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Abstract of "Democratic Trends in Lebanon & the Middle East"Despite claims to the contrary regarding the absence of democracy in Arab countries, the general trend in most Arab countries reveals a slow but consistent progress toward more freedom and a steady change toward democracy.It is difficult to objectively assess whether this budding trend would have emerged naturally, even without an external factor prodding these countries to adopt democratic practices. Nevertheless, the transformation witnessed in more than one Arab regime from a one-party rule to more participatory political systems, or from an absolute monarchy to a consultative system are commendable and warrant encouragement. Although the trend toward democratic practices in all aspects of life is tangible in the Arab World today, it remains short of the lofty goal of full-fledged democracy, for practical reasons and not for lack of good intentions. This trend should be encouraged and rewarded. The ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict has been a convenient pretext for Arab regimes to strengthen their stranglehold on their constituencies and to oppress freedoms in the name of thwarting "external threats". Besides ending decades of bloodshed that has derailed social and economic development in the region, a rapid resolution of this chronic conflict would eliminate this excuse and help promote the cause of democracy. About the SpeakerAdib Farha is the adviser of the Lebanese Minister of Finance, a professor
at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Lebanon, and a member of
Lebanons National Audio-Visual Media Council. For many years he served as
a member of the advisory team of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. Related Links: Upcoming Events Previous Events Calendar |
