DOCSLIB.ORG

The University of Chicago Waiting on Embers: Duration

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The University of Chicago Waiting on Embers: Duration THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO WAITING ON EMBERS: DURATION, DISPOSSESSION, AND EVERYDAY LIFE AMONG IRAQI MIGRANTS IN JORDAN A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY BY ZACHARY D. SHELDON CHICAGO, ILLINOIS AUGUST 2020 This dissertation is dedicated to my grandmother, Dr. Eleanor B. Sheldon. TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Figures iv List of Tables v Note on Transliteration vi Acknowledgements vii Dissertation Abstract xi INTRODUCTION DURATION, DISPOSSESSION, AND EVERYDAY LIFE 1 CHAPTER ONE VISIBLE ACCUMULATIONS: SEEING IRAQ MIGRANTS IN AMMAN’S LANDSCAPE OF POLITICS 35 CHAPTER TWO PORTENTIOUS STATUSES: TITLE TO MOBILITY AND THE FRAGMENTING OF AN IRAQI FUTURE 80 CHAPTER THREE AMBIVALENT DIVERSIONS: CONTRADICTIONS OF AN ATTENUATED PRESENT 121 CHAPTER FOUR RENDERED TRANSACTIONS: ALIENATION IN A RESTAURANT KITCHEN 163 CONCLUSION 207 RESITUATING THE DISPLACED Bibliography 212 iii LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1. Locations of polling stations and Le Royal Hotel in Amman. 60 FIGURE 2. A tourist map marked to show polling stations, the location of Le Royal, and an approximation of the East-West boundary. 61 FIGURE 3. Iraqis in Jordan: Visions, Impressions, and Stories by Safwat Fahim Kamil. 65 FIGURE 4. Le Royal’s golden lamassu watches over a BMW sedan and a diplomat’s SUV. 69 FIGURE 5. The IHEC announces itself in the lobby of Le Royal. 71 FIGURE 6. Le Royal lit up red for Valentine’s Day. 73 FIGURE 7. Working with meat. 165 FIGURE 8. The fiery tanoor oven. 187 FIGURE 9. A dish of masgoof fish prepared for the bosses’ guests. 200 iv LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1. Present continuous actions in English and Iraqi Arabic. 133 TABLE 2. Present continuous and past completed actions in English and Iraqi Arabic. 134 v NOTE ON TRANSLITERATION I have transliterated Arabic words using the International Journal of Middle East Studies system as a base, omitting diacritical marks except for ‘ayn (‘) and hamza (’). To transliterate the Baghdadi-Iraqi Arabic spoken by many of my interlocuters, I have added the dialect-specific consonants gaf (g), cha (ch), and zhay (zh). vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This dissertation emerged over the course of eight years and many trips between Chicago and Amman, during which time I was fortunate to receive tremendous support from many remarkable people. Above all, I thank the men and women who appear in this dissertation. Everything in these pages flowed from their patience, hospitality, and generosity. I am especially indebted to Aya Al- Wahab, Waleed Al-Zaydi, Muhammad Al-Dulaymi, Muhammad Al-Taranaweh, and Hassanayn al-Shareef for being my guides to the city of Amman during different parts of my fieldwork, to “the ribs” for making my stay so much fun, to Hatim George and Layla Piot for their care and conversation, to Ayyad Abbas, who knows everyone, thinks about everything, and still has plenty of love, kindness, and curiosity to spare, and to Fatima Al-Rawi and Samawi Al-Helli, for their help in getting this project off the ground. Special gratitude is owed to those who helped me convalesce through the frequent bouts of illness I experienced in the field. This research was supported by the National Science Foundation, the Foreign Language and Area Studies Program, the Fulbright Program, the American Center of Oriental Research, and the University of Chicago. None of these grants would have come together without the diligent attention of Anne Chien, the hardest working person in Haskell Hall. Being welcomed into Amman’s many remarkable intellectual communities taught me so much about what it means to be a scholar. I am deeply grateful to Nora Akawi, Jawad Dukhan and the rest of the Columbia University Global Center – Amman, Studio-X, and the Sijjal Institute staff for their enthusiastic support in convening the Janet Abu-Lughod Library seminars, through which I was privileged to meet an exceptional group of researchers, practitioners, and creatives. I thank Barbara Porter for sustaining a flourishing home for inquiry at the American Center of Oriental Research, along with Sara, Jack, Susan, and the rest of the staff who offered me such a vii hospitable environment during my residence. Maryam Ababsa, Geraldine Chatelard, and their colleagues at Institute Français