All posts by NCUSAR

The Mess in the Middle East – 2011 Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference

THE MESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Ambassador Chas W. Freeman, Jr. – Chairman of the Board, Projects International, Inc., a Washington, D.C.−based development firm specializing in international joint ventures, acquisitions, and other business operations for its American and foreign clients; former President, Middle East Policy Council; former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (1993-94), earning the Department of Defense’s highest public service awards for his roles in designing a NATO-centered post-Cold War security system and in reestablishing defense and military relations with China; former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia (during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm); Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs during the U.S. mediation of Namibian independence from South Africa and Cuban troop withdrawal from Angola; and author of the newly published America’s Misadventures in the Middle East as well as The Diplomat’s Dictionary (Revised Edition) and Arts of Power: Statecraft and Diplomacy.

AUDIO (.mp3)

TRANSCRIPT

Challenges Facing NATO in Afghanistan, Libya, and Iraq

John Duke Anthony – Challenges Facing NATO in Afghanistan, Libya, and Iraq (.pdf)

This essay from Dr. Anthony analyzes the multifaceted implications of NATO’s interventions in Afghanistan, Libya, and Iraq. It was written for the website of the Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR). The ECSSR is one of the GCC countries’ oldest and most productive think tanks and research institutes on public policy issues. A shorter version of this essay was published on the ECSSR website and can be accessed here: http://bit.ly/oQzeAV.

Charting a New Course for Egypt

2011 Gockel International Symposium
“Charting a New Course for Egypt”
September 22, 2011
Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, MO

National Council President & CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony joined Dr. Mark Long, Director of Middle East Studies and Associate Professor at Baylor University, as the featured speakers at Missouri Southern State University’s 2011 Gockel International Symposium in September. The symposium focused on “Charting a New Course for Egypt.” Audio and video from the September 22 morning discussion with Dr. Anthony (“The Changing Nature of America’s Interests in Egypt: Implications for U.S. Policies”) and from the September 22 evening discussion with both Dr. Long (“If We Turn Our Backs”) and Dr. Anthony (“Egypt in Regional and World Affairs: Dynamics of Convergence and Divergence”) is available from the Council through iTunes and other podcast services as well here.

Dr. John Duke Anthony – The Changing Nature of America’s Interests in Egypt: Implications for U.S. Policies (.mp3)

Dr. Mark Long – If We Turn Our Backs / Dr. John Duke Anthony – Egypt in Regional and World Affairs: Dynamics of Convergence and Divergence (.mp3)

MSSU GOCKEL SYMPOSIUM HOME

Speaker: New Egypt will likely draw from Arab, Western governments – Joplin Globe, September 22, 2011

What Lies Ahead for America in Arabia and the Gulf?: Analyses and Prognoses

September 15, 2011
Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC

 

What Lies Ahead for America in Arabia and the Gulf?: Analyses and Prognoses from NCUSAR on Vimeo.

Participating specialists:

Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman and Founder, Gulf Research Center

Dr. Christian Koch, Director, Gulf Research Center Foundation

Dr. Mustafa Alani, Senior Advisor and Research Program Director, Gulf Research Center

Moderator:

Dr. John Duke Anthony, Founding President and CEO, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations

AUDIO (.mp3)

Dynamics of Palestine in the Coming Arab & UN Seasons – Five Perspectives

September 14, 2011
International Law Institute, Washington, DC

 

Participants include:

Dr. Philip Giraldi, Executive Director, Council on the National Interest and former CIA counter-terrorism specialist and military intelligence officer who served in Turkey, Italy, Germany, and Spain

Dr. Fouzi El-Asmar, Distinguished Palestinian Writer, Poet, Academic, and Journalist

Mr. Mark Perry, American author specializing in Military Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Analysis

Mr. Jeffrey Steinberg, Senior Editor, Journalist, and Lecturer on Middle East and International Security Affairs

Chair:

Professor Don Wallace, Jr., Chairman, International Law Institute and Chair, International Council for Middle East Studies

AUDIO (.mp3)

PICTURES

Council Chronicle Vol. 5, No. 2 (Winter–Spring 2011, Part II)

Council Chronicle Vol. 5, No. 2 (Winter – Spring 2011, Part II) (.pdf file)

Includes:
2010-2011 Model Arab League Program Highlights
Model Arab League Student Leaders Visit Saudi Arabia
Public Affairs Briefings in Washington, DC
Malone Fellowship Cultural Immersion Study Visit to Morocco
President’s Educational Services and Publications

Council Chronicle Vol. 5, No. 1 (Winter–Spring 2011, Part I)

Council Chronicle Vol. 5, No. 1 (Winter – Spring 2011, Part I) (.pdf file)

Includes:
NCUSAR Recognized For Exceptional Accountability & Management
NCUSAR’s US Naval Academy Midshipmen Delegation Visits the UAE
Public Affairs Briefings in Washington, DC
Malone Fellowship/U.S. Central Command Annual Study Visit to Oman
President’s Educational Services and Publications

Model Arab League Faculty Malone Fellows Visit Morocco, Summer 2011

The National Council organized and escorted a Malone Fellows delegation comprised of faculty advisers from the Model Arab League Student Leadership Development Program on a study visit to Morocco from June 24 – July 4, 2011.

