Obama Administration to Take Stronger Stance on Syria
April 26th, 2011 by Naureen
Writing at The Cable, Josh Rogin discusses the new policy course the Obama Administration will take in regards to Syria. He states that in light of the violent crackdowns and the lack of substantial reform over the past two weeks, the mood inside the administration has shifted. In the coming days we can “expect a new executive order on Syria, a draft presidential statement at the U.N. Security Council, new designations of Syrian officials as targets for sanctions, and a firmer tone on the violence that will include references to Iran’s unhelpful influence on Syria’s crackdown,” Rogin states. He notes, however, that the new sanctions will not target Syrian President Bashar al-Assad directly and there will be no calls for him to step down. Elliott Abrams, among others, has criticized the administration’s response, including President Barack Obama‘s statement on Friday, as too weak and too slow. This may have been due to the perception in the White House that protests in Syria would not have escalated this far, Rogin states. According to an administration official, “The general assessment [inside the administration] was that this wouldn’t happen, that Assad was too good at nipping these movements in the bud and also that he was not afraid to be brutal. All of these things combined made this more of a surprise and made it much harder to deal with.” George Washington University professor Marc Lynch states that the Assad regime’s use of force left the administration with no choice but to increase our involvement.
Posted in Democracy Promotion, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Libya, Protests, Reform, Syria, US foreign policy | 1 Comment »
HRW Highlights UAE Government Crackdown on Activists
April 26th, 2011 by Naureen
On Saturday, UAE authorities dissolved the board of directors of a the Jurist Association, a prominent civil society organization in the country and replaced its members with state appointees. Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated that the action is part of a broader crackdown on peaceful dissent by the government. Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at HRW stated that “UAE authorities have staged a hostile takeover of one of the country’s leading rights groups. The government is reacting to domestic criticisms by banning websites, detaining peaceful activists, and intensifying its chokehold on civil society.”
HRW also called on the UAE government to release Ahmed Mansour and four other activists who have been detained for ”instigation, breaking laws and perpetrating acts that pose threat to state security, undermining the public order, opposing the government system, and insulting the President, the Vice President and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi,” according to UAE Attorney General Salim Saeed Kubaish. HRW Middle East director Sarah Leah Whitson stated, “This shows how far the UAE has to go to become a rights-respecting country. All those being detained for speaking out against abuses should be immediately released.”
Posted in Civil Society, Corruption, Elections, Freedom, Human Rights, Military, UAE | Comment »
White House Spokesman Jay Carney Addresses Questions on Syria
April 26th, 2011 by Naureen
On Monday, White House spokesman Jay Carney addressing questions from the press on Syria, reiterated U.S. condemnation of the use of force by the Syrian government against demonstrators. Carney called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to honor promises to lift the emergency law and institute reforms and in response to a question, Carney stated that having an ambassador in Syria “has been useful” as it has allowed the U.S. to “communicate directly what our positions and views are.”
He also noted how the situation in Syria differs greatly from that in Libya as Muammar Gadhafi‘s regime was “moving against its own people in a coordinated military fashion” with the promise that it would show no mercy. He also pointed to the international consensus and support of the Arab League the U.S. and its allies received before intervening in the country. Carney stated that the U.S. is looking at a range of options, including targeted sanctions to “make clear that this behavior is unacceptable.” However, he noted that the U.S. is not considering sending aid to the opposition, as suggested by Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT), given the fact that “there is not an organized opposition to whom we would give aid at this point.”
Posted in Democracy Promotion, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Human Rights, Military, Protests, Reform, Syria | Comment »
Syria: Mounting International Pressure Against Assad Regime
April 26th, 2011 by Ali
In addition to the White House’s condemnation on Friday of the Syrian government’s violent repression of protests, the US has voiced support for freezing regime assets abroad, has openly opposed Syria’s election to the UN Human Rights Council–it was previously considered an shoo-in for an allotted Asia seat, and is reported to support a UN Security Council draft resolution by the United Kingdom, France and Germany condemning the Syrian government’s actions. A vote on the resolution is expected within the next 48 hours. UN high commissioner for human rights, Navi Pillay, has also condemned the government’s actions calling them “erratic” in the wake of “paper reforms.”
Radwan Ziadeh, visiting George Washington University visiting scholar and Syrian human rights activist, reports that the US is currently petitioning for a special meeting the the UN Human Rights Council to address events in Syria.
