Wicker Sees Positive Signs for Democracy in Middle East

WICKER SEES POSITIVE SIGNS FOR DEMOCRACY IN MIDDLE EAST
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker

March 21, 2005

Recent developments to advance democracy in the Middle East are prompting optimism on Capitol Hill and around the world. I believe a dramatic shift toward individual freedom and representative government could be taking place in that troubled region of the world.

Free elections in Afghanistan, Iraq, and within the Palestinian Territories have been hailed as milestone events. I am encouraged by democratic reforms proposed in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, while massive protests in Lebanon against Syrian occupation represent further proof that positive change may be on the way.

PROMOTING DEMOCRACY

President Bush addressed this issue in a recent speech to the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. He said the promotion of democracy is necessary to defeat terrorism and noted that part of U.S. security strategy is to "change the conditions that give rise to extremism and terror, especially in the broader Middle East." The U.S. began that process by taking action to liberate Afghanistan from its religious extremist rulers and end Saddam Hussein's brutal dictatorship in Iraq.

The next dramatic steps came in the form of free elections in those two countries. The January 30 election in Iraq was particularly noteworthy, as 60 percent of the people defied terrorist threats and suicide bombers to cast ballots for the chance to chart a new, democratic future.

IRAQ WAS CATALYST

A Lebanese political leader, who has been a long-time critic of the U.S., recently said our action in Iraq may be the catalyst for change in the Middle East. His comments came after thousands of Lebanese citizens took to the streets to protest the murder of an opposition leader and former prime minister. They criticized the Syrian-backed government and demanded withdrawal of the 15,000 Syrian troops who have occupied Lebanon for more than 20 years.

Increased pressure from the U.S. and the rest of the world community forced Syria to begin pulling troops out of Lebanon in advance of elections that are set for May. President Bush encouraged the Lebanese people to continue pressing for free elections. He said, "All the world is witnessing your great movement of conscience" and pledged the U.S. would stand beside them in pursuit of freedom.

People in the Palestinian Territories participated in a free and orderly election in January to pick a successor to Yassir Arafat. The result is a renewed hope for success in the process to secure a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Saudi Arabia has announced plans for municipal elections to allow its people greater participation in the electoral process. For the first time in 23 years, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has agreed to sanction competitive, multi-party elections for President in September.

STAY THE COURSE

These steps toward democracy in the Middle East could not have happened without the leadership of President Bush and the U.S. There is also no question that the bravery and determination of the Iraqi people to participate in their historic election is an important factor. While the signs are encouraging, many obstacles still remain. It is important for our country and its allies to stay the course and continue the support that has given rise to these encouraging developments.

http://www.house.gov/wicker/Democracy.htm