PICTURES

Visit of University Professors from America, Yacout Info, July 4, 2011

Morocco: Crossroads of cultures, The Frederick News-Post, January 22, 2012

Morocco: Colors and contrasts, The Frederick News-Post, January 29, 2012

Morocco: Desert adventure…into the Sahara, The Frederick News-Post, January 29, 2012

Interview with Professor Linda Pappas Funsch, North Africa United, April 24, 2012

The Intervention in Bahrain through the Lenses of its Supporters

John Duke Anthony – The Intervention in Bahrain through the Lenses of its Supporters (.pdf file)

This essay from Dr. Anthony analyzes the Gulf Cooperation Council’s response to Bahrain’s request for defense assistance in March 2011. It was written for the website of the Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR). The ECSSR is one of the GCC countries’ oldest and most productive think tanks and research institutes on public policy issues. A shorter version of this essay was published on the ECSSR website and can be accessed here: http://t.co/MLsibJx.

The Arab Spring and the Dynamics of American Interests: Implications for U.S. Policies

National Council Founding President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony spoke to the World Affairs Council-Washington, DC Summer Institute on International Affairs on “The Arab Spring and the Dynamics of American Interests: Implications for U.S. Policies” on June 27, 2011. The World Affairs Council-Washington, DC’s 2011 Summer Institute was focused on “The New Middle East? Power Shifts and Global Implications.” Dr. Anthony was introduced by Ms. Heidi Shoup, Executive Director of the World Affairs Council-Washington, DC. Video and a podcast of Dr. Anthony’s presentation are available below as well as through iTunes.

 
John Duke Anthony – “The Arab Spring and the Dynamics of American Interests: Implications for U.S. Policies” (.mp3)

Introduction to Model Arab League

Through participation in the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’ Model Arab League (MAL) program students learn about the politics and history of the Arab world, and the arts of diplomacy and public speech. MAL helps prepare students to be knowledgeable, well-trained, and effective citizens as well as civic and public affairs leaders.

http://ncusar.org/modelarableague

Analyzing Transformational Change in the Arab World

On April 13, 2011, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Founding President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony spoke to members and guests of the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs (bcfausa.org) on “Analyzing Transformational Change in the Arab World.”

Dr. John Duke Anthony – Analyzing Transformational Change in the Arab World (.mp3)

Video and audio recordings courtesy of the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs.

Op-Ed by Ambassador Joseph LeBaron, U.S. Ambassador to Qatar

U.S. EMBASSY DOHA, QATAR

Less than two months ago, at the Forum for the Future in Doha, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton challenged the region’s political leaders, civil society, and the business community to move beyond slogans. She called for “a real vision for [the region’s] future that comes from each of you, from governments that must deliver on their promises, from civil society and business leaders who must build their people up, and, of course, from the people themselves.”

In Qatar, we see the fruits of success that naturally grow out of a dedication by Qatar’s leadership to build a solid future for Qatar, one based on educating the people, combating corruption, enabling the open debate of ideas, and giving citizens a voice in the affairs of the country.

The United States government commends His Highness for moving forward on implementing the elections outlined in Qatar’s Constitution. We applaud the recent announcement by His Excellency the Prime Minister on elections for the Consultative (Shura) Council. These elections will be a major step forward for Qatar, and they will help make Qatar a regional model for giving citizens an effective voice in governance at the national level. For matters and issues at the local level, the municipal council elections this May will be a key opportunity for citizens to be heard.

The United States similarly welcomes the reports of progress on legislation for the media and the registration of associations, societies, and non-governmental organizations. Such progress will strengthen Qatar’s civil society. It will help promote transparency and accountability.

His Highness the Amir and his government know that resource wealth can be squandered, it can even destabilize a country, unless a country’s citizens understand, debate, and participate in the fundamental decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their children. Secretary Clinton noted that the citizens of the Middle East “are demanding reform to make their governments more effective, more responsive, and more open.” Qatar’s leaders need no convincing on this account, and they have been proactive in personally reaching out to their people to understand and respond to their needs and concerns.

“The Middle East is brimming with talent,” Secretary Clinton said recently. “It is blessed with resources, enriched by strong traditions of faith and family. This rising generation of young people has the potential to achieve so much, and we need to give them the chance to do so.” Qatar’s leadership has an advanced understanding of this truth, and the United States welcomes the commitment by the leaders of Qatar to the elections and reforms that will fulfill the democratic promise of Qatar’s visionary Constitution.


