Debating U.S. Options in Syria: Chris Doyle argued the West is to blame for its lack of options in Syria. Tony Badran asserted that the U.S. has leverage in Syria but the administration is refusing to use it. Mark Lynch recommended prudence as the correct response to the protests, commending David Schenker and Andrew Tabler for providing the best policy recommendations on increasing pressure on Assad. Some experts speculated that the fighting represents a “dangerous turning point.” Patrick Seale said that the country risks slipping into civil war, and a New York Times article considered the potential of sectarian conflict. Max Fisher argued that ending the violence will require security forces to defect.

Intensified International Condemnation of Syria: In a report and a joint statement, the United Nations Human Rights Council, with a State Department concurrence, condemned the crackdown in Syria and called for investigatory access for the High Commissioner. State Department Spokesman Mark Toner strongly condemned the violence in Syria. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton accused Iran of backing the Syrian regime’s crackdown Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said it is time for the U.S. to consider intervention in Syria. In an op-ed in the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrote in support of the Syrian people’s fight against President Bashar al-Assad. As a result of the violent crackdown against the public by the Assad regime, Clinton delegitimized Assad’s claims that he is a reformer: ”For years, he has offered pledges and promises, but all that matters are his actions.”


Growing American Isolationism: A new survey found that isolationism in America is at a 50-year peak, with the U.N. as the most politically polarizing issue. Commentators, including Jackson Diehl, questioned an apparent GOP shift toward more isolationist foreign policy after the first Republican presidential debate.

Libya Debate Continues in Congress: Walter Pincus evaluated legislative strategies to check executive powers. The White House released a report providing a legal justification for continued U.S. involvement in the NATO led operation. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), challenged President Barack Obama’s legal justification for continuing the fighting in Libya. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), and other congressmen sued President Barack Obama and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to stop the U.S. involvement. A U.S. State Department spokesman dismissed Saif al-Islam Gadhafi’s offer for elections. The U.N. Human Rights Council extended its investigatory mandate in Libya until the end of the year. However, over the weekend, NATO reported that its aircrafts attacked a column of military vehicles this week. NATO confirmed that the vehicles were a part of the opposition.

Clinton Urges African Leadership: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton requested all African states to support the Transitional National Council in Libya, call for a ceasefire, and call for Gadhafi’s departure.

Human Rights Groups Urge Reform in the Gulf: Human rights groups called for the cessation of repression in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Anti-regime activist Jaber Ibrahim al-Alawiat died one day after being released from Bahraini detention. Brian Dooley of Human Rights First described the work of Bahraini activists to showcase the ongoing abuse and violence in Bahrain.

Arrests and Trials in Bahrain: Zainab Alkhawaja and two other activists were detained for staging a sit-in at the United Nations Development Programme office in Bahrain, after delivering a letter to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and urging immediate UN action to free political prisoners. They were removed at the request of the UNDP resident representative, prompting the New York office to investigate. They were subsequently released. Assistant Secretary of State Michael Posner attended the trial in Bahrain of 48 medics accused of aiding protesters and related charges. Malcolm Smart of Amnesty International criticized the Bahraini response to demonstrations. Toby C. Jones argued that the U.S. should disband the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

Women’s Rights in Saudi Arabia, Libya: Farzaneh Milani argued the Saudi ‘right to drive’ campaign is “a revolution within revolutions.” Kristine Goulding argued the future of women is uncertain, citing a history of “democratic paradoxes,” hindering women after “democratic” revolutions. A New York Times article described the use of social media by both government and opposition forces in Saudi Arabia. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that the U.S. is “deeply concerned” about reports of wide-scale rape and sexual violence in Libya and elsewhere in the region.


Saudi Arabia Forced to Make Difficult Decision on Yemen: Bernard Haykel argued that the situation in Yemen has put Saudi Arabia in an increasingly difficult position, and the options for Saudi Arabia have become increasingly unclear. A profile of President Ali Abdellah Saleh’s half brotherAli Mohsen Al-Ahmar was published (translation here) in Le Monde. Simon Henderson argued that Saudi Arabia has lost influence due to its regional and international policies.

