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Dear Friends,

Greetings from the Project on Middle East Democracy!

Last week, the international community was spurred into action as Muammar Ghadafi‟s forces perpetrated continued mass violence in an attempt to reclaim areas under opposition control. A coalition of Western and Arab nations has been mobilized to implement a U.N. Security Council Resolution to end the civilian casualties and provide humanitarian relief. Meanwhile, the unrest in Bahrain became increasingly violent as Gulf militaries entered Bahrain seeking to quell the protests. In Yemen, state security forces unleashed violent attacks against protesters including sniper fire that left more than 50 dead. Secretary Clinton made her first visit to Tunisia and Egypt following the revolutions and Egypt‟s recent referendum, and pledged economic and political support for the democratic transitions. This week, look for the news to continue to be dominated by the implementation of the U.N. resolution in Libya, as well as escalating protest movements in Bahrain, Yemen, and Syria.

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.

The Weekly Wire

March 21, 2011

Legislation

Continuing Resolution on FY2011: Senators passed H.J.Res.48, the continuing resolution to fund the government through April 8 by a vote of 87-13. The vote, which passed in the House (271-158), includes $6 billion in cuts to domestic spending. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jim DeMint (R-SC), John Ensign (R-NV), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), James Inhofe (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Jim Risch (R-ID), Rand Paul (R-KY), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Patty Murray(D-WA), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Carl Levin (D-MI), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) voted against the measure.

Bill to Promote Private Sector in Tunisia and Egypt Introduced: Senator John Kerry (D-MA) introduced legislation (S. 618) creating a package of aid to help re-build the private sector in Egypt and Tunisia. The full text of the bill has not yet been released, but has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations committee. The bill will most likely include the $60 to $80 million in enterprise funds that Senator Kerry pledged earlier in the month.

Committee Hearings

The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations held a hearing on Thursday (3/18), over the implications of uprisings in the Middle East on U.S. policy. The committee, chaired by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) with ranking member Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN) in attendance, requested the testimony of William J. Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee for State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a hearing on Tuesday (3/15), on the Millennium Challenge Corporation‟s budget. The committee, chaired by Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) with ranking member Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) in attendance, requested the testimony of Dr. Daniel W. Yohannes, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing on Wednesday (3/16), on the USAID and Millennium Challenge Corporation FY2012 budget requests. The committee, chaired by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and with ranking member Congressman Berman (D-CA) in attendance, requested the testimony of two individuals: Dr. Daniel W. Yohannes, Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation and Dr. Rajiv Shah, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

From Washington

U.S. Involvement in Libya Debated: Countering arguments against U.S. implementation of a no-fly zone over Libya, Anne-Marie Slaughter argued that it is in the U.S.‟s national interest and noted Arab support for the initiative. Marc Lynch stated that Arab League support should be taken with a grain of salt as “deep identification with the Libyan protesters intersects uncomfortably with the enduring legacy of Iraq.” Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) argued that a no-fly zone on Libya would likely require U.S. military participation, and that President Barack Obama should seek a declaration of war from Congress before pursuing it. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pledged multilateral support for Libya while senators attended a classified briefing regarding over the situation. Marc Lynch discusses the intervention as a “high stakes gamble”. Josh Rogin takes a deeper look at the logic and events that took place within the White House prior to intervention in Libya. Foreign Policy’s experts discuss the intervention from different angles and perspectives. Catherine Ashton, high representative for foreign affairs and security policy of the European Union, talks about the response and the future in Libya. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) expressed support for military intervention in Libya, but asserted they hoped it was not too late. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) criticized the slow response, but supported the actions taking place while Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) questioned who the U.S. was actually supporting in Libya.

International Action and Inaction on Libya: The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution, establishing a no-fly zone in Libya and permitting “all necessary measures” to protect civilians. The resolution also includes a travel ban for Libyan officials, freezes the assets of five financial institutions, and strengthens the arms embargo. China, Russia, India, Germany, and Brazil abstained from the vote. Spain committed the use of two air bases to NATO for the no-fly zone, while Canada pledged six fighter jets and Italy offered the use of Sicilian air bases. Britain, France, Norway, and Qatar have said will help enforce the no-fly zone while Germany, China, Poland, Australia, and Russia have said they will not. President Barack Obama stated that the terms of the U.N. resolution are non- negotiable and that Gadhafi had the “choice” to declare a ceasefire or face “consequences”. Senator Robert Menedez (D-NJ) questioned Gadhafi‟s announced cease-fire. Secretary Clinton announced U.S. actions in Libya and also discussed the international response in Libya while in Paris, France. At that summit, international leaders released a communiqué pledging long-term support for the Libyan people and outlining the international response.