تحدت وزيرة الخارجية الأمريكية هيلاري كلينتون في منتدى المستقبل الذي عقد في الدوحة منذ أقل من شهرين الزعماء السياسيين في المنطقة والمجتمع المدني ومجتمع الأعمال بالمضي إلى ما هو أبعد من الشعارات. هذا ودعت إلى “رؤية حقيقية لمستقبل (المنطقة) تنبع من كل منكم، ومن الحكومات التي يجب عليها تنفيذ وعودها، ومن المجتمع المدني وروّاد الأعمال الذين ينبغي عليهم بناء شعوبهم، وبالطبع من الشعوب أنفسها”.

وفي قطر، نرى ثمار النجاح التي تؤتي أكلها بالطبع من تفاني قيادة الدولة في بناء مستقبل راسخ لها؛ وهو مستقبل قائم على تعليم الأفراد ومحاربة الفساد وإفساح المجال أمام عقد مناقشات علنية للأفكار، وكذلك إعطاء المواطنين الفرصة للتعبير عن آرائهم فيما يتعلق بشؤون البلاد.

هذا وتثني حكومة الولايات المتحدة على سموه لما قام به من المضي قدمًا في إجراء الانتخابات المنصوص عليها في دستور دولة قطر. كما نطري على الإعلان الأخير لسعادة رئيس الوزراء حول انتخابات مجلس الشورى. وستكون هذه الانتخابات خطوة هامة إلى الأمام لدولة قطر، كما ستساعد على جعل قطر نموذجًا إقليميًا بإعطاء المواطنين صوتًا مؤثرًا في الحكم على المستوى الوطني. وفيما يتعلق بالأمور والقضايا المحلية، فستكون انتخابات المجالس البلدية التي ستجري في مايو/أيار القادم فرصة هامة لسماع أصوات المواطنين.

ترحب الولايات المتحدة كذلك بالتقارير التي تتحدث عن تقدم في التشريعات بشأن الإعلام وتسجيل المؤسسات والجمعيات والمنظمات غير الحكومية. إن هكذا تقدم سيقوي المجتمع المدني القطري ويساعد في تطوير الشفافية والمحاسبة.

إن سمو الأمير وحكومته يعلمان أن مصادر الثروة يمكن تبديدها ومن الممكن كذلك أن تقوض الثروة استقرار البلد ما لم يتفهم مواطنوه القرارات الجوهرية التي تؤثر في حياتهم وحياة أبنائهم ويناقشوها ويشاركوا فيها. لقد ذكرت وزيرة الخارجية الأمريكية كلينتون أن مواطني الشرق الأوسط “يطالبون بالإصلاح من أجل جعل حكوماتهم أكثر فعالية واستجابة وانفتاحا”. إن قادة قطر ليسو بحاجة لإقناعٍ في هذا الصدد, لقد كانوا وما يزالون سباقين في التواصل مع شعوبهم لفهم حاجاتهم وهواجسهم والاستجابة لها.

وقالت وزيرة الخارجية الأمريكية كلينتون مؤخرا: “إن الشرق الأوسط يعج بالموهوبين”. وأضافت: “إنه زاخر بالموارد وغني بتقاليد قوية في المعتقد والعائلة. إن هذا الجيل الصاعد من الشباب يملك الإمكانيات لتحقيق الكثير وإننا بحاجة لإعطائهم الفرصة لتحقيق ذلك”. إن القيادة القطرية لديها فهم أوسع لهذه الحقيقة, وترحب الولايات المتحدة بالتزام قادة قطر بالانتخابات والإصلاحات وفاءً للوعود الديمقراطية التي يستشرفها دستور قطر.

What You Need to Know Now: The Arabian Dimension in Today’s Mideast Turmoil

March 2, 2011
Miller & Chevalier, Washington, DC

 

What You Need to Know Now: The Arabian Dimension in Today’s Mideast Turmoil from NCUSAR on Vimeo.

Participants include:

Dr. Herman Franssen, President, International Energy Associates, and Senior Associate, Energy and National Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Dr. David E. Long, Consultant on Middle East affairs and international terrorism, and author of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Mr. Robert Lacey, Historian and author of The Kingdom and Inside the Kingdom

Mr. Peter A. Iseman, Historian and International Educator

Moderator:

Dr. John Duke Anthony, Founding President and CEO, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations

AUDIO (.mp3)

Mideast turmoil not to destabilize region, US experts say – Arab News, March 3, 2011

20 Years Ago Today

John Duke Anthony – 20 Years Ago Today

February 28, 2011 marks the anniversary of a momentous event: the reversal of Iraq’s aggression against Kuwait from August 2, 1990 to February 28, 1991. For Kuwaitis, the citizenry of their fellow GCC members, and people from many other countries, including the United States and other Allied Coalition members, the multifaceted damage inflicted by Iraq in the course of its invasion and occupation of Kuwait unleashed changes from which the world has yet to fully recover.