On Government Shake-Ups: The International Crisis Group released recommendations for democratic reform in the Turkish government. Elias Muhanna described the fear of the Lebanese governments domination by Hezbollah as an “oversimplification” and speculated how Prime Minister Najib Mikati may maintain a government through compromise. Richard Chambers of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems noted the absence of women in the cabinet as well as the 30-day period to gain parliamentary approval. A Dar al Hayat [Arabic] article argued that Washington-Beirut relations may not be threatened due to changing regional realities. State Department Spokesman Mark Toner validated the analysts’ insights saying, “we’re going to wait and let the process play itself out.”

Underlying Issues with the Arab Spring: Roger Cohen argued that the Green Movement helped “kindle the Arab Spring” and that the U.S. should focus on building a different relationship with Iran. A feature in Foreign Affairs detailed attempts to repatriate laundered assets by deposed Arab regimes has “highlighted the inadequacy of current international efforts against corruption.” The U.S. and Egyptian governments expressed opposing views on U.S. support for democracy promotion NGOs. Thanassis Cambanis argued that there has been a lack of change in Egypt since the military took control.

Journalist and analyst Yigal Schleifer described the evolution of the AKP since coming to power and provides recommendations for U.S. policymakers in a new POMED Policy Brief. Click here for the full text, and click here to sign up to receive future briefs via email.

The Middle East Media Research Institute describes the Gulf Cooperation Council invitation for Morocco and Jordan as a strategic move by Saudi Arabia.

Robert Malley, from the International Crisis Group, gave a lengthy interview about the Arab Spring and the situation in Israel/Palestine


From the Middle East

Moroccan Protests Ahead of Constitutional Reforms: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI announced new constitutional amendments to be voted on in two weeks. About 6,000 protesters marched through Casablanca demanding reforms and an end to corruption. Issander El Amrani wrote that the regime is trying to depict the reformist movement as being “taken over” by Islamists despite the Islamist movement Adl wal Ihsan’s announced support. Leading journalist Rachid Nini, has been sentenced to a year in prison. The pro-reform coalition Mamfakinch released a press kit providing information on protester demands.

Protests Renew in Bahrain as Doubts on Reform Rise: The first large demonstration in months occurred in Bahrain. Movement leader Sheikh Ali Salman asserted that al Wafeq supports a civil state, not an Iran-style theocracy. King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa tapped Speaker of the Parliament Khalifah al-Dhaharani to lead the national dialogue. Justin Gengler questioned the viability of the National Dialogue Initiative. Al Wefaq leaders said they would participate in a dialogue, with conditions. Two former MPs were put on trial. Bahrain announced that it is suing The Independent, noting Robert Fisk, for its “premeditated media campaign” against both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Ayat al-Qarmezi, 20, a poet and student, was sentenced to one year in prison for reading a poem at a pro-reform rally.In an effort to ease the political crisis, the Bahraini government has agreed to lift a ban on the National Democratic Action Party, or Waad, an opposition group, which had been shut down in April. This effort is also an attempt to engage the party in a national dialogue set to occur on July 1 to ease tensions in the country.

Yemen: Opposition and Interim Government Deadlocked: Talks in Yemen stalled when acting president Abed Rabbu Mansour Hadi refused to acquiesce to opposition demands that President Ali Abdullah Saleh step down immediately, citing infrastructure and food as more pressing matters. A Saudi top Saudi official said Saleh will not return while Yemen’s deputy information minister said he will be back soon. Over the weekend, Yemeni civilians fled due to clashes between the army and militants suspected to be close to al-Qaeda in Abyan, a southern province, after the capital Zinjibar fell to militants last month. According to officials, Yemeni troops killed 12 suspected al-Qaeda militants near Zinjibar as they were planting roadside bombs.

Trial of Ben Ali Scheduled for June 20: Tunisian Interim Prime Minister Beji Caid Sebsi announced that the trial of former president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali will begin on June 20. Saudi authorities have failed to respond to Tunisian requests for Ben Ali’s extradition.

Shaky Governments in Lebanon & Kuwait: Following months of deadlock, Prime Minister Najib Mikati formed a March 8th-dominated cabinet. One person was killed and at least 7 others injured in Tripoli after 600 people gathered to protest against the Syrian regime. The Emir of Kuwait warned against chaos in the emirate as parliament remained in turmoil over a bid to oust the Prime Minister, and the deputy premier submitted his resignation over the affair.