du Proche-Orient provided me with many insights into the workings of Amman’s economy and society through their scholarship and in our conversations. Lucine Taminian of the American Academic Research Institute in Iraq offered invaluable guidance at the earliest and most difficult stage of my fieldwork. Ayad Abbas’ generous introductions to the Thursday Talks group and to lectures at the Orfali Gallery let me glimpse the luminous realm of Iraqi intellectuals and expanded my perspective beyond measure. I am also grateful to Carol Palmer for inviting me to lecture at the British Research Library. This work grew leaps and bounds through conversations with many other scholars of Jordan and of Iraq whom I was lucky to get to know before, during, and after my fieldwork, among them Allison Hartnett, Bridget Guarasci, Halah Fateh, Hayder Al-Mohammad, Katharina Lenner, Khairy Makhzoomi, Lillian Frost, Luigi Achilli, Mahmood Ayasra, Melissa Gattar, Omar Sirri, Safwat Fahim Kamil, Sara Pursely, Steven Schaff, Yazan Doughan, Zainab Saleh, and Zaid Issam. Adjusting to life after fieldwork wasn’t easy, but I had a lot of help. I’m especially grateful to Uday, for opening his home and his heart, Mallory, for being my crack-of-dawn swimming and complaining buddy, Marco, for getting me out to the movies, and Kerem, for making me laugh. I thank my fellow workers at Graduate Students United and my socialist comrades in the Chicago DSA Labor Branch, who taught me that politics isn’t what you do for work, it’s what you do in the workplace. For Hazal, I could never write enough, except to say that I never thought I’d meet someone like you in a place like this, but I’m beyond happy that I did. The ideas in this dissertation were worked out through participation in numerous conferences and workshops. The impetus behind chapter one emerged at the 2016 Middle East Studies Association panel on “Everyday Specters of (Dis)Order in Jordan”, and was further viii developed at the 2019 “Contemporary Amman and the Right to the City” conference, arranged by Studio-X Amman and the IFPO. An early sketch of what would become chapters two and three was presented, workshopped, and published through the 2017 Project on Middle East Political Science roundtable on “Refugees and Migration Movements in the Middle East.” A rough outline of what would become the dissertation’s central argument was shared at the 2018 American Anthropological Association panel on “Nationalism and its Adaptations in an Era of Mass Displacement.” Sections of each chapter received comments over the course of the 2018-2019 UChicago Urban Fellows biweekly workshop. A condensed version of the fourth chapter was presented at the 2019 American Anthropological Association panel on “Publics and Labor: Value and Everyday Sociality in the Middle East.” The section of the introduction that deals with extending Hana Batatu’s class analysis was first shared at the 2019 “Beyond Turmoil and Conflict: Iraq since 2003” graduate student roundtable. A first draft of chapter three received invaluable criticism at a 2020 meeting of the “Historical Capitalisms and Social Theory” workshop at the University of Chicago. I am grateful to the organizers, discussants, co-participants, and attendees of these events, and thank all those who contributed such worthwhile criticisms and helpful suggestions. Over eight years in Chicago’s Anthropology department, I have enjoyed some truly mind- expanding relationships with faculty mentors. Among my committee members, I thank Hussein Agrama for teaching me about the importance of contradiction to thought, and for showing me how to teach a seminar with style and grace; Julie Chu, for always treating me like a peer and for giving me the best advice I’ve ever gotten about who to read, how to write, or what to do next too many times to count; John Kelly, whose irrepressible intellectual effervescence is a sacred spring amid the great desiccation that is the corporate university; and Orit Bashkin, for opening so many ix doors to the past and present of Iraq Studies and for exemplifying the best aspects of professorial collegiality. I thank James Fernandez, the “fifth man” of the committee, for his friendship, his humanity, and for developing the best theory of culture I’ve ever come across. In addition, many thanks are due to Stephan Palmier for his generous readings of my work, and Ghenwa Hayak, for her adroit contributions to my proposal hearing and defense. Although we mostly talked about New York City when we were together, the late