
Egypt: Internal Security Force Dissolved
March 15th, 2011 by Kyle
On Tuesday, Egypt’s internal security force was dissolved by the Interior Ministry and replaced by a new National Security Force, which will serve “the nation without interfering in the lives of citizens or their right to exercise their political rights,” the state news agency reported. The dissolution of the state security force was one of the main demands that activists have sought from the beginning of protests in Egypt. These demands were heightened by the recent discovery of secret documents and prisoners which showed the pervasiveness of the security apparatus’ work within Egypt.
Posted in Egypt, Reform | Comment »
State and USAID Officials Discuss Humanitarian Crisis in Libya
March 14th, 2011 by Naureen
On Monday, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Eric P. Schwartz and USAID Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance Nancy Lindborg discussed their recent trip to Tunisia and Egypt to review humanitarian relief efforts to assist the nearly 250,000 refugees fleeing the Libyan conflict. They stated that the United States has taken the lead in the humanitarian efforts by providing nearly $47 million in assistance and that our efforts have been very much appreciated by those on the ground and the governments of Tunisia and Egypt. They also pointed to the “the important nexus of our values and our national security interests, and that it’s when these crises hit that we’re able to provide the kind of humanitarian assistance that is so fundamentally a part of who we were as Americans, coupled with why it’s so important to not let those needs go unmet in a region that’s undergoing an historic transformation.”
Posted in Egypt, Foreign Aid, Human Rights, Libya, Tunisia | Comment »
The Importance of U.S. Humanitarian Assistance
March 14th, 2011 by Naureen
Writing in The Washington Post, Eric P. Schwartz, Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, notes the importance of humanitarian assistance to Libyan refugees in Tunisia and Egypt stating, “The connection between our national security and the human security of people thousands of miles away is clear and compelling: Smart and effective management of this crisis not only safeguards the lives of thousands but also helps avert chaos and further instability in a region undergoing a historic transformation. This is an area where modest U.S. investments can yield enormous positive results.” He also expressed his concern about possible reductions to U.S. humanitarian aid budget stating that such measures would have severe consequences not only in Tunisia and Egypt, but across the world.
Posted in Egypt, Foreign Aid, Human Rights, Libya, Tunisia | Comment »
POMED Notes: “Egypt: After the Revolution”
March 11th, 2011 by Kyle
On Tuesday (3/1), George Washington University hosted an event focused on the aftermath of Egypt’s revolution and the future of a democratic transition in Egypt, entitled, “Egypt: After the Revolution.” The speaker was Michele Dunne, co-chair of the bipartisan Working Group on Egypt and Senior Associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Michele is a former specialist on Middle East affairs at the U.S. Department of State and White House, she served in assignments including the National Security Council staff, the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo amongst other positions. Michele is also the editor of the online journal, the Arab Reform Bulletin, and is a current board member at POMED.
For full notes continue below, or click here for pdf.
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Posted in Civil Society, Diplomacy, Egypt, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Human Rights, Islam and Democracy, Protests, Reform, US foreign policy | Comment »
Arab Uprisings Disprove Popular Beliefs About the Region
March 11th, 2011 by Naureen
Marwan Muasher, writing at Project Syndicate, discusses how the uprisings in the Arab world have disproven conventional beliefs about the region. The protests have put an end to the belief that “Arabs don’t go into the streets,” an assumption that led governments to believe that they could stall reform. Secondly, the belief that economic liberalization should precede political reform has also been proven incorrect. Economic liberalization that came without the institutions of accountability led to increases in wealth for the elite classes rather than society as a whole, adding to the frustration of protesters. The issue that unites these protest movements, Muasher argues, is discontent over inadequate governance. The uprisings also refute the belief that closed systems are necessary to prevent Islamists from taking power. While they will likely play an important role in Egypt and Tunisia, they are not expected to lead any of the new governments that are formed. Rather, there is an opportunity here to start developing pluralistic systems where all parties and discourses can play a role, he states. Fourth, Muasher argues that the movements show that elections do not equal democracy as Arab leaders use elections to create a façade of democracy and insulate regimes from pressure for genuine reform. Lastly, Muasher states that international community does indeed have a role to play by encouraging political reform and democratic development.
Posted in Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Islam and Democracy, Islamist movements, Protests, Reform, Tunisia | Comment »
POMED Notes: “Chairman’s Forum with Senator Lindsey Graham”
March 11th, 2011 by Naureen
On Wednesday, the Stimson Center hosted a Chairman’s Forum with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) where he discussed pragmatic approaches to national security. The event was moderated by Lincoln P. Bloomfield, Jr, chairman of the Stimson Center’s Board of Directors.