Turkish Foreign Policy Shift via Democracy, Syria: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a dramatic shift in foreign policy pledging to become more involved in regional affairs. He held talks in Ankara with Syrian envoy Hassan Turkmani. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited refugee camps near the border and called for an immediate end to the violent crackdown and for a “comprehensive reform process towards democratization.” Erdogan personally warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that if the violence does not end, the international community may take action. Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa called the situation “dangerous and worrying.” A Syrian envoy, Youssef Ahmad, said he was surprised by the “unbalanced” remarks. Al Sharq Al Awsat conveyed a report citing unspecified Damascus-based diplomats who are planning for a post-Assad Syria. Syrian forces have arrested hundreds, possibly in response to the alleged mutiny. 22 were killed during the buildup to Monday’s speech by President Assad scheduled at noon. Turkey began supplying food across the border to help refugees from Syria as forces moved into Bdama, a bordering town. Syrian forces have cut off the village of Bdama by starting fires around the village and closing the bakery, which was the only source of bread for civilians. They have also set up checkpoints on roads leading to Bdama and are making arrests.


Proposed Bill of Rights and Coalition in Egypt: Presidential candidate Mohamed ElBaradei proposed a bill of rights that stated no political role for the military. The Muslim Brotherhood announced that its Freedom and Justice Party has formed a coalition with longtime rival, the liberal Wafd Party. Essam el-Erian, vice president of the Freedom and Justice Party, predicted that they will prove powerful in the upcoming elections despite some observers describing the coalition as political opportunism. Egypt’s Prime Minister Essam Sharaf named Ambassador Mohamed Orabi as acting foreign minister. Orabi was the deputy foreign minister for economic affairs and will succeed Dr. Nabil El-Arabi, who will instead be serving as secretary general of the Arab League.

Gadhafi’s Son Offers Elections: Saif al-Islam, son of Muammar Gadhafi, announced that his father is willing to hold elections and step down if he loses, but unwilling to go into exile. Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi Ali Al-Mahmoudi questioned the announcement, saying to reporters that there is no reason for Gadhafi to step down, and he “is not concerned by any referendum.” The rebels have rejected the offer as a waste of time. Two Libyan analysts said that Sassi Garada, a member of the regime’s inner circle, has defected.

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace hosted Maziar Bahari, correspondent for Newsweek, to discuss his book about being detained and tortured in Iran during the 2009 protest.

The RAND Corporation hosted a congressional briefing entitled “Nurturing the Arab Spring: What Can Be Done to Remove Existing Barriers to Freedom of Expression in the Arab World?” The speakers included RAND analysts Lowell H. Schwartz, Jeffrey Martini and Dalia Dassa Kaye.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) spoke at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on developments in Afghanistan and the war on terror.

The Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) hosted a panel discussion entitled “Iraq’s News Media After Saddam: Liberation, Repression, and Future Prospects.” Participants were Shameem Rassam, a former journalist in Iraq, and Ammar Al-Shahbander, the head of the Institute for War and Peace Reporting in Iraq.

The American Islamic Congress and the Middle East Program of the Woodrow Wilson Center hosted a discussion entitled “Revolution and Women’s Rights: The Case of Egypt.” Panelists included Zainab al-Suwaij and Dalia Ziada of the American Islamic Congress; Manar Mohsen, a human rights activist; and Amany el-Tunsy, founder of Banat wi Bas (Girls Only) radio station in Egypt.

The Brookings Institution hosted a discussion entitled “Libya and the Responsibility to Protect.” The panelists were Richard Williamson, of the Brookings Institution, Manal Omar from the United States Institute for Peace (USIP), and Sarah Sewall, from Harvard University.

The History and Public Policy Program of the Woodrow Wilson Center presented “Turkey’s Elections: Great Expectations for Democratization or Business as Usual?”presented by Fuat Keyman, the director of the Istanbul Policy Center and professor of international relations at Sabanci University in Turkey and was moderated by Christian Ostermann, the director of the History and Public Policy Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center.