Nancy Munn’s contributions to this dissertation cannot be over-stated. I greatly wish I could have presented her with the finished work that grew out of the proposal on which she so thoughtfully commented. This project drove home the importance of family, and I have been beyond blessed in that regard. Mom, your intellectual curiosity and your unwavering commitment to care for those who need it most make you forever my role-model. Dad, your tales and legends set me on this path, and your visits to Jordan turned Amman into my true second home. In a family full of curious and clever people, I want to make special mention of my grandmother, Dr. Eleanor B. Sheldon, to whom I dedicate this work and who showed me the way to the life of the mind. x ABSTRACT Waiting on Embers: Duration, Dispossession, and Everyday Life among Iraqi Migrants in Jordan My dissertation explores how Iraqi migrants in Jordan confront obstacles to the ongoing viability of their form of life following war and displacement.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Issue 27 AFP Master 2004
    WEEKLY PAPER: DO NOT DELAY—MAILED: 6-25-04 ★ American Free Press AFP Volume IV #27 July 5, 2004 americanfreepress.net $1.50 Unprecedented Security for Billions Swiped from Iraq Democratic Occupation Authorities Stash Oil Funds as Iraqi Health Care Dies By Christopher Bollyn Convention raqi children perish for want of medicines and equipment in Iraq’s under-funded hospitals while U.S. Treasury officials have billions of dollars of ACLU Calls Planned Measures Iraqi oil revenues stashed away in secondary “slush A Violation of 4th Amendment funds” and U.S. Treasury bills. President George W. Bush has repeatedly said that I PAULA IMAGES BRONSTEIN/GETTY Iraqi oil revenues are to be used solely for the benefit of By James P. Tucker Jr. the Iraqi people. At a White House press conference on April 13, Bush said: “Well, the oil revenues are—they’re s part of unprecedented security measures during bigger than we thought they would be at this point in the Democratic National Convention in Boston time. And that money is—it will benefit the Iraqi the week of July 26, police officials there are people. It’s their oil, and they’ll use it to reconstruct the advising all commuters in the area who use pub- country.” Alic transportation to avoid carrying briefcases, purses, In May, as oil prices soared and Iraqi oil production backpacks, grocery bags or other parcels on subways and reached 2.4 million barrels per day, nearly $70 million trains or risk being stopped and subjected to random per day flowed into the coffers of the Development Fund searches.
    [Show full text]
  • By Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Of
    FROM DIWAN TO PALACE: JORDANIAN TRIBAL POLITICS AND ELECTIONS by LAURA C. WEIR Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation Adviser: Dr. Pete Moore Department of Political Science CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY January, 2013 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES We hereby approve the thesis/dissertation of Laura Weir candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree *. Pete Moore, Ph.D (chair of the committee) Vincent E. McHale, Ph.D. Kelly McMann, Ph.D. Neda Zawahri, Ph.D. (date) October 19, 2012 *We also certify that written approval has been obtained for any proprietary material contained therein. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables v List of Maps and Illustrations viii List of Abbreviations x CHAPTERS 1. RESEARCH PUZZLE AND QUESTIONS Introduction 1 Literature Review 6 Tribal Politics and Elections 11 Case Study 21 Potential Challenges of the Study 30 Conclusion 35 2. THE HISTORY OF THE JORDANIAN ―STATE IN SOCIETY‖ Introduction 38 The First Wave: Early Development, pre-1921 40 The Second Wave: The Arab Revolt and the British, 1921-1946 46 The Third Wave: Ideological and Regional Threats, 1946-1967 56 The Fourth Wave: The 1967 War and Black September, 1967-1970 61 Conclusion 66 3. SCARCE RESOURCES: THE STATE, TRIBAL POLITICS, AND OPPOSITION GROUPS Introduction 68 How Tribal Politics Work 71 State Institutions 81 iii Good Governance Challenges 92 Guests in Our Country: The Palestinian Jordanians 101 4. THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES: FAILURE OF POLITICAL PARTIES AND THE RISE OF TRIBAL POLITICS Introduction 118 Political Threats and Opportunities, 1921-1970 125 The Political Significance of Black September 139 Tribes and Parties, 1989-2007 141 The Muslim Brotherhood 146 Conclusion 152 5.
