Editorial
Abstract :
Indications of Democratic
Transformation in the Arab World
Editor
in Chief
The
Arab World has been witnessing strategic changes in the
structure of the political systems at national and regional
levels. Public protests have taken the shape of unexpected
uprisings against current regimes based
on the
trilogy of injustice, dictatorship and corruption.They
displayed the potential of the dynamics and traditional
political movements of the Arab society. Some uprisings
succeeded in toppling their regimes peacefully in Tunisia
and Egypt as well as moving to a free atmosphere paving the
way for a system that based on democracy and pluralism. As a
result, political and social forces in other Arab countries
initiated the struggle to copy those experiences. They aimed
to bring about similar democracies that put an end to
the
capital-security-authority alliance.
Such
swift, comprehensive shift, which began to bear fruit in
some Arab states in 2011, was created two decades ago.
Various signs indicate that the new trend is truly heading
towards pluralistic democracies which would restore
significance for the Arab- Islamic culture. This culture
represents the identity and civilization of those countries
and offers better protection for different religions than
that stated in modern human rights conventions.
It is
most likely that genuine partnerships will be established
amongst Islamic movements and other political forces. Such
partnerships will help to integrate their efforts,
experiences and capabilities to build modern Arab states.
The Arab World, as such would be a crucial factor in setting
the World Order policies towards the Middle East, mainly in
economic and cultural aspects as well as the Arab-Israeli
conflict.
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Research & Studies
Abstract : Arab League Future and Current Arab
Uprisings
Majdy
Hammad
Arab
regimes were on the verge of collapse when the Arab Spring
began to assert it was time for change that should be made
through popular revolutions. These regimes have squandered
50 years of the Arab nation's lifetime and has nothing left
to give to the next stage. The present study provides a
roadmap for the League of Arab States' expected roles,
mechanisms for development and future scenarios in the wake
of the new variables in the region.
It is
concluded efforts could go on through radical handling of
various elements to establish a new role and future for the
league. This will not take place by means through an
internal decision. If the organization is part of a whole,
this view depends on the status of member states and their
governments, according to their relations with the league.
Such a serious, radical decision to reform, along with a
similar degree of implementation, means the organization
wants a genuine reform of Arab governments because this is
the way to move forward.
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Research & Studies
Abstract : Chinese Foreign Policy and Middle East
Ahmad
Al Bursan
As
China becomes one of the superpowers in the world order that
is likely to emerge in the 21st century, a major shift has
already taken place in the balance of power on the regional
and international spheres. Chinese foreign policy has
become a focus of interest in terms of global trade and
international relations with one of its aims to build
relations with the Middle East region because of its
vitality for its energy and as an export market.
Since
the uprisings began in different Arab countries, China has
been trying to maintain its national interests by adopting a
balanced policy. Within the global arena, it insists there
should be no intervention in the international affairs of
these states. The present study seeks to answer a number of
questions:
1.
What are China’s global capabilities?
2.
What are China’s foreign policy principles?
3.
What are China’s interests in the Middle East which would
affect that policy?
4.
What is China’s attitude to the Arab revolutions?
It is
concluded that Chinese policy, especially in the Arab World,
is determined by economic aspirations and energy needs,
moving carefully, avoiding direct intervention and taking
the track of that of a soft power.
The
Asian superpower is not against change but openly rejects
foreign intervention and is waiting until new rules take
over to see the path of these uprisings.
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Reports
And Articles
Abstract :
Political Analysis: Saudi
Stance on the Arab Uprisings
Ibrahim Ali
Rule in
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands on four pillars: The
inherited leadership by the Saudi royal family, powerful
alliance with Wahhabi Salafists, enormous oil-based wealth
and US foreign support.
As this
formula is generally static, the dynamic that is created by the
call for democracy and freedom through the Arab uprisings is
likely to put much pressure or even threaten the regime; making
it extremely sensitive to the very concept of democracy and any
signs of popular movement in Saudi society.
Firstly,
the Kingdom wanted to keep the revolution within the borders of
Tunisia. Ben Ali was received in KSA while all other Arab
countries rejected him. As well, the Egyptian uprising was more
serious, as the former regime was a major part of the leadership
of “Arab moderates” and its fall would prevent Riyadh from
continuing to have wide influence in the region.
Thirdly,
the Saudi attitude to developments in Bahrain and Yemen has been
different. The intervention was actually stronger and more
direct in Bahrain than the latter country when large numbers of
Peninsula Shield troops were deployed there because of the fear
of the sectarian form of society.
Fourthly,
whilst it is true the collapse of the Syrian regime constitutes
an interest for KSA as a chief ally to its own main opponent, it
fears this will greatly encourage current popular activities in
Jordan. Today, it is the most influential and significant
partner in the Fertile Crescent as having a monarchy and a
stable political system as opposing to other form of rule.
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Abstract : Egypt: Post-Uprising Electoral Map
Khyri Omar
A great
deal of controversy is being made in Egypt about the general
elections although a referendum on political priorities was held
recently. While some have long preferred for the holding of
early elections, parliamentary and presidential, others are
arguing against such a move. They maintain there is a deep
necessity to prepare for a new constitution that would also pave
the way for presidential contestants. All political options are
open for debate. The present report investigates the
pre-election context, concentrating on the general democratic
framework, in terms of reforming the electoral system of the
country, constituencies, organizing the political process,
political parties and coalitions. The state and society will be
tested for their ability to secure the political and security
environs for the elections from October 2011 to March 2012. This
is the longest voting period in the world in which the
protection against all kinds of violations constitutes the major
challenge for the 25 January Egyptian Revolution.
