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News and Views

Commentary from experts on the directions and challenges of democracy assistance programs.


January 24, 2012	Egypt’s Partial Step The New York Times In this editorial, the author writes that Egypt's military junta made a sensible move in easing a state of emergency law authorized under Mubarak's regime, but questions remain as to whether or not the junta intends to significantly alter their actions in support of democratic change. "Egypt faces many challenges, including a serious economic crisis. If the junta does not do a better job of supporting a democratic transition, the Obama administration will have a hard time certifying that Egypt meets new Congressional conditions for $2 billion in annual American aid, most of which goes to the army." Read More
January 7, 2012	Watching Elephants Fly The New York Times Columnist Thomas Friedman argues that journalists did not see the Egyptian revolution coming, which means they likely don't know where it's going, so they should be taking notes and learning before making assumptions and writing. "The country needs a leader — there is still a huge vacuum at the top — who can take all those votes, all those hopes, and meld them into a strategy to create the jobs, schooling, justice and security that all Egyptians clearly crave. If that happens, those ballot boxes really will have delivered a different future for Egypt. Until then, I am just taking notes." Read More
December 29, 2011	Stomping on human rights in Egypt The Washington Post David Kramer, president of Freedom House, one of organizations raided by Egyptian security forces on Dec. 29, writes that the raids were an unprecendented assault and that the timing — just days before the final round of lower parliament elections — is noteworthy. Kramer also writes that Egypt's military has "hijacked the revolution," and the international community must respond to the raids, suggesting the United States threaten to end military assistance in Egypt until "such behavior ceases." "These attacks were a major setback to the hopes that emerged this year with the revolution in Tahrir Square. If corrective measures are not taken, the attacks will severely damage Egypt’s long-term stability and prospects for a more democratic future." Read More
December 21, 2011	In Tunisia, how to build a democracy Los Angeles Times Author Sarah Chayes highlights a conversation she had with a newly elected member of the Tunisian parliament in this Los Angeles Times editorial. Chayes illustrates the interactions between the left-leaning and secular opposition member and his constituents as well as the questions he grapples with regarding governance in Tunisia. "Wiping his eyes when the waiter leaves, he changes the subject: 'Here's a question. When they announce the members of the Cabinet, should we, as the opposition, vote no confidence as a matter of principle? That's what some of my party wants. But I'm not sure. I don't know if it's right to systematically oppose everything this government does. The people want change; they'll see us as obstructionist. Besides, the government might have some good ideas.'" Read More
December 16, 2011	The West should bet on freedom in Egypt The Washington Post Natan Sharansky, chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency and author of The Case for Democracy, writes that, in response to recent Egyptian elections, Western support for democracy in Egypt should focus on a free civil society and not a policy that considers Egyptian democracy's end as "already in sight." "Nothing is instantaneous in politics. To think of elections as a panacea, let alone a sure road to real democracy, is to evince a failure of historical imagination. The proper role of the free world is not to encourage or to stop elections. Its role should be to formulate, and to stick by, a policy of incremental change based on creating the institutions that will lead ineluctably to pressure for more and more representative forms of government." Read More
December 16, 2011	The Botched Ballot Foreign Policy James Traub's column, which includes a quote from NDI President Ken Wollack, grapples with the concept that "elections don't make a democracy, but they can make a democratic citizenry." "But yes, elections aren't democracy: An openly contested and fairly decided election is only a precondition to democracy. The political scientist Larry Diamond has distinguished between "electoral authoritarian" states, which stage meaningless ballots; "electoral democracies," which grant power to electoral winners but offer few rights and protections to citizens, and "liberal democracies" like the United States. Despite the current hubbub, Russia may remain in the first category for quite some while, while Egypt will probably pass from the first to the second." Read More
December 5, 2011	Pillars of change in Egypt Los Angeles Times "So why have Egyptians gone against expectations, and what does the future hold in the postelection era?" Ahmed Zewail, the Egyptian-raised, 1999 Nobel laureate in chemistry asks in this editorial. The answer, he writes, is that three out of four "pillars of change" are being addressed, which has led to Egypt's tranformation. "I believe Egypt's transformation is irreversible, that no force can ultimately deter the movement toward democracy. The 'barrier of fear' has dissolved, and Egyptians know they can demand and institute change, and that the mind-set of Tahrir Square is lasting." Read More
December 2, 2011	Conciliatory tones from Egypt’s Islamist leaders The Washington Post Washington Post editor Jackson Diehl writes that, based on conversations with Islamist political leaders, the ascendency of Islamist political parties such as the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt is not as worrisome as some in the West believe. The biggest indicator of this, Diehl writes, is the renouncement of violence by these groups. “I can accept a parliament elected by the people in which the Muslim Brotherhood and the salafists have the majority, rather than have the [supreme military council] continue to run the country,” Egyptian secular dissident lawyer Ahmed Seif El-Islam Hamad said. “At least these people were elected by the masses — and the masses can change their minds.” Read More
December 1, 2011	Egypt’s Vote The New York Times This New York Times editorial writes that, as Egyptians yet again prove their spirit and resilience during the recent elections, their struggle for democratic rule persists. Serious questions regarding governance and respect for voters remain, the editorial states, adding that first-round results will hopefully inspire parties to work hard and ensure their voices are heard in parliament. "Despite great odds, the elections this week drew millions to the polls. They are proof of how much Egyptians yearn for democracy. And, with the rest of the Arab world watching closely, it is vital that they succeed." Read More
November 30, 2011	In Tunisia and elsewhere, Islamist parties face a test The Washington Post The Washington Post Editorial Board writes that, as Egyptians voted just a few days ago, we should be reminded that Islamic political parties are not always enemies of democracy. For example, in October, Tunisia's Islamist Ennahda party won a majority of the popular vote, and it is showing itself to be committed to open political participation, the board writes. "In any true Arab democracy, Islamist parties will win a lot of votes. As long as they are willing to play by the rules, those parties should not be treated as a specter to be feared." Read More