    [Show full text]
  • General Chronology of the Mediterranean
    Chronologies General Chronology of the Mediterranean The general chronology presented continues to weaken and early elec- on 3rd July, after the scandal provoked here assembles details of the most tions are announced. by his insinuations about the assassi- Appendices relevant events that have taken place nation of the government labour con- in each of the states of the Mediter- Spain sultant, Marco Biagi. ranean region between July 2002 and • On 23rd July, President Carlo June 2003. The episodes are organ- • On 16th July, in the French depart- Aseglio Ciampi denounces the conflict ised according to the months in which ment of Les Landes four people are between Prime Minister Silvio Berlus- they happened, and each month is arrested and accused of belonging to coni’s political duties and his power 2003 headed by a schematic selection of ETA. In Paris, a court sentences ex- over the media. The President calls for news items; and accounts are given commander of ETA, Francisco Javier legislation that will assure its pluralism Med. of the most significant events in the dif- García Gaztelu, alias Txapote, to ten and impartiality. ferent countries. Furthermore, the es- years in prison for the planning of ter- tablishment of the African Union is in- rorist acts. Croatia cluded, as well as the monthly section • On 18th July, the French police, in that includes a segment about the Eu- collaboration with the Spanish Civil • After a crisis in the coalition gov- ropean Union, whose power and ini- Guard, arrest eight alleged members ernment, the reformist Prime Minister tiatives have a decisive influence on of the urban guerrilla group, the First of Ivica Racan resigns on 5th July, pub- 238-239 the Mediterranean area.
    [Show full text]
  • Paper Was Written Under the Auspices of a Residential Summer 2004 Fellowship from the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, Stanford University
    Export-Led Corruption: The European Union, Oil, Arms and Infrastructure Projects Carolyn Warner Department of Political Science Arizona State University office: 480.965.5201 fax: 480.965.3929 [email protected] This paper was written under the auspices of a residential summer 2004 fellowship from the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, Stanford University. The views expressed are those of the author alone. It is a draft chapter for a forthcoming book (Cornell Univ. Press) on the political economy of corruption in the European Union. Comments welcome. Export-Led Corruption: The European Union, Oil, Arms and Infrastructure Projects That the global economy involves extensive bribery/corruption has been well-publicized by NGOs such as Transparency International, and, goaded by TI, by some international organizations, such as the World Bank, OECD and IMF. The extent of the involvement of European states in the creation and perpetuation of this system is less well known. Not only is corruption an element of transnational business transactions, it has been a part of the agendas of European politicians, their parties, their state-owned firms and/or “national champions”. This paper argues that, contrary to standard expectations, increased economic competition and trade openness lead to more, not less, corruption in certain kinds of export markets and foreign investments. The paper studies the arms trade, oil industry and major infrastructure projects. The political and economic dynamics of these sectors create a self-reinforcing system of corruption. Empirical evidence comes from a variety of European cases. Export-led Corruption When asked to explain how, on his modest government salary, he could have purchased 123 plane tickets for over $34,000, a former French bureaucrat, Jean-Charles Marchiani, replied that the funds came from “the savings of his 90 year old mother-in-law”1.
