Democratization

The Future of Democracy in Lebanon

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:18:43 -0400

Political and sectarian struggles have long plagued Lebanon, a country that seems to be perpetually steeped in crisis. From the assassination of Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri in 2005 to the forced deadlock of the Lebanese government by Hezbollah in 2006, democracy in Lebanon seems to be a constant struggle in a delicate balance of power. Even with the recent turn of events and the election of a president, many questions remain for the future of governance in Lebanon. What will it take to overcome governmental crises and sectarian differences? Is democracy sustainable in the divided society?

General Musharraf, A Dignified Exit

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:45:59 -0400

“Old Generals never die, they just fade away.” After nearly nine years as Pakistan’s military dictator and President, it is time for Pervez Musharraf to step aside in the interests of his country.

Lebanon’s Shia Deserve a Greater Voice

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:29:00 -0400

American objectives in Lebanon are clear, reasonable and honorable. The United States wants an independent, democratic Lebanon free from foreign interference, particularly from Syria and Iran. It also wants a prosperous Lebanon at peace with its neighbors, including Israel.

Pakistan at a Crossroad

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:39:52 -0500

Over the next several years, Pakistan will either become the nation that the clear majority of its people want – a modern democracy based on constitutional law – or, it will implode under extreme pressures and fall under autocratic rule by Islamist extremists. The general elections on February 18 are an important but not the only step in determining that outcome.

Pakistan's Best Chance

Wendy J. Chamberlin and Marvin Weinbaum — Thu, 3 Jan 2008 10:29:58 -0500

Rarely in situations of such volatility as Pakistan faces today is the objective so clear. Pakistan needs stability. The greatest threat to the country derives from internal terrorism, lawlessness and fractured regional politics.

Iraq: Maliki in Crisis

Wayne White — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 16:00:28 -0400

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki appears to be trying to address the serious divisions in his cabinet and a parliament in disarray amid questions as to whether there is any real hope he can ever deliver on key American goals that might draw Iraq’s Sunni Arabs back into the political mainstream.

Solving the Saudi Succession Puzzle

Thomas W. Lippman — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 -0500

If there is one thing the ruling princes of Saudi Arabia have shown they are good at, it is self-preservation. They demonstrated their skill once again last month with an adroit political maneuver that drew little media notice in this country because of the carnage in Iraq, but could have long term significance for the the Gulf region and for the United States.

Iraq Security and Accountability

Wayne White — Thu, 2 Nov 2006 12:00:00 -0500

http://66.223.107.101/articles/doc577.html

The recent controversy over missing weapons underscores how our own carelessness often has aided the insurgency as well as Iraq’s burgeoning militias. This is an old story, going back to our earliest efforts to “stand up” the Iraqi army and police during the first year after the Iraq invasion.

Washington and Iraqi Governance: Time to Back Off

Wayne White — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:00:00 -0400

http://66.223.107.101/articles/doc570.html

A series of apparent US ultimatums and veiled political threats aimed at the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in recent weeks—especially Maliki himself—is but the latest example of excessive US involvement in the Iraqi political process.

Promoting Democracy in the Middle East

Richard Parker — Thu, 3 Aug 2006 12:00:00 -0400

http://66.223.107.101/articles/doc548.html

The following memo was written in 1955 by MEI Scholar-in-Residence Richard Parker, who was at the time a US Political Officer in Amman, Jordan. These were his comments on a State Department message about promoting democracy in the Middle East. They still have relevance today, five decades later: