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Middle East Review of International Affairs
Democracatization in the Middle East: Solution or Mirage?
Roundtable Discussion
Abstract
One of the most interesting new questions regarding the Middle East is whether a central issue on the region’s agenda is going to be greater democracy and internal reforms involving such issues as human rights, civil liberties, more open economies, and other changes. On February 10, 2003, in conjunction with the U.S. State Department, the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center held an international teleconferenced seminar on this question. The seminar is part of the GLORIA Center’s Experts Forum series.
The seminar’s purpose was to reflect on possible developments following a war that overthrows Iraq’s government and replaces it with a more democratic regime. Would such an outcome be likely or stable? How would it affect other countries in the region?
There is no intention here of making policy recommendations or reflecting any political agenda but only in presenting the individual views of several scholars studying the region who are thinking out loud in trying to develop their own understanding of these issues. It is hoped this edited transcript will inspire additional thought, debate, and ideas on the subject.
Full PDF Document, 13 pages, 80 kb