    [Show full text]
  • A Sociolinguistic Study in Am, Northern Jordan
    A Sociolinguistic Study in am, Northern Jordan Noora Abu Ain A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Language and Linguistics University of Essex June 2016 2 To my beloved Ibrahim for his love, patience and continuous support 3 Abstract T features in S J T (U) T J : zubde „ ‟ dʒubne „ ‟. On the other hand, the central and southern Jordanian dialects have [i] in similar environments; thus, zibde and dʒibne T (L) T the dark varian t [l] I , : x „ ‟ g „ ‟, other dialects realise it as [l], and thus: x l and g l. These variables are studied in relation to three social factors (age, gender and amount of contact) and three linguistic factors (position in syllable, preceding and following environments). The sample consists of 60 speakers (30 males and 30 females) from three age groups (young, middle and old). The data were collected through sociolinguistic interviews, and analysed within the framework of the Variationist Paradigm using Rbrul statistical package. The results show considerable variation and change in progress in the use of both variables, constrained by linguistic and social factors. , T lowed by a back vowel. For both variables, the young female speakers were found to lead the change towards the non-local variants [i] and [l]. The interpretations of the findings focus on changes that the local community have experienced 4 as a result of urbanisation and increased access to the target features through contact with outside communities. Keywords: Jordan, , variable (U), variable (L), Rbrul, variation and change 5 Table of Contents Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Abstract Title of Dissertation: NEGOTIATING the PLACE OF
    Abstract Title of Dissertation: NEGOTIATING THE PLACE OF ASSYRIANS IN MODERN IRAQ, 1960–1988 Alda Benjamen, Doctor of Philosophy, 2015 Dissertation Directed by: Professor Peter Wien Department of History This dissertation deals with the social, intellectual, cultural, and political history of the Assyrians under changing regimes from the 1960s to the 1980s. It examines the place of Assyrians in relation to a state that was increasing in strength and influence, and locates their interactions within socio-political movements that were generally associated with the Iraqi opposition. It analyzes the ways in which Assyrians contextualized themselves in their society and negotiated for social, cultural, and political rights both from the state and from the movements with which they were affiliated. Assyrians began migrating to urban Iraqi centers in the second half of the twentieth century, and in the process became more integrated into their societies. But their native towns and villages in northern Iraq continued to occupy an important place in their communal identity, while interactions between rural and urban Assyrians were ongoing. Although substantially integrated in Iraqi society, Assyrians continued to retain aspects of the transnational character of their community. Transnational interactions between Iraqi Assyrians and Assyrians in neighboring countries and the diaspora are therefore another important phenomenon examined in this dissertation. Finally, the role of Assyrian women in these movements, and their portrayal by intellectuals,
    [Show full text]
  • The Press Review 16-30 June 2015 Prepared by Transparency International Luxembourg
    APPT asbl 27, rue Jean-Baptiste Esch L-1473 Luxembourg Téléphone : (+352) 26.38.99.29 www.transparency.lu [email protected] The press review 16-30 June 2015 Prepared by Transparency International Luxembourg Disclaimer Cette revue de presse est compilée par Transparency International Luxembourg. Les idées et opinions exprimées dans les articles cités sont fournies à titre d’information uniquement et ne représentent pas les idées et opinions de Transparency International Luxembourg, qui s’en distance formellement. La véracité et l'exactitude des documents repris ou cités dans cette revue de presse n'a pas été confirmée par Transparency International Luxembourg. Pour toutes questions concernant ce service, nous vous prions de bien vouloir contacter notre bureau au numéro de téléphone 26 38 99 29 ou par e-mail au [email protected]. Information importante « hotline anti-corruption » Nous vous rappelons que nous avons mis en place une « hotline » qui permet d’obtenir aide et assistance gratuite pour les particuliers pour tout fait constitutif de corruption au sens large ou de trafic d’influence (en tant que victime ou de témoin). Vous pouvez nous joindre à cet effet par téléphone au numéro 26 38 99 29, par email [email protected] ou alors directement en nos bureaux situés au 11C, Bd. Joseph II, Luxembourg. Association pour la Promotion de la Transparence a.s.b.l. – R.C.S. Luxembourg F 7974 Luxembourg not on the list EU releases world tax havens blacklist A view of Hong Kong Photo: LW archive Published on Wednesday, 17 June, 2015 at 15:03 (AFP) The European Union published its first list of international tax havens on Wednesday as part of a crackdown on multinational companies trying to avoid paying tax in the 28-nation bloc.
