The Weekly Wire

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Greetings from the Project on Middle East Democracy!

Last week, Egypt hosted phase two of its parliamentary elections, and Tunisia’s Ennahda Secretary General Hamadi Jebali was appointed prime minister. Protesters in Yemen gathered to demand the trial of President Saleh, and Syrian defectors revealed they were given “killing quotas.” Congress passed the omnibus package for FY 2012, which includes foreign aid related to Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya, among others. Look for next week to be dominated by further unrest in Syria and phase two run-offs and preliminary results released for Egyptian elections.

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The Weekly Wire

December 19, 2011

Legislation

Omnibus Allocates Democracy Development Funds for Region: The recently-passed omnibus package for FY 2012 includes the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, which included provisions relating to Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya, among others.

Committee Hearings

There were no relevant committee hearings this week.

From Washington

Dreier Calls for Trade Pact with Egypt: Rep. David Dreier (R-CA) encouraged the White House to pursue trade talks with Egypt to assist during its democratic transition. Eric Trager challenged the notion that Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood (MB) is moderate, citing interviews with several MB members and Amnesty International condemned the sentencing of blogger Maikel Nabil. An LA Times editorial wrote that Copts may endure similar difficulties as Christians in the Arab world. Ruth Pollard argued ”in places such as Jordan and Morocco… activists will use the threat of an Arab Spring-style revolution to force change.”

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BICI Recommendations Called “Incomplete:” The US Commission of International Religious Freedom said the BICI recommendations “do not help ensure that illegally destroyed religious structures are rebuilt.” Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) urged Bahrain “to follow through on its promises” and British PM David Cameron called for the implementation of reforms. Marc Lynch doubted the GCC will maintain its political prowess and Con Coughlin contended that “while the regime’s heavy-handed response to the protests has … attracted international criticism, King Hamad has proved himself to be extremely adroit in dealing with the protesters’ demands.” Nicholas Kristof released a video documenting his observations and Cole Bockenfeld detailed the extent of Washington lobbyists’ work for Bahrain.

State of Tunisia’s Religious Minorities: Anshel Pfeffer wrote that Tunisia’s Jewish community “[has] it good in Tunisia, both economically and religiously.” Rami G. Khouri encouraged observers to focus on efforts “that Arabs initiated on their own in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Bahrain and Yemen.” Rania Abouzeid spoke to Mannoubia Bouazizi, the mother of Mohammad Bouazizi.

Syria’s Death Toll Climbs: U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay reported that more than 5,000 people have been killed. Russian FM Sergei Lavrov labeled the position of ”those who refuse to exert pressure on the … opposition” as immoral. State Department Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said “the silence of the Security Council is, frankly, unconscionable in the face of the Assad regime’s violence.” Ian Black wrote that Assad is safe from prosecution while he has Russian and Chinese support. Massoud A. Derhally and Caroline Alexander attribute Assad’s durability to “stone-hearted detachment.” Prince Turki bin Faisal said Assad “has become a killing machine” and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said “[Assad’s government] is going to disappear in a few weeks.” Olivia Lang said Tripoli has become a center for refugees and Anna Neistat wrote Assad “has so far gotten away with murder.”

U.S. Encourages Tunisian Transition: State Department Spokesperson Mark Toner congratulated Tunisia on the selection of President Marzouki saying “it’s another positive step for Tunisia and its democratic transition.” Mary McGuire and Sarah Trister released the “Best and Worst Human Rights Developments of 2011”, featuring elections in the Arab world, international cooperation in Libya, and Arab League action against Syria, among others.

Saudi Execution Condemned by Rights Group: Amnesty International condemned the execution of Amina bint Abdul Halim bin Salem Nasser, who was beheaded for sorcery, calling it “deeply shocking.” Amnesty said the execution was the second of its kind in recent months, as a Sudanese national was beheaded for the same charges. Shlomo Avineri contended “it’s become clear that Islamism, not democracy, is taking hold.”

The PJD and Morocco’s Fate: Borzou Daragahi and Noah Browning wrote that the Justice and Development Party leaders Abdelilah Benkirane and Saadeddine Othmani “have become the focus of their country’s unique experiment in political reform.” Dov Zakheim said the Arab Spring may lead “directly into winter.”

Yemen Hurting During Transition: Tom Finn asked if the city of Taiz will become the Benghazi of Yemen, with opposition potentially using the city to leverage concessions. Kelly Gilbride documents the extreme toll that the political crisis is taking on families throughout the country. IRIN argued that Yemen faces numerous challenges in its current transition.

