As America Celebrates its Freedom, Many in Middle East Working for Theirs
1st July 2005
· As Americans prepare to celebrate our democracy, it is a good time to welcome and encourage the advance of freedom around the world.
· Oppression breeds terrorism. According to a Freedom House analysis of terrorist attacks from 1999-2003, 70 percent of terrorist killings were perpetrated by terrorists and terrorist movements originating in countries that were not free.
· While still an area of rampant oppression, reformers in the Middle East are making their voices heard. The following highlights important advances, glimmers of hope, and developments that bear watching as the United States seeks to promote, encourage and support democratic movements.
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Iraq -- In January, Iraqis held their first free and fair elections in more than fifty years. Iraqis exceeded the expectations of many by forming a coalition government and inviting minority Sunnis to participate. Despite ongoing terrorist attacks, the new government is drafting a constitution, with a target completion date of February 15, 2006 at the latest.
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Lebanon -- U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559 and the assassination of anti-Syrian politician Rafik Hariri sparked the “Cedar Revolution” and mass protests against the Syrian occupation and for free and fair elections. Following the withdrawal of Syrian troops, Lebanon held its first elections free from foreign control in a generation. Anti-Syrian candidates emerged victorious, though anti-democratic forces, including the terrorist group Hezbollah, also gained seats.
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Afghanistan -- Afghanis held a peaceful democratic presidential election on October 9th, selecting Hamid Karzai as the country's first elected post-Taliban leader. Despite widespread threats of violence, turnout was high, amongst both men and women, and few attacks took place. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for September.
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Egypt -- The government of Hosni Mubarak changed the constitution to permit challengers in the fall presidential election. This is the first time that Egypt will have multi-party presidential elections, though critics contend that the rules are overly restrictive. Political protests have become common in Cairo, with various groups organizing together under the banner of “Kafiya” (enough). Opposition figures still face threats, and Ayman Nour, a candidate for president, is currently on trial for forging foreign documents, a charge his supporters say is a farce.
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Kuwait -- Lawmakers granted suffrage to women on May 16. Two women were then appointed to the Municipal Council and another woman was named Kuwait's first female cabinet minister. The next parliamentary elections, scheduled for 2007, will be the first opportunity for women to use their new right.
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Palestinian Authority -- Following the death of Yasser Arafat in November, Palestinians held presidential elections, the most free and fair since the establishment of the Palestinian Authority following the Oslo Accords. Some municipal elections have also been held for the first time since 1976, but others have been cancelled as non-democratic terrorist organizations such as Hamas have shown increased electoral power.
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Saudi Arabia -- For the first time, Saudi Arabia held democratic municipal elections. The elections took place by region, beginning with the capital of Riyadh in February and ending in April in the north, west, and some central areas of the country. While this was a step forward for the autocratic kingdom, Saudi women were barred from participating and the Saudi government remains one of the most repressive.
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