    [Show full text]
  • International Publications and Protection of Reputation: a Margin of Appreciation but Not Subservience?
    File: PARTLETT MCDONALD EIC PUBLISH FINAL.docCreated on: 4/18/2011 1:08:00 PM Last Printed: 4/19/2011 1:48:00 PM ALABAMA LAW REVIEW Volume 62 2011 Number 3 INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATIONS AND PROTECTION OF REPUTATION: A MARGIN OF APPRECIATION BUT NOT SUBSERVIENCE? David Partlett* Barbara McDonald** “We are not so provincial as to say that every solution of a prob- lem is wrong because we deal with it otherwise at home.” - Cardozo, J., in Loucks v. Standard Oil Co. of New York INTRODUCTION ................................................................... 478 I. SEPARATED BY OUR COMMON LANGUAGE................................ 480 A. Notorious Libel Tourists ................................................ 487 B. Who is Truly a Tourist? ................................................. 489 II. RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN JUDGMENTS ......... 492 A. Australian and English Rules .......................................... 492 B. The Role of Public Policy in International Litigation .............. 493 C. Enforcement of English Libel Judgments in United States Courts 496 1. Case Law ............................................................. 496 2. Statutes ............................................................... 499 D. The Contrast Between English and United States Libel Law ...... 502 III. THE LAW AS AN EXPRESSIVE MEDIUM .................................. 504 A. A Polyphonic World ..................................................... 506 CONCLUSION ...................................................................... 510 * Dean
    [Show full text]
  • COUNTRY RISK WEEKLY BULLETIN NEWS HEADLINES IRAQS NIGERIA House Votes on Iraq Bill with Timetable for Pullout Chaotic Presidential Election U.S
    Issue 15 April 26, 2007 Economic Research & Analysis Department COUNTRY RISK WEEKLY BULLETIN NEWS HEADLINES IRAQS NIGERIA House votes on Iraq bill with timetable for pullout Chaotic presidential election U.S. Congressional Democrats agreed to a $124bn war spend- The PDP ruling party candidate Umaru Yar’Adua was declared ing bill that orders the Bush administration to begin pulling the winner of the presidential election held on April 21. troops out of Iraq by October 1 of this year. In a 218-208 vote, Yar’Adua obtained 24.6 million votes 70% of the votes, far the House of Representatives passed the supplemental spending exceeding that of his closest rival, former army chief bill that contains the troop withdrawal timetable. The Senate Muhammadu Buhari, with 6.6 million. However, the process was expected to follow suit this week. President Bush has been heavily criticized by international observers. The elec- announced that he would use his veto power to kill the legisla- tion was undermined by violence, fraud as well as poor logis- tion, which would call for an earlier-than-expected pullout. The tics. On this basis, the opposition is not ready to accept the legislation is the first binding challenge on the war that results, thereby raising the risk of a severe political crisis. The Democrats have managed to pass since they took control of both election is expected to lead to the first handover of power from houses of Congress in January. The bill sets a nonbinding goal one civilian leader to another. But in view of the lack of credi- of completing the troop pullout by April 1, 2008.
    [Show full text]
  • Vote of Thanks
    Wednesday, 09 July 2014 3:53 pm Vote of Thanks Stationers’ Hall Wednesday 2 October 2013 Mr Anthony Bailey, OBE, GCSS YOUR SERENE HIGHNESS, YOUR EXCELLENCIES, YOUR EMINENCE, MY LORDS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, As someone active in European–Arab affairs for over twenty years, it gives me great pleasure as your joint proposer to the Freedom of this City to respond with a vote of thanks to you Mr Auchi for your kind words delivered a few moments ago. The presence in this historic and beautiful Stationers’ Hall of your wife and family, so many leading members of the British-Arab community, two past Lord Mayor’s, a former President of the European Commission, a former Speaker of the Jordanian Parliament, Ambassadors from across the Arab world, parliamentarians from both Houses of Parliament, businessmen as well as religious and cultural leaders illustrate so well the reason why we are all gathered here tonight - the high regard for the contribution which you have tirelessly given to enhancing the centuries old bonds between London, the United Kingdom, Europe and the Arab world. 1 Wednesday, 09 July 2014 3:53 pm You are, I believe, Mr Auchi one of a handful of British Arab leaders to receive the centuries old Freedom of the City of London and, I would like everybody present to join me in congratulating you once again on this distinction. This evening’s celebration mark not only the recognition of your personal merits, but also serves as a fitting moment for us all to celebrate the hard work which the Anglo Arab Organisation does and who generously host us all tonight.
