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 »
Tunisia: Old Regime Officials Banned from Ballot, Faces Prosecution
April 26th, 2011 by Ali
Tunisian Prime Minister Beji Caid Sebsi announced that the senior officials of the former ruling Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD) party are banned from participating in the country’s July 24th elections. The ban also applies to top aides to ousted president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali. Tunisia’s Justice Minister Lazhar Karoui Chebbi announced that he is seeking to try Ben Ali on 18 charges, including murder and drug trafficking. To this end, he is exploring means of extraditing him from Saudi Arabia.
Posted in Elections, Judiciary, Legislation, Tunisia | Comment »
CNN Asks Experts to Comment on Future of “Arab Spring”
April 26th, 2011 by Naureen
Given the uncertainty surrounding events in the Middle East, CNN.com asked five experts to address how the “Arab Spring” will play out in the coming months. Ibrahim Sharqieh, deputy director of the Brookings Doha Center, states that in the coming months we will see a new paradigm for political transition in the Middle East as dictators use more forceful means to quell popular uprisings. Nader Hashemi notes the misnomer of ”Arab Spring” given the differing internal dynamics of the countries, but notes that the days are numbered for Arab dictators. Parag Khanna, senior research fellow with the New America Foundation, argues that the region is likely to remain volatile especially in Egypt during the lead up to parliamentary elections and in Bahrain where the government has suppressed the opposition instead of addressing its concerns. He also notes the role the International Monetary Fund and the Gulf countries can play in supporting structural economic modernization throughout the region.
Julie Taylor, a political scientist at the RAND Corp., stated that in the next six months, we will likely see regime change in Yemen and Libya. Taylor also notes the Syrian armed forces commitment to President Bashar al-Assad and the strong support the regime will likely receive from Iran for a mass crackdown. Feryal Cherif draws parallels between the events in Egypt and those in Syria where both leaders offered concessions in hopes of appeasing protesters, but tended to remain a step behind protesters’ demands. She notes, however, that Syria lacks the presence of a strong civil society and experience with activism, which will likely hinder their movement.
Posted in Bahrain, Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Elections, Gulf, Iran, Military, Protests, Reform, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen | Comment »
NDI Releases Report on Tunisian Youth Opinion About Transition
April 25th, 2011 by Naureen
Last week, the National Democratic Institute released a report outlining the results of a qualitative study to explore what Tunisia’s youth think and feel about the past, present and future of their country. The information will be used to ensure the Tunisian political elites understand and address the expectations of the youth during the transition process and develop outreach strategies to increase youth involvement. The study, which looks at data compiled from ten focus groups in nine cities across the country, shows that the Tunisian youth are excited about voting and participating in the first free election to be held in their lifetime and hope to play a meaningful role in the unfolding transition. The report also highlights youth fear that the transition will be co-opted by individuals and elite groups ”attempting to profit from the revolution for personal gain,” noting the non-transparent process thus far. Additionally, the findings demonstrate that the political parties and civil society organizations are unknown by the youth today, due to their severe repression under former President Zine Ben Ali.
Posted in Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Elections, Freedom, Islam and Democracy, Protests, Tunisia | 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 »
Prospects for Democratic Transition in Tunisia and Egypt
April 25th, 2011 by Naureen
Alfred Stepan, writing at Democracy Digest, discusses whether Tunisia and Egypt will successfully transition into democracies. Stepan optimistically states that Tunisia will successfully transition to a democracy this year noting the fact that the military is not complicating the transition, that the civilian-led interim government has engaged in interactive negotiations about the democratic rules with virtually all major actors, and that a Constituent Assembly is being formed and will step down following the formation of a government. Additionally, he notes that the Constituent Assembly, which is free to choose the system of government, will likely form a parliamentary government following the model of post-communist European countries. Stepan also points to the inclusion and moderation of Al-Nahda as a reason for the success of Tunisia.
Looking at the case of Egypt, Stepan states that while democratization is probable in the long term, the country does not have the “especially favorable conditions we find in Tunisia.” He points to the fact that every president in Egypt’s history has been military officer and the role of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) in the transition period as a hindrance for democratic development. He also states that the U.S. emphasis on maintaining strong relations with the army, which receives $1.3 billion of the total $1.5 billion of U.S. aid to the country, may also hurt the the transition.
Posted in Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Foreign Aid, Islam and Democracy, Military, Protests, Reform, Tunisia, 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 »
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 »
Scholars Discuss the Arab Spring in the Context of Lebanon’s 2005 Emancipation
April 21st, 2011 by Naureen
Last week, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy hosted an event entitled, “Lebanon Today: Internal Politics and the Arab Spring.” Speaking at the event were May Chidiac, president of MCF Media Institute; Michael Young, opinion editor for the Beirut Daily Star; Hisham Melhem, Washington bureau chief of Al-Arabiya; and Michael Doran, visiting professor at New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service.
May Chidiac noted how protests in the Arab world echo “the spirit of the Lebanese model” as they abandoned anti-Israel and anti-West rhetoric for legitimate demands of good governance, economic opportunities and political freedom. Chidiac also called for the U.S. and international community to support the March 14th movement. Michael Young discussed three lessons for the Arab Spring from Lebanon: first, that foreign intervention is often necessary for liberation movements to succeed; second, the liberation may clash with Western interests; and third, the importance of luck. Young discussed how many in the Arab world fail to acknowledge the importance of the 2005 emancipation as they see a weak Syria as advantageous to the West and Israel. Hisham Melham stated that the Arab Spring differs from the events in Lebanon in 2005 as they represent a social and political revolution rather than an emancipation from foreign occupation. He also notes the reversion to sectarianism in Lebanon. Melham also called on the Obama Administration to take a stronger stance on the situation in Syria. Melham along with Michael Doran argued that regime change in Syria could benefit the U.S. as it would improve dynamics with Lebanon, Palestine, Israel and Iraq.