Posted in Diplomacy, Human Rights, Multilateralism, Protests, sanctions, Syria, United Nations, US foreign policy | 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 »
Obama Condemns Violence In Syria, Calls for Immediate Reform
April 25th, 2011 by Naureen
On Saturday, President Barack Obama issued a statement strongly condemning the use of force by the Syrian government against peaceful protesters: “This outrageous use of violence to quell protests must come to an end now.” The President also expressed his belief that that Syria’s repeal of the Emergency Law was “not serious given the continued violent repression against protesters.” He called on the Syrian government put aside their personal interests and address the legitimate demands and aspirations of his people. Obama reiterated U.S. support for democracy and universal human rights. He also criticized President Bashar al-Assad‘s statements blaming outsiders for the unrest and the Syrian governments “continued destabilizing behavior more generally, including support for terrorism and terrorist groups.”
Posted in Democracy Promotion, Freedom, Human Rights, Protests, Reform, Syria, US foreign policy | 2 Comments »
Bahrain Update: Government Seeks Death Penalty for Protesters
April 25th, 2011 by Alec
The Associated Press reported on Monday that Bahrain is seeking the death penalty for seven protesters on trial accused of killing two policeman during demonstrations. The military prosecutor said he was seeking death as the men had “committed their crime for terrorist reasons.” The defendants have plead not guilty. Their hearing is set for Thursday.
Posted in Bahrain, Human Rights, Judiciary, Protests | Comment »
Human Rights Groups Call for International Action Following Crackdown in Syria
April 25th, 2011 by Naureen
On Monday, the crackdown in Syria escalated as the Syrian army sent tanks to Dera’a and arrested scores of protesters, killing five in the process. Nearly 350 people have died since protests began five weeks ago. According to Jordanian officials, phone lines have been cut in the area and the Syria-Jordan border crossing near Dera’a has been sealed on the Syrian side. Syrian security forces also arrested dozens of Syrians in the towns outside of Damascus such as Douma and Maadamiah, in an attempt to prevent protesters from marching on the capital. 12 people were also killed in clashes with security forces in the coastal city Jabla, inhabited largely by the Alawite minority. Human rights groups inside Syria are also reporting the disappearance of hundreds of activists since Friday.
On Sunday, Human Rights Watch urged the United Nations to set up an international inquiry into the Syrian security forces’ use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters, after the killing of protesters in 14 towns last Friday. HRW also called on the international community to impose sanctions on Syrian officials responsible for the use of lethal force and arbitrary arrest of protesters. The International Committee of Justice called for the referral of the Syrian situation to the U.N. Security Council and the International Criminal Court while U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay called on the Syrian government to stop the killing of its people and implement reform. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Obama Administration “is drafting an executive order empowering the president to freeze the assets of these senior Syrian officials and ban them from any business dealings in the U.S.” Officials state that they hope that U.S. sanctions will pressure European countries to follow suit.
Update: National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said Monday that President Obama “is pursuing a range of possible policy options, including targeted sanctions, to respond to the crackdown and make clear that this behavior is unacceptable.” He added, “The brutal violence used by the government of Syria against its people is completely deplorable and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”
Posted in Democracy Promotion, EU, Freedom, Human Rights, Multilateralism, Syria, United Nations, US foreign policy | 3 Comments »
Senators Discuss U.S. Involvement in Syria and Libya
April 25th, 2011 by Naureen
Speaking on Face The Nation, Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) called for U.S. support of Syrian protesters: “”We should use the diplomatic weight and press authority of the United States to undermine the Syrian dictatorship…I think we are witnessing the slow end of the Assad dictatorship, and we should stand with the people of Syria.” Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Coons (D-DE) echoed Kirk’s sentiments stating, “America is safest and America is strongest when we lead with our values. And the values we have that are really compelling to folks around the world are when we stand up and support democracy and people who are seeking a greater role in their own countries.”
The senators also discussed the ongoing situation in Libya and Senator John McCain (R-AZ)’s recent statements that the U.S. should expand its mission to remove Muammar Gadhafi from power and recognize the rebels. Senator Kirk called for following the example of our European allies and recognizing the rebel government and also expressed his believe that “we have a responsibility to win.” Senator Coons stated that we should give the multi-national coalition more time before we formally expand our mission and Senator Blumenthal cautioned against recognizing the rebel government and let the Libyan people decide who their government is.
Update: On NBC’s “Today” show, Senator McCain apologetically announced that he does not support military intervention in Syria: “I don’t see a scenario right now or anytime in the near future where the injection of U.S. or NATO military action would in any way beneficially help the situation, I’m sorry to say.”
Posted in al-Qaeda, Congress, Democracy Promotion, Freedom, Human Rights, Libya, Military, NATO, Protests, Syria, US foreign policy | Comment »
POMED Notes: “A Conversation with Iranian Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi”
April 22nd, 2011 by Naureen
On Thursday, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace hosted a discussion with Iranian Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi about her new book, The Golden Cage: Three Brothers, Three Choices, One Destiny about the Iranian revolution and the struggle of activists and the human rights movement. Jessica Matthews, President of the Carnegie Endowment made opening remarks and Karim Sadjadpour moderated the event.
