THE WEEKLY WIRE

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THE WEEKLY WIRE

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THE WEEKLY WIRE

Legislation

Senator John Kerry (D-MA) introduced the “Middle East Transition and Development Act” (S.1388) to assist regional countries, especially Egypt and Tunisia, with economic development assistance.

مقالات متعلقة :

The House Commitee on Foreign Affairs introduced H.R. 2583, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2012. The bill was passed by the committee 23-20.

Committee Hearings

On Tuesday (7/19), the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs hosted a hearing entitled “U.S. Policy in Yemen.” Senator Robert Casey (D-PA) chaired the hearing. The witnesses on the first panel were: Janet Sanderson, Christa Capozzola, and Daniel Benjamin. On the second panel, the witnesses were Christopher Boucek and Daniel Green.

On Friday (7/22) the Helsinki Commission held a hearing entitled “Minority at Risk: Coptic Christians in Egypt.” Christopher Smith (R-NJ) chaired the hearing. The witnesses were Caroline Doss, Michelle Clark, and Jean Maher.

From Washington

U.S. Commentary on Regional Developments: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton emphasized that democratic transitions in the Arab world must be led from within. A State Department spokesperson condemned the travel restrictions on the U.S. ambassador.

Speculation on Gadhafi’s Departure: Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman and other officials met with representatives of Muammar Gadhafi to clearly convey that he must step down. Two representatives of the TNC were expected to meet with French President Nicholas Sarkozy, although French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe conceded the possibility of Gadhafi remaining in the country. Rebel leaders reaffirmed their position that Gadhafi must go before
negotiations. After meeting with his counterpart in Moscow, Libyan Foreign Minister Abdelati Obeidi denied reports that Gadhafi’s exit is being considered. Russia criticized the U.S. for taking sides in a civil war by recognizing the TNC. John Bolton argued that Russia’s current effort to mediate the conflict is worrying. NATO requested that the Obama Administration send more Predator drones and other surveillance planes to aid the NATO air war in Libya.

Planning for Post-Conflict Libya: A State Department Spokesperson said the recognition of the TNC “was a major step forward” toward a post-Gadhafi, democratic Libya. British Defense Minister Liam Fox asked U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta for more assistance in the Libya effort. William Booth described the concerns of rebels regarding the war’s brutality and their desire for peace. James Joyner argued that NATO has done little post-conflict planning, and Western rebuilding assistance should have a UN face.

Calls for a Stronger Response on Syria: Elliot Abrams argued
that the U.S. needs to take a harsher stand against the Syrian regime. Andrew Tabler wrote the U.S. and international actors should target sanctions on Syria’s oil industry. David Ignatius discussed steps the U.S. could take to encourage a quicker transition. An editorial in the New York Times called for stronger sanctions and more coherent messages from the U.S. and E.U. Radwan Ziadeh argued that the stalemate in Syria will only be broken
by the international community and the military. The Washington Post argued that recent killings are “fueling fears” of sectarian strife similar to Iraq and Lebanon. And former Senator Arlen Specter asserted that Assad may be willing to negotiate, and the UN could credibly lead negotiations in Syria and elsewhere. Lee Smith argues that it is unlikely Assad can maintain much of his power through Ramadan, which begins the first week of August.
Debating Bahraini Politics: Human Rights First called on the U.S. government to “immediately and publicly declare” if it still supports the National Dialogue, after al-Wefaq withdrew. Jane Kinninmont argued that al-Wefaq’s withdrawal marks a dangerous setback. Hussein Ibish predicted that the government and opposition do not have alternatives to eventually making a deal. And Justin Gengler discussed growing anti-Americanism, ironic because the U.S. has been condemned for supporting the regime.
Hugh Tomlinson reported that “sources in Washington and the Gulf have confirmed … [the idea of] relocating the fleet.” The U.S. Department of Defense and the State Department both denied this was under consideration.

Egypt’s Military Discussed: Tony Karon argued that the
Egyptian military is working to maintain its autonomy and assert veto power over democratic processes. One general admitted that Egypt “needs this to protect our democracy from the Islamists.”

Iranian Perspective on the Arab Spring: Trita Parsi and Reza Marashi discussed Iran’s view of the Arab Spring as a threat to the status quo. Meanwhile, Amnesty International released a video depicting a public execution in Iran and the brutality of the security forces.

