Blog: Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing: The Call for Economic Liberty in the Arab World

Statement

Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing entitled "The Call for Economic Liberty in the Arab World". Witnesses included Mr. Hernando de Soto, President of the Institute for Liberty and Democracy and former Secretary of State, the Honorable Madeleine K. Albright, Chairman of the Albright Stonebridge Group.

The hearing focused on the economic causes of unrest across the Middle East and North Africa and examined the state of affairs in that area of the world. After hearing testimony from both witnesses, I questioned Mr. de Soto about the emphasis countries like the United States have placed on elections and democratic principles. While I believe strongly in free elections, there are multiple components to a healthy democracy. In particular, I also believe that we need to emphasize development of a strong, robust constitution that protect things like property rights and freedom of speech and religion.

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