To read full notes, continue below or click here for pdf.
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Posted in DC Event Notes, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Elections, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Islam and Democracy, Islamist movements, Protests, Reform, sanctions, Tunisia, US foreign policy | Comment »
POMED Notes: “From Revolution to Democracy: The Next Generation of Democracy Builders”
April 22nd, 2011 by Kyle
On Tuesday, Freedom House hosted an event on the political transition within Tunisia following the overthrow of President Ben Ali and prior to the Constituent Assembly elections on July 24th. The talk also addressed the promulgation of a new electoral law by the interim government that institutes gender parity in upcoming elections. The speaker was Sofiene Chourabi a journalist, blogger and civil society activist, who discussed the developments on the ground and the challenges facing Tunisians with regard to the upcoming election and the role of youth in shaping and driving forward the transition.
For full notes continue below, or click here for here.
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Posted in Corruption, Democracy Promotion, Elections, Freedom, Human Rights, Protests, Reform, Tunisia | 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 »
U.S.-Netherlands Commit to Supporting Women’s Empowerment in MENA
April 21st, 2011 by Naureen
Following a bilateral meeting, Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued the a statement declaring support for women’s political participation in emerging democracies in the Middle East. “The Netherlands and the United States share the view that the participation of women in political and economic processes is particularly urgent in the MENA region in these times of transition and reconciliation. We intend to work together to promote women’s empowerment in the region.” They hope to draw from local expertise and networks and leverage resources to address women’s participation in the reform processes in the region. Key areas for collaboration include: ensuring women’s human rights, fostering women leaders and political leadership training, technical and capacity building assistance to women-led and women-focused NGOs, and engaging in civic education initiatives to raise awareness about “women’s participation as key to a stable and prosperous society.”
Posted in Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Freedom, Human Rights, Protests, Reform, US foreign policy, Women, Women's Rights | Comment »
Syria: Assad Names New Governor of Homs, Clinton Condemns Violence Calls for Reform
April 21st, 2011 by Naureen
On Thursday, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad swore in Ghassad Abdul Aal as the new governor of Homs following clashes between demonstrators and security forces which resulted in the death of 17 protesters and scores of arrests. Najati Tayara, an activist in Homs, stated that the city was quite on Thursday but that security forces are stationed on the outskirts of impoverished neighborhoods with the expectation that protests will continue tomorrow.
On Wednesday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the ongoing violence and arbitrary arrest of protesters in Syria and called for a “political process that can respond to the legitimate needs, interests, and aspirations of the people” who are seeking “substantial and lasting reform.” She also noted the U.S.’s particular concern about the situation in Homs given reports of violence and casualties among both civilians and government personnel.
Posted in Democracy Promotion, Freedom, Human Rights, Protests, Reform, Syria | 1 Comment »
Egypt: Amnesty Calls for Lifting of Emergency Laws
April 21st, 2011 by Alec
Amnesty International has urged Egypt’s interim government, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), to lift the emergency laws that were put in place under the regime of Hosni Mubarak. The group further called for a thorough investigation into abuses carried out under the law by the state and its agents. Amnesty International also claims they have documented further abuses and the continuing use of torture and arbitrary detention under the laws. The SCAF has stated it will scrap the emergency law ahead of September elections.
Posted in Egypt, Human Rights, Reform | Comment »
Secretary General of Génération Tunisie Libre Discusses Role of Al-Nahda in Tunisia
April 21st, 2011 by Naureen
Rajaa Basly, writing at the Arab Reform Bulletin, discusses the role Islamist party, al-Nahda, has played in the revolution thus far and what it’s future contributions look like. Basly states that while the party did not play a role in the uprisings that overthrew President Zine Ben Ali, it has since become an influential player, especially now that it has joined the Committee for the Protection of the Revolution and the Political Reform Committee, which may be granted executive powers. He notes, however, that many Tunisians remain cautious of the party given the accusations of terrorism following incidents in the 1990s when al-Nahda activists attacked a RCD office in Tunis. Basly discusses the party’s “flexible political discourse” which continues its Islamic tradition while making reassurances that its committed to democracy, human rights, non-violence and equality. He also discusses how the party has sided with protesters in its critiques of the current government but notes the threat of fragmentation given the legalization of nearly 50 political parties, some of which are Islamist in orientation and potential competitors for al-Nahda. Basly states that the party will have to clarify its stance on state secularism especially following the rise of the Salafi youth movement, Hizb al-Tahrir.
