Dear Friends,
Greetings from the Project on Middle East Democracy!
Last week, Syrian authorities increased their violence against pro-democracy protesters. NATO, Russia, and others continued to discuss a negotiated settlement in Libya. Protests in Jordan were met with police violence and a lawsuit by journalists. There were renewed protests in Tunisia as well. Gulf countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Iran, continued to imprison pro-democracy supporters. Congress hosted several hearings on events in the region, including a two-day markup of the FY12 Foreign Relations Authorization Act in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. For POMED's summary and analysis of the bill, please click here.
http://pomed.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Foreign-Relations-Authorization-Act-2012-Summary-and-Highlights-FINAL1.pdf Look for next week to be dominated by increased pressure on Syria and more attention to Bahrain as the trial for doctors resumes.
For more detailed coverage of the debates surrounding U.S. foreign policy and the prospects for democracy in the Middle East, be sure to check out our blog, the POMED Wire.
For more detailed coverage of the debates surrounding U.S. foreign policy and the prospects for democracy in the Middle East, be sure to check out our blog, the POMED Wire.
Also, POMED's Weekly Wire is now available in Arabic - to register to receive the Arabic version by email, please click here.http://pomed.org/weekly-wire-arabic-registration/
The Weekly Wire
July 25, 2011
July 25, 2011
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.
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
http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/free-syria_577306.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kramerlinks+%28Linkage+by+Martin+Kramer%29 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.
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
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.
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.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/24/world/middleeast/24egypt.html?_r=1&ref=middleeast
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,
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.http://www.youtube.com/verify_controversy?next_url=http%3A//www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3Dx0ytFrEWaGE