Posted in Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Freedom, Hezbollah, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Military, Palestine, Protests, Reform, Syria, Tunisia, US foreign policy, Yemen | Comment »
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 »
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 »
Tunisia: Commission Orders Gender Parity for Party Lists
April 14th, 2011 by Alec
The Tunisian transitional commission organizing upcoming July 24th elections for the Constituent Assembly issued a decree this week requiring gender parity between men and women on party lists. The decree has been welcomed by all members of the commission including representatives from the Ennahda Islamist movement. The decree also bans former member of the now defunct RCP and people previously serving in the Ben Ali regime during the past 10 years. The commission has also set up an independent electoral commission to consist of 12 members. The measure has yet to be approved by the interim government.
Posted in Elections, Reform, Tunisia, Women, Women's Rights | Comment »
Tunisia: Authorities Request Ben-Ali Extradition Over Air Strike Probe
April 13th, 2011 by Alec
Tunisian investigators have concluded that Tunisian ex-president Zine Ben Ali ordered air strikes on the city of Kasserine just days before he stepped down and fled the country. Taoufik Bouderbala, who is heading the commission investigating abuses by the former regime during the revolution, stated that the strike was an act of “collective and premeditated murder.” Twenty-three people died as a result according to Bouderbala. Tunisian authorities have asked Saudi Arabia to extradite Ben Ali along with his wife Leila Trabelsi, who is accused of corruption.
Posted in Reform, Tunisia | Comment »
Khalil Discusses the “Youthquake” in the Middle East
April 12th, 2011 by Kyle
Lydia Khalil, writing for The Australian, highlights the role that the youth (shabab) have played in the Middle East since revolutions spread across the region. Khalil states, “This young Arab generation, much like the West’s protest generation of the 1960s, will change not just the politics but the entire culture and outlook of the Middle East.” Chronicling the sensational stories of Neda Agha Soltan in Iran, Mohamed Bouazizi in Tunisia and Khaled Said in Egypt, Khalil articulates how the horrific deaths of these individuals coupled with increased internet access helped to change the region forever. “These victims and the anonymity of the internet allowed masses of shabab to coalesce around symbolic figures to give themselves a voice, a voice that was not easily detected by the state,” Khali said. Khalil argues that there is a strong desire for democracy amongst this generation and they are “playing a meaningful role in shaping the new global identity, adding their innovations into the mix.”
Posted in Egypt, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Protests, Reform, Tunisia, Youth | 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 »
POMED Notes: “The Future of Yemen”
April 7th, 2011 by Naureen
On Tuesday, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) Yemen Working Group and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) hosted a live video conference with leaders of the Yemeni opposition. The event which was moderated by Tara Sonenshine, Executive Vice President of USIP and Les Campbell, Senior Associate and Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at NDI featured the following panelists: Tawakkol Karman, head of the Yemeni NGO, Women Journalists Without Chains and a leading youth figure of the anti-government protest movement; Shadi Khosruf, spokesperson for the committee tasked with drafting the “Youth Revolution Document;” Sheikh Mohammed Abu Lahoum, former senior member of the ruling General People’s Congress; and Mohammed Qattan, Shura Council member of the Yemeni Congregation for Reform (Islah) and current spokesman for the Joint Meeting Parties. Yassin Noman, Secretary General of the Yemeni Socialist Party and Chair of the Supreme Council of the Joint Meeting Parties was not present.
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Posted in al-Qaeda, Civil Society, DC Event Notes, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Freedom, Human Rights, Protests, Reform, Tunisia, US foreign policy, Yemen | 1 Comment »
POMED Notes: “Iran: From Civil Society Protest to Political Alternative?”
April 7th, 2011 by Naureen
On Monday, the Woodrow Wilson Center hosted a discussion on the unsolved “democratic question” in Iran in light of the recent regional developments. Director of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center Haleh Esfandiari, introduced the speaker, Roberto Toscano, Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center and Former Italian Ambassador to India and to Iran.
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Posted in Civil Society, DC Event Notes, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Elections, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Islam and Democracy, Protests, Reform, Tunisia | Comment »
Sen. Lugar Holds Up State Dept. Funds for Democracy Promotion in Tunisia
April 6th, 2011 by Kyle
Josh Rogin, writing at the Cable, reports that Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) has thwarted the transfer of funds to Tunisian democracy assistance that the State Department has requested. Last week the State Department’s Middle East Partnership Initiative sent Congress a “congressional notification,” requesting permission to shift $29 million from other programs in the region to support democracy promotion in Tunisia ($20 million), rule of law and political development programs in the region ($7 million), and youth councils in Yemen ($1 million). Sen. Lugar is the final member of Congress to attempt to withhold the transfer of aid which members of Congress Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Kay Granger (R-TX) previously opposed as well. Lugar spokesman Mark Helmke told The Cable that Lugar is unhappy with how the State Department is dealing with the total regional response, not just this specific reprogramming request. Helmke stated: “Lugar is concerned the administration is just reacting to events without a plan on where we are going. Democracy building in Tunisia is a good thing. But so are scholarships. How does this re-programming affect other projects in Egypt and elsewhere? The lack of a clear end game strategy for Libya, and the refusal to gain congressional authority, only add to Lugar’s concerns.”
Posted in Congress, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Foreign Aid, Reform, Tunisia, US foreign policy | Comment »