    [Show full text]
  • Upgrading Authoritarianism in the Arab World
    THE BROOKINGS INSTIT U TION 1775 MASSACH U SETTS AVE ., NW WASHINGTON , D.C. 20036-2103 ANALYSIS PAPER www.brookings.edu Number 13, October 2007 UPGRADING AU THORITARIANISM IN THE ARAB WORLD STEVEN HEYDEMANN ANALYSIS PAPER Number 13, October 2007 UPGRADING AU THORITARIANISM IN THE ARAB WORLD STEVEN HEYDEMANN TABLE OF CONTENTS AC KNO W LEDGMENTS ......................................................................V EXE cu TIVE SU MMARY .................................................................... VII THE AU THOR ...........................................................................IX UPGRADING AU THORITARIANISM ..............................................................1 KEY FEAT U RES OF AU THORITARIAN UPGRADING ...................................................5 EMERGING PATTERNS IN ARAB GOVERNAN C E : THE NORMALIZATION OF ARAB AU THORITARIANISM .............................................27 CRA C KS IN THE WALL ? AU THORITARIAN UPGRADING AND U.S. DEMO C RA C Y PROMOTION ..................31 T HE SABAN CEN T ER A T THE BROOKING S IN st I T U T ION III AC KNO W LEDGMENTS wish to acknowledge, with thanks, the generous support of the Smith-Richardson Foundation for a larger project I of which this analysis paper is a part. Ariel Ahram provided invaluable research assistance in the preparation of this paper. The views presented here are solely those of the author. T HE SABAN CEN T ER A T THE BROOKING S IN st I T U T ION V EXE cu TIVE SU MMARY uthoritarianism in the Arab world is not what it promotion and to recognize, in particular, that Arab Aused to be. Indeed, it might well be stronger, more regimes are converging around policies that are explic- flexible, and more resilient than ever, despite the best itly designed to stabilize and preserve authoritarian efforts of the United States, its European Union part- rule in the context of ongoing demands for political ners, and Arab democrats to bring about sustained and change.
    [Show full text]
  • The Arms Trade and Clientelism in the Arab World
    ABSTRACT Title of Dissertation: THE NEW POLITICS OF PATRONAGE: THE ARMS TRADE AND CLIENTELISM IN THE ARAB WORLD Shana R. Marshall, Doctor of Philosophy, 2012 Dissertation Directed by: Professor Shibley Telhami Department of Government & Politics In states without robust democratic institutions, public resources are often allocated on the basis of patronage. This distribution of patronage, along with the manipulation of official institutions (such as electoral systems and the judiciary) and the deployment of the coercive arms of the state provided the formula for authoritarian longevity in the Arab World. However, much regional scholarship continues to focus on the process through which patronage is distributed with little reference to how the underlying resources accrue to Arab regimes in the first place. Such studies fail to interrogate the organizational and financial interests of the external institutions (such as oil markets and aid organizations) that mediate this transfer of resources, and how those interests shape methods and patterns of resource distribution within Arab States. This paper is an attempt to identify some of these institutions and patterns by focusing on the array of patronage resources made available through the arms purchases executed by regional governments. The specific class of resources examined here is reciprocal investment contracts that U.S. defense firms negotiate with procuring country governments in order to facilitate arms sales, known in industry parlance as ‘defense offsets.’ Procuring states design their own offset policies, including the amount of investment that foreign arms manufacturers are required to make and the domestic enterprises where those funds must be allocated. The procuring state’s discretion over the process allows us to draw some conclusions about how these governments distribute offset investment to strengthen incumbents’ patronage-based support networks.
    [Show full text]