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CIAO DATE: 09/05
Summer 2005 (Volume 4, Number 2)
Turkey and Democratization In the Middle East A TPQ Exclusive Interview with Süleyman Demirel by Nigar Göksel
Turkey's 9 th President Süleyman Demirel was in active politics for over 35 years, serving as prime minister for almost 12 years in total and finally as president before his retirement in 2000. His vast experience in Turkey's own democratization process holds many lessons that are relevant for the countries of the region. In the interview we conducted with him, President Demirel shares his views on the state of democracy in the region, identifying the fundamental dynamics of a functioning democracy and cautioning against quick fixes that can divide rather than unite. Demirel criticizes both the Turkish governments management of relations with the US and the management of Turkey's public opinion on the Iraq issue. As for Turkey's regional role, Demirel believes improving its own institutions and practices is the most effective way for Turkey to contribute to the goal of democratization in the Middle East.
The Democratization Process In Iraq by Ayad Allawi
Decades of tyranny, wars and oppression have left the Iraqi society divided, lacking initiative and vulnerable to various sensitivities. Describing the challenges faced in Iraq's ongoing transition due to the recent history of the nation, the author offers suggestions as to how they can be overcome, covering the political, economic, institution building and foreign policy spheres. The importance of leaving ethnic and religious divisions in the past and reconstructing a national identity is emphasized and a vision for Iraq's regional and global role is related.
The Future of Democracy In the Black Sea Region by Bruce Jackson
The vast democratic transformation of the Black Sea region presents new opportunities for U.S. policy, as well as a number of challenges. The author outlines the state of democracy in the region, explaining why the developments there command the attention of U.S. decision makers and what the policy options are.
Promoting Political and Economic Reform In the Mediterranean and the Middle East by Fraser Cameron
The EU has a major interest in the reform process of its neighbors. However, the EU is not entitled to "impose" the ground rules of political, economic and social behavior that it requires from member countries upon its southern neighbors the way it is able to upon its European neighbors and potential member countries. The EU's "sticks and carrots" are insufficient to motivate national authorities to implement reforms that weaken their own power status. This article considers the importance of the region for the EU, assesses the achievements of the Barcelona Process, evaluates present EU policies towards the region, asks whether democracy is possible in the region and examines the prospects for EU-U.S. cooperation in the wider Middle East. The author suggests a number of recommendations for EU action although it is recognized that progress will depend on decisions made by the countries in the region themselves.
Are the Winds of Change Blowing In Azerbaijan? by Ali Kerimli
The author presents an opposition viewpoint to the current government of Azerbaijan, pointing out the alleged repression and corruption. Arguing that the Azerbaijani society has, in fact, a history of democracy as well as a cultural preparedness for it today, the author implies that should the upcoming elections not be fair, the people may revolt.
Syrian-Turkish Relations: At What Price? by Farid Ghadry
If Turkey continues to support Arab dictatorships, especially Syria, not only will Arab democracies like Iraq and Lebanon distance themselves from Turkey, but so will the U.S. and European countries. Pointing out some recent moves of Turkey, the author accuses the Turkish government of being shortsighted and acting against the interests of Turkey itself.
Iraq: A Perspective from the Economic Analysis of Civil War by Paul Collier
The author, with expertise both on the economics of civil war and on the functioning of democracy in oil economies, analyzes the case of Iraq from these perspectives. The article assesses the role international actors can play, pointing out that the critical importance of accelerating growth through aid and encouraging reform through international templates of economic governance. Iraq has three of the classic risk factors: large natural resource rents, ethnic dominance, and a long history of economic decline. Elections, by themselves, will hardly bring peace. The key priority will probably be the building of credible institutions of social inclusion, and checks and balances that restrain the corrupt politics of patronage.
Democracy In The Greater Middle East: Inevitable by Cengiz Çandar
The author argues that expanding democracy to the Greater Middle East is becoming the most daring and exciting political undertaking of the next decades. He examines the resistance towards and the controversy regarding the democratization initiative of the Greater Middle East. He argues that we are going through an exceptional period of history where the global interests of the U.S. overlap with the primary rights of the peoples of the region. He concludes that the people of the Middle East will inevitably achieve freedom and democracy.
The Secular Roots of Radical Political Islam by Mahmood Mamdani
The author examines the interactions between the West and the Muslim world over time, trying to trace the development of political Islam and discovering how the West played a central role in this evolution. Critically analyzing the debate in the U.S. and American policies towards the Muslim world, the author concludes that the U.S. itself needs to be contained in order to prevent further mistakes
Thoughts on a New Security Arrangement: Focusing on the Middle East Case by Ümit Kumcuog lu
International security structures and arrangements have not yet been adapted to the geopolitical and economic shifts that have taken place over the last two decades. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have taught valuable lessons to various global actors about the importance of managing security cooperation. This article aims to explore thoughts on a new global security arrangement to coordinate efforts of the democracies of the world. The article focuses in particular on the Middle East to describe how the envisaged security arrangement could be used to coordinate the constructive engagement of the democracies of the world in the Middle East.
From Divergent Views to a Common Policy: U.S. and Eu Approaches to Promoting Democratization in the Middle East by Martin Beck
The transatlantic "Partnership for Progress and a Common Future with the Region of the Broader Middle East and North Africa" (BMENA) bears the potential to revolutionize Western policies towards the Middle East. However, the chances that BMENA will gain touch with reality are very low if Palestinians are not granted the right of self-determination. This article examines the conflict between Israel and Palestine in its relevance for the policy approaches of the U.S. and the EU towards the Middle East.
A Fourth Alternative for Turkey: A Democratic Middle East by Emre Erdogan
In this article the author argues that Turkey can be a positive catalyst for democratic change in the Middle East. In its evaluation of the potential success of the democratization process, the article analyzes eight indicators of the democratic requirements for countries in need of change in the region: their economic situation, the international climate, a past democratic experience, the existence of past democratic culture and institutions, and the role of ethnicity and civil society.
Israel and Democratization of the Arab World by Hillel Frisch
This article explains that contrary to common assumptions, the democratization of the Arab world is in the interests of Israel. Recognizing the dangers on the one hand, the author concludes that even if democratization efforts fail, they will render Israel safer by empowering groups that are now suppressed, thus weakening pan-Arabist discourse and the coalition against Israel.
Turkey and North Africa: Challenge and Opportunity by aan Nazli
This article aims to give an overview on Turkey's improving relations with the countries of North Africa, a region that is increasingly important for bilateral trade, energy relationships and increasingly important for the U.S. and Europe. It focuses on the relationship between the region's continued integration into the Western economic system and the significant improvement registered in Turkey's trade relations with Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia, and argues that the continuation of these trends would benefit Turkish companies and strengthen Turkey's aspirations to become a regional economic power. It concludes that an increasingly integrated North Africa will also benefit Turkey politically contributing to regional stability and security, and Turkey's EU accession process.
U.S.-Iranian Relations Within The Framework Of Democratization In Iran by Bayram Sinkaya
This article assumes that the U.S. is intent on the democratization of the Middle East, and at this stage places a priority to Iran. However, it should be noted that instead of promoting current democratic trends within Iran, the U.S. favors enforcement strategies which support the opposition to the regime. The author argues that the U.S. should be working towards more gradual transformation within the existing system instead of working with progressive elements of the regime.
Reflections on the Road to Iraqi Democracy by Ahmet Shauket
Yethrib is a town in the heart of the Sunni Triangle in Iraq. Ahmet Shauket lives under constant threat but is avowed to build the institutions to support democracy, peace and human rights in his town. This piece reflects one man's struggle for freedom and democracy in Iraq.