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Abstract : Traditional vs. Alternative Energy
Mohammed EL Khayat
When energy
is found all around us, markets starts to flourish, whether
small or big, close or far away, poor or rich. A new life
emerges with a flavor of welfare, cross-continent journeys and
Great-Wall-of-China long lists of purchases in a bid to achieve
sustainable development. However, the lack of resources may
sometimes bring energy with a taste of gunpowder to spread
destruction.
As the
world depends on various major energy resources of oil, natural
gas and coal, other clean supplies in aquatic, wind and solar
forms are growing to relieve the Earth from the effect of
irrational uses of power. For long decades, poisonous gases have
been emitted to kill 2.5 million people in developing countries,
according to World Health Organization statistics.
The
civilization we participate in constructing is loaded with
carbon, seen wherever urbanization is found. This gas is obvious
over our factories, out of our cars, above our trains and making
arches out of our planes which our children try in vain to
follow to the end. We have moved from low-energy societies
relying on animals to high-energy ones depending heavily on
spontaneous combustion engines.
In
addition, energy evidently influences our minute details, such
as the rise in cost of food, clothes and travel tickets.
Unstable prices of oil could be too low to fill the pockets of
importing countries and industrial companies, or suddenly too
high to benefit producers. The phenomenon of consumption could
mount to an 'avid' level in which the marketplace devours most
of the budgets of states. The consumptive spending in Asia is
expected to reach $32 trillion by the end of 2030, making up 43%
of global consumption, according to the Asian Development Bank
in New Delhi.
The present
article investigates the effect of energy on markets,
sustainable development and life quality. It also looks into our
carbonic civilization which has made us submissive slaves to
machinery.
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Seminars
Abstract :Proposed Election Law in Jordan: Reform vs.
Tradition
Bayan
AL-Omari
The present
report elaborates on the proceedings of a proposed election law
seminar held by the
Middle East
Studies Center on July 30, 2011. Three topics were in focus
including the reformist and traditional approaches to the
proposed election law, assessment of major issues tackled and
its ability to bring about positive political change.
In order to
come up with an integrated reformist election law, it is
important to decide on the system of the process. Such a
decision is not a mere technicality connected with phrasing
which several experts may address and present hypotheses and
solutions. It is a political, social and economic matter for an
electoral law to meet expectations, answers must be provided to
questions related to the basic question of right in terms of
elections and nominations and management and reference in
resolving disputes.
In a bid to
reach a legal wording which pushes for true reform in the
Kingdom, the following are recommended by the report to
decision-makers and political powers:
1. Calling
for fundamental reviews of the draft law proposed by the
National Dialogue Committee, taking into account political and
public powers' observations to secure freedom and fairness for
all categories and establish an Arab model for a democratic
life.
2. Calling
on the Constitutional Amendments Committee to include in the
Constitution texts specifying public and political demands
referred to in the report.
3. Calling
for comprehensive change in the electoral process congruent with
political, economic, social and cultural reform for all sections
of the society
4.Warning
against any procrastination in carrying out reforms, which would
endanger stability in the country.
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Issue
Files
Abstract :
Book Review: The Statehood of Palestine: International Law in
the Middle East Conflict
Mohammad Al Mousa
The
Palestinian issue, mainly its statehood, has been a central
concern for generations of international law specialists.
Recently, the issue, implications and complexities that have
arisen have come under investigation by John Quigley, one of
the prominent professors in the field and an expert in the legal
aspects of the Palestinian cause. His book, The Statehood of
Palestine: International Law in the Middle East Conflict is
published by Cambridge University Press in 2010.
The major
argument is that Palestine has always been a state until this
moment- which is believed not only to be an academic theory, but
an influential legal and practical factor on all relevant
parties including the Palestinian Authority, Hamas and Israel.
The book
consists of four chapters. The first three presents a historical
review of key statutory questions connected to Palestinian
statehood, whereas chapter four undertakes a valuable analysis
of the issue.
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Abstract : Strategic Reading of the Eilat Operation
Johnny Mansour
On 18
August, 2011 resistance forces launched military operations
against targets near Eilat, south of Israel. The four
consecutive operations were well thought out and took place
within hours of each other. Eight Israelis died and 27 injured.
Seven from the resistance were also killed, five Egyptian
soldiers and 15 people from Gaza as a result of Israeli raids
on the Gaza Strip in the aftermath.
Although
none of the Palestinian factions claimed responsibility, Israel
accused the Public Resistance Committees of the Saladin Brigades
in Gaza. However, it is not yet clear who was responsible as the
Israeli government did not make a public statement.
It can be
argued both Israel and Egypt moved to contain what happened
because of different reasons. The Jewish state is facing a tense
situation with other countries and its government clearly
preferred to tone down its reactions. The Higher Military
Council in Egypt is currently busy attempting to deal with a
potentially volatile internal situation and preparing for the
issues relating to the holding of parliamentary polls, a new
constitution and general elections.
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