Foreign Aid to the Middle East: Assistant Secretary of State Eric P. Schwartz and USAID Assistant Administrator Nancy Lindborg discussed their recent trip to Tunisia and Egypt to review humanitarian relief efforts assisting refugees fleeing the Libyan conflict. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton applauded Tunisia‟s humanitarian response and pledged U.S. support for Tunisia‟s transition, including U.S. assistance in drafting a new Tunisian constitution and promoting economic development. She also stated that she would support $20 million in assistance after meeting with Foreign Minister Mouldi Kefi, interim President Fouad Mebazaa, and Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi. J.Scott Carpenter and Dina Guirguis called on Clinton to convey U.S. support for Egypt, make clear that the U.S. will lead international efforts to return funds taken through corruption, and to consider announcing plans to explore debt reconfiguration among others.

Concerns Over Human Rights Violations in Middle East: Senator John Kerry (D-MA) called for a readjustment of U.S. policy toward the Middle East. Acting Deputy Department Spokesman Mark C. Toner expressed U.S. support for the U.N. Security Council resolution on Libya, called on the Syrian government to exercise restraint, expressed displeasure at GCC intervention and the need for restraint by GCC and Bahraini troops. Nicholas Kristoff argued that the brutal crackdown in Bahrain and the use of foreign troops highlights the sectarian nature of the conflict. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern over the increase in violence on the Iranian opposition and the large number of executions and called on Tehran to allow a U.N. human rights investigator to come assess the situation. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the use of violence in Yemen and called for “maximum restraint” and protection of universal rights. Mark Lynch addresses the increasing violence and sectarianism in Bahrain.

McCain Applauds Moroccan Reforms: Senator John McCain (R-AZ) applauded Moroccan King Mohammed VI„s calls for constitutional and democratic reform in Morocco and stated that it is an example to countries in the region. He called on the administration to be “vigilant and tireless in our support” for the realization of the King‟s calls.

From the Middle East

Gadhafi Stymied by International Action: Muammar Gadhafi’s military forces continued their assault on rebel positions in eastern Libya, threatening the opposition stronghold of Benghazi. Despite unanimous approval of the U.N. Security Council resolution and Gadhafi‟s call for a ceasefire, attacks continued across the county. Reports emerged that Egypt sent small arms to the Libyan opposition. The Libyan National Transitional Council demanded immediate surgical attacks on Gadhafi‟s forces as civilians and hospitals are targeted and communications, electricity, and water lines were cut off in Eastern cities. A coalition of nations implemented a no-fly zone and took out strategic military sites across the country including Gadhafi‟s forces attacking the city of Benghazi.

Security Apparatus Dissolved, Referendum Continues Amidst Criticism: Egypt‟s internal security force was dissolved and replaced by a new National Security Force. Mokhtar Nour, a leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood‟s reformist wing, voiced opposition to the proposed constitutional amendments as “a non-severable package.” The referendum took place on Saturday and preliminary results show that the amendment changes will pass.

Security Forces Crackdown in Yemen and Syria: At least 40 people were killed and hundreds were wounded during protests in Yemen last week, after security forces opened fire on the crowds. Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh declared a State of Emergency in response and also dismissed his entire cabinet. In Syria, a small protest was dispersed by plain-clothed security officers and two people were reportedly killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces in the Syrian city of Deraa. Thirty-three Syrian protesters were charged with “weakening national morale and compromising the state.” Over the weekend, thousands took to the streets demanding an end to the emergency law.

Bahrain Militarized: Saudi, UAE and Qatari troops entered Bahrain to help guard government facilities. The Bahraini opposition stated that any military intervention by the GCC nations would be considered a declaration of war and called on the U.N. to intervene. UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, defended the move. King Al Khalifa declared a state of emergency for the next three months and “authorized the commander of Bahrain‟s defense forces to take all necessary measures to protect the safety of the country and its citizens.” Security forces forcibly cleared anti-government protesters from Lulu Square and were accused of using Apache helicopters against protesters. Several opposition leaders were arrested for being “leaders of civil strife.” The opposition has since eased demands in the hopes of ending the crisis.

Peaceful Protesters Demand Hezbollah to Disarm and Reform in Morocco: Tens of thousands of supporters of former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri rallied in Beirut‟s Martyr Square calling for Hezbollah to disarm. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Rabat demanding reform; the protests were reported to be peaceful with little interference from police.

Clashes in Sudan: The South Sudanese army clashed with southern militias, leaving 69 soldiers and militiamen dead. South Sudan accused the Khartoum government of arming the militias in an attempt to destabilize the South ahead of independence in July. Relations between North and South have worsened with suspension of talks between President Omar al-Bashir‟s National Congress Party and the Southern government.