Reassessing US’s Iran Policy: Nader Hashemi writes “a new U.S. policy towards Iran is desperately needed, and the democratic revolutions in other parts of the Middle East suggest a way forward.” Mehdi Khalaji argues that Voice of America’s Persian language channel “is a waste of U.S. tax dollars” that should be transformed to a public medium.

Also Worth Reading

New POMED Policy Brief: Breaking the Stalemate in Syria: Marwan Maalouf, an international human rights lawyer, and Khattar Torbey, an international lawyer, examine the status of the Syrian revolution, opposition, regime, and international community.

From the Middle East

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Renewed Bahrain Protests Met With Teargas: Bahraini security forces fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse anti-government protesters attempting to march along a highway. Human rights activist Zainab al- Khawaja was arrested while protesting, and Bahrain’s FM denied rumors that the King had met opposition figures during his visit to Britain. The King accused Syria of providing training to opposition members. Nabeel Rajab doubted the monarchy’s intentions to reform. The head of al-Wefaq said the West should press Bahrain’s King to act consistently with its stance on other Arab uprisings, and activists expressed doubts about reforms while opposition members remain jailed. The commission reviewing BICI recommendations held its first meeting. Al- Wefaq stated there is evidence that an infant died in her home from tear gas inhalation.

Egyptian Military Attacks Protesters: Soldiers stormed a sit-in protest outside the Cabinet building, expelling demonstrators calling for an end to military rule. Mohamed ElBaredei tweeted, “Even if sit-in [is] illegal, use of brutal force not the answer & should be condemned.” Egyptian voters headed to the polls in the second phase of parliamentary elections. Early reports said the process had no major irregularities. Blogger Maikel Nabil was sentenced to two years in prison and fined 200 Egyptian pounds for criticizing the army.

Libyans Dissatisfied With Government’s Progress: Thousands of Libyans gathered in Benghazi voicing their frustration with the interim government, demanding transparency from the TNC. Chairman Jalil announced Libya should have a functioning police force within 100 days, and promised to start a process of decentralization.

Progress Continues in Tunisia and Morocco: Secretary General of Ennahda Hamadi Jebali was appointed prime minister, and is expected to announce his cabinet within days. Moncef Marzouki was sworn in as Tunisia’s new president. Marzouki stated he would protect and promote health, education, and women’s rights. Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH) has introduced a “plan to integrate human rights into the kingdom’s national policy.”

Yemeni Protesters Demand Trial of Saleh: Thousands gathered to call on Saleh to be prosecuted for ordering violence against demonstrators. VP Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi may be the only candidate in upcoming presidential elections, an idea drawing wide support from opposition parties and diplomatic partners. Yemen’s Interior Minister ordered the release of all detainees held in connection with protests. The U.N. proposed a plan to unite Yemen’s armed forces and a Canadian court accepted the appeal for refugee status of Abdelwahab Zabeba, a former staff member of the Yemeni embassy to the U.S. Yemen’s national unity government was sworn in, and the 35-member cabinet will lead for a three-month period. Tawakkol Karman asserted that Yemen may descend into a civil war if the West continues to support the current transition, but expressed optimism for the role of women in the country.

Green Movement Leader Speaks Out: Mir Hussein Mousavi reaffirmed his opposition to the Iranian government, according to an interview (Persian) with Khadijeh Mousavi, the sister of the detained opposition leader, telling his sister “our path is the just one.”

“Killing Quotas” Given To Syrian Army: Syrian military commanders gave specific numbers of causalities to inflict . Pro-Assad protests, labeled “We Won’t Forgive, We Won’t Forget,” sprouted in some cities and Syrians participated in a general strike, closing their businesses and keeping children home from school to levy increased economic pressure on the Assad regime. Syria’s ambassador to the U.N. Bashar Jaafari rejected the UN death toll estimate, saying it was “incredible.” State TV condemned the estimates as a “conspiracy.” Razan Ghazzawi, a U.S.- born blogger, was charged with inciting sectarian strife and army defectors killed eight soldiers. Fatou Bensouda, the chief prosecutor for the ICC said the court cannot act without a Security Council referral. Clashes erupted that left 26 people dead.

Kuwaiti Emir Appoints New Cabinet: Emir Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah swore in Kuwait’s new cabinet after the new government was announced. The new cabinet will serve until elections take place. At least 400 “bidoons,” or people without official nationality, gathered in the Kuwaiti city of Jahra to demand Kuwaiti citizenship. Kuwait’s public prosecutor began an investigation against former members of parliament into corruption charges.

Algeria Passes Controversial New Press Law: Algeria passed a new media law promising freedom of the press, but outlines 12 areas journalists must approach with caution “to avoid undermining Algeria’s national identity.”