Saudi Law Threatens Rights: Amnesty International criticized a draft anti-terrorism law in Saudi Arabia that will permit authorities to prosecute peaceful dissent as terrorist crime. Middle East
press officer James Lynch said that the law “seeks to entrench some of the most repressive practices” of the Saudi regime.

Engaging with the Region: Ebrahim Moosa argued that Islam will be a factor in emerging governments, but “people will be cautious,” and the U.S. should deepen its knowledge of the region. James Traub described Sen. John Kerry (D-MA)’s work as an unofficial ambassador for the administration, and his diplomatic approach of engagement.

Conflict and Humanitarian Situation in Yemen: Robert Worth discussed opposition groups in Yemen, the regime’s violent crackdown, power struggles, and the extremist threat. The International Red Cross announced Yemen will need extended humanitarian assistance.

Also Worth Reading

On Wednesday 7/20, the House Foreign Affairs Committee convened a Committee markup for consideration of H.R. 2583, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2012. The markup hearing concluded on the evening of Thursday 7/21, authorizing $48.3 billion in international affairs spending at the FY11-enacted level and passed by a recorded vote of 23-20. In addition to the specific language introduced and voted on over the past few days, the markup of H.R.2583 last week also provides an unusual opportunity for debate on foreign affairs issues, with many members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee weighing in on a variety of topics. In a new report from POMED, we have tried to identify all sections of the bill directly related to U.S. engagement with the Middle East and North Africa and issues of democracy and human rights in the MENA region, accompanied by relevant quotes from the markup session as well as background information and context. For POMED's full summary and analysis of the bill, please click here.

Human Rights Watch released a report detailing attacks by Bahraini security forces on doctors, nurses, clinics, hospitals and other medical personnel.

In his report “Iran’s Political System and Its Implications for U.S. Policy,” Peter Jones discussed the political power dynamics in Iran and called for U.S. engagement.

From the Middle East

Egyptian Political Maneuvering Continues: To quell sit-in protesters at Tahrir Square, Prime Minister Essam Sharaf scheduled to have 14 new ministers sworn in. Revolutionaries,
including women seeking equal rights, still felt that their full demands have not been met. Nahed Shahata noted the equal role of women and men in Tahrir Square. The Muslim Brotherhood confirmed that a “Million Man March” will take place in Tahrir Square on July 29. About 5,000 people marched in Tahrir Square over the weekend and 43 people were injured. Nearly two dozen political parties, coalitions and movements released a joint statement that condemned the attacks on the Abbasiya March on July 23, calling it the "Second Battle of the Camel," where the total number of injured was 309. A committee outlining constitutional guidelines failed to include any provisions about the military. Mamdouh Shaheen announced that half of the 504 parliamentary seats would be elected by a single-winner system. Election officials stated that international oversight of the elections would not be allowed, leading activists to question the transparency and legitimacy of the new election process. Political parties and presidential candidates rejected the latest amendments to the two laws aimed at regulating the upcoming parliamentary elections. Abdel-Moez Ibrahim, head of the newly formed Supreme Elections Committee, issued election policies approved by the committee in supervising the upcoming elections. Parliamentary elections were scheduled for November, although an exact date was not announced. Mohammed Fadel wrote that the success of the revolution hinges on the economy. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) released a statement in response to the thousands of people marching to their headquarters, accusing the April 6th Movement of causing a strife between the military and the people. Mohamed Hussein Tantawi said that the military rulers are committed to transforming Egypt into a democracy and praised youth activists for their efforts in overthrowing former President Hosni Mubarak. Many activists are concerned that former President Hosni Mubarak's trial will be postponed and are planning protests in response.

Widespread Violence in Syria: Hundreds of thousands protested across Syria expressing solidarity for those in Homs. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted the heavy military presence in Homs, where sectarian violence has
resulted in 50 (or more) deaths. The army reportedly fired at worshipers, and mosques are being used to coordinate relief.
At least 45 were reported dead in Damascus and elsewhere as a result of fighting following protests. The first reports of attacks on Kurds emerged. Troops surrounded a Damascus suburb, and
tightened security in Damascus in an attempt to quell the protests before Ramadan. 50 activists were released from Hama jails, and government offices reopened. And al-Ahram discussed the recent kidnapping, torture and murder of anti-regime
singer Ibrahim Qashush. Additionally, a twelve-year-old boy watching the peaceful demonstrators outside his home on July 15 was targeted by security forces and shot in the head.

Diplomatic Tensions in Syria: Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem announced travel restrictions on the U.S. and French ambassadors. Qatar closed its embassy and withdrew its ambassador. And a Western diplomat in Damascus accused the regime of exacerbating sectarian tensions. Assad replaced the governor of the eastern tribal province of Deir al-Zor on Sunday after the biggest protests were held denouncing Assad's presidency.

Growing Unrest in Tunisia: Two demonstrations erupted and were suppressed by police, leading to one death and eight injuries. Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi announced that elections would continue, despite the disturbances.

Human Rights Neglected in the Gulf: Iranian human rights advocates
publicized letters to government officials and the U.N. Human Rights Special Rapporteur about conditions in Iranian prisons. Blogger Mehdi Khazali was arrested for criticizing the regime and Maryam Bahreman remained in detention despite judicial orders for her release. 48 medical personnel in Bahrain remained on trial for protest related crimes.
The trials of five bloggers from the United Arab Emirates began. In Saudi Arabia, a woman was arrested for driving after a medical emergency. Manal al-Sharif affirmed her dedication to the driving campaign.

Rebels and Gadhafi Turn up the Heat in Libya: Opposition fighters chased the majority of pro-government soldiers from the town of Brega, in preparation for a fresh advance on Tripoli. Gadhafi staged another gathering of tribal leaders who “pledged their allegiance.” There were conflicting reports about whether Gadhafi’s brother-in-law and reported intelligence chief, Abdalla Senussi, was injured or
killed. Leading pro-Gadhafi General Abdul Nabih Zayed was captured by rebel forces. Gadhafi is reportedly running out of commanders and now using soldiers from the elite Khamis Brigade to lead recruits and volunteers. And the TNC asked France for more assistance. Libyan representatives reported they are ready to begin talks with the United States and Libyan rebels in an effort to further push Gadhafi from power. A UN peace envoy suggested a ceasefire in Libya, followed by the creation of a transitional authority made up of government representatives and rebels, though specified that auhtority should not include Gadhafi or his sons.

Waning Protest Movement in Jordan: Kareem Fahim argued that the protests have not “reached a critical mass” nor “hastened real change.” Naseem Tarawhan described recent protests as rooted in a deep schism that threatens Jordanian society. Meanwhile, a peaceful march in
Amman turned violent and 17 journalists were injured. The police department reported that Saleh loyalists killed protesters in Sana’a, Taiz, and Arhab last week. Demonstrators marched outside the home of Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour to protest censorship and harassment. Olga Aymerich analyzed the hijacking of the revolution by former Yemeni elites seeking to regain their economic dominance.

Political Wrangling in Iran, Bahrain, and UAE: The Bahraini Gulf Daily News reported that the demands of al-Wefaq are still expected to be discussed in the dialogue. In Iran, former President Mohammed Khatami insisted that the 2013 elections be open and inclusive, and the Guardian Council rejected Khatami’s statements. And
Angela Shah noted that the UAE’s economic largess has allowed the country to remain relatively unaffected by the Arab Spring.

In Case You Missed It

On Monday (7/18) Partners for Democratic Change hosted the Society for International Development, Washington’s Middle East Workgroup for “An Update from Bahrain with Bahraini Human Rights Activist, Maryam al-Khawaja.” Monalisa Salib, opened the event and POMED Director of Advocacy Cole Bockenfeld moderated and provided background on Bahrain.

On Tuesday (7/19) the Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) hosted a panel discussion with the Heinrich Böll Foundation of North America to announce the release of a new publication, “The Federal Budget and Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012: Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights in the Middle East.” The discussion featured POMED Executive Director Stephen McInerney, who authored the report, and commentary by Daniel
Brumberg and Michael Ryan. The panel was moderated by POMED Director of Advocacy Cole Bockenfeld.

On Tuesday (7/19) the Middle East Program hosted an event
at the Woodrow Wilson Center entitled “Arab Spring or Arab Winter (or Both)? Implications for U.S. Policy.” It featured: Marwan Muasher, Ellen Laipson, Rami G.Khouri, and Aaron David Miller.

On Thursday (7/21) Foreign Policy and the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network (MFAN) co-hosted a discussion on foreign assistance in the context of the Arab Spring. A keynote address was given by Tamara Cofman Wittes. The panel included John Norris, Ehaab Abdou, Jacqueline Strasser, and Hisham Fahmy. The discussion was moderated by Susan Glasser.

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