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Posted in al-Qaeda, Civil Society, Congress, DC Event Notes, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Elections, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Military, Multilateralism, Muslim Brotherhood, Protests, Reform, sanctions, Tunisia, US foreign policy | Comment »
Senators Call for Enterprise Funds for Middle East
March 11th, 2011 by Kyle
Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and John McCain (R-AZ) announced in a press conference on Friday that they were seeking to draft legislation to create special “enterprise funds” to help Egypt and Tunisia’s economies recover from revolutionary turmoil and showcase Washington’s goodwill. They stated that they would be modeling their legislation after the U.S. aid to former communist countries in Eastern Europe following the fall of the Berlin Wall. The proposed Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund ($50 to $60 million) and the Tunisian-American Enterprise ($10 million to $20 million) would seek to funnel investment to existing start up businesses in both countries. Senator Kerry stated: “We do this with the belief — shared by the administration — the belief that the United States has an historic opportunity to help these two countries, to transform the Arab awakening that has swept across their lands and transform it into a lasting rebirth that brings prosperity and democracy.”
Posted in Congress, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Foreign Aid, Tunisia, US foreign policy | 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 »
Secretary Clinton to Travel to Egypt and Tunisia
March 10th, 2011 by Kyle
From March 15th-17th, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will travel to Egypt and Tunisia to meet with government officials and elements of civil society to discuss recent events and a full range of regional and bilateral issues.
Posted in Civil Society, Diplomacy, Egypt, Tunisia, US foreign policy | Comment »
Egypt: ElBaradei Announces Presidential Aspirations
March 10th, 2011 by Kyle
Mohammed ElBaradei announced that he will seek to run for president of Egypt once presidential nominations are allowed. ElBaradei also denounced the proposed constitutional amendments under the military council calling them “superficial”. He urged the military council to scrap the changes and to put off the proposed March 19th referendum. Without reforms in constitutional amendments controlling political parties, ElBaradei believes that remnants of the previous ruling party along with the Muslim Brotherhood will take control of a new parliament. He also warned that the lack of security within Egypt will prevent the ability for elections to be free and fair. In closing ElBaradei argued: “After all this, how can the parliament be representative, I can’t rule Egypt for one day under this constitution.”
Posted in Egypt, Elections, Islam and Democracy, Islamist movements, Muslim Brotherhood, Reform | Comment »
Egypt Update: Sectarian Strife Leads To Deaths, Clashes In Tahrir Square
March 9th, 2011 by Alec
Thirteen people died on Tuesday during deadly sectarian clashes. Egyptian Copts were protesting an arson attack on a church south of Cairo that occurred on Saturday. They were confronted by an angry crowd of Muslims and the two groups clashed for about four hours. Mohamed ElBaradei condemned the attack on the church stating that the attack violated the values of the January 25th revolution.
Pro-democracy demonstrators in Cairo’s Tahrir Square were attacked by men with knives and machetes on Wednesday. The attackers are thought to be supporters of the former Mubarak regime. TV footage showed both groups throwing rocks at each other. The military also clashed with protesters seeking to clear the square of the remaining protester encampments.
Posted in Egypt, Military, Protests, Sectarianism | Comment »
Clinton Discusses Women’s Empowerment in the Middle East
March 9th, 2011 by Naureen
Speaking on NPR, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed the need to ensure women’s participation in the political sphere in Egypt and the broader Middle East. “I think it’s our role to support Egyptian women who are speaking up for themselves. And we certainly try to ensure that their concerns are heard by the new Egyptian government,” she said. She stated that this is an issue that she has raised with the region’s foreign ministers as “we don’t want to see Egypt or Tunisia or anyplace eliminate half the population when they think about the future. That would make no sense at all.” Clinton also lauded the role the internet has played in empowering women in the Middle East and across the world.
Posted in Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Protests, Reform, Tunisia, Women | Comment »
State and USAID Officials Travel to Tunisia and Egypt to Assess Humanitarian Crisis
March 8th, 2011 by Naureen
Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Eric P. Schwartz and USAID Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance Nancy Lindborg will travel to Tunisia from March 8th-10th and to Egypt from March 10th-12th to review humanitarian relief efforts to assist those fleeing the Libyan conflict. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that 200,000 third-country nationals have fled from the violence into Tunisia and Egypt since the unrest began. The United States is providing $30 million for the humanitarian needs to help repatriation of third-county nationals and emergency relief supplies. A humanitarian assessment team has also been deployed.
Posted in Egypt, Foreign Aid, Human Rights, Libya, Protests, Tunisia | Comment »