Posted in Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Elections, Freedom, Human Rights, Islam and Democracy, Islamist movements, Protests, Reform, Tunisia, Turkey, Women's Rights | Comment »
Bahrain: International Groups Express Concern Over Political Detainees/Deaths
April 21st, 2011 by Alec
Amnesty International released an urgent appeal this week on behalf of Bahraini defense lawyer, Mohammed al-Tajer, who was arrested on April 15th. The group believes he is a ‘prisoner of conscience’ and is at risk of torture and may face unfair trial. Amnesty International is urging people to send their appeals on al-Tajer’s behalf to the King, Prime Minister, and Minister of Justice.
The International Federation for Human Rights sent a letter to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton calling on her to meet with detained Bahraini human rights activists during her trip to the country, including al-Tajer and Abdulhadi al-Khawaja (currently on trial), as well as the families and relatives of those who have been detained.
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova called for the Bahraini government to investigate the deaths of Karim Fakhrawi and Zakariya Rashid Hassan, who died in custody of Bahraini authorities under suspicious conditions. Fakhrawi was the co-founder of the country’s only independent newspaper Al-Wasat; Hassan was an online writer.
Posted in Bahrain, Human Rights, Judiciary | 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 »
Bahrain Update: Top Activist al-Khawaja On Trial
April 21st, 2011 by Alec
Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, a top Bahraini human rights activist who was arrested earlier this month with his sons-in-law, is facing a military court trial that began 8 a.m. Thursday morning (Bahrain time) according to family sources. His daughter Zainab al-Khawaja had been on a week long hunger strike in protest of her father’s and other relatives’ arrest and treatment in prison. Abdulhadi al-Khawaja has a long history of human rights activism in Bahrain and has previously been targeted by the government on several occasions. He lived in exile for 12 years and was also imprisoned for a time in 2004 for political dissent but was later pardoned. According to the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, more than 800 people have been detained or have disappeared since the imposition of state of “National Safety.”
Update: During an interview with Press TV, Zainab Al-Khawaja stated that her father, Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, had called the family requesting clothes for his trial. When they went to go deliver the clothes, they did not allow any of the family or their lawyers to enter the military court in Rifaa. In fact, she noted that they were told that one of the lawyers the family had chosen to represent him was “also on the wanted list, and that he cannot represent anyone.” She states that the government is “trying to punish everyone and anyone” and “spreading fear amongst people.” She called on the U.S. government to side with the Bahraini people.
Andrew Anderson, Deputy Director of the human rights defense group, Front Line, was also refused access to the hearing. He notes that a Bahraini Defense Force officer to whom he spoke with this morning said that “he was not even in a position to confirm whether the hearing was taking place adn that this was a matter for the office of the Military Prosecutor.” Authorities stated that Al-Khawaja was involved in “crimes against security of the Kingdom of Bahrain” and will be able to meet with his lawyer as soon as the case is referred to the military prosecutor. 102 human rights defenders across the region issued a statement, on Thursday, supporting Al-Khawaja and condemning the use of excessive violence during his arrest and trial before a military court.
Posted in Bahrain, Human Rights, Judiciary, Protests | Comment »
Bahrain: State TV Transforms Public Opinion
April 20th, 2011 by Kyle
Karen Leigh, writing at the Atlantic, articulates that the world has been privy to the reality of government sponsored violence and human rights abuses in Bahrain, but Bahraini citizens have not. Leigh asserts that there has been a clamp down on foreign press within the kingdom which has led to a monopoly by the state run television. “The narrative the government wants to put across, which is powerful, is that this is a sectarian conflict, different than what happened in Egypt and Tunisia. And the vehicle it chose to do that with is BTV, because it’s the only thing it had in its arsenal,” said Ali Al-Saffar, Middle East economist. The state run TV, according to Leigh, has planted weapons alongside protesters, faked footage of violence against police officers, and out rightly denied any use of violence by the government against protesters or those associated with the opposition. Leigh reports that officials from al-Wefaq, the Bahraini opposition party, have told her that they are “worried about similarities between BTV’s rhetoric and that of the Hutu radio stations that rallied Rwandan Hutus to slaughter their Tutsi brethren 17 years ago.” Leigh argues that there is a growing tide within Bahrain that the foreign media is lying about events taking place there which is increasing state TV viewership and anti-Shi’a public opinions. The long term effects of this shift are not entirely clear, but Leigh argues that in the short term Shi’ites will continue to be targeted by state security with greater support from the Bahraini public.
Posted in Bahrain, Human Rights, Public Opinion, Sectarianism | Comment »
