Politics of Contemporary Middle East and North Africa - Essay Example

? Politics of contemporary Middle East & North Africa Introduction Modern turbulent world is a background of contemporary political events. The wave of revolutions in the name of democracy (Ukraine, Georgia), for upholding of national interests (events on Middle East and Northern Africa) witnesses the fact that something has to be changed in the world’s structure and organization. Though the latter phrase may sound snobbish, the reality makes people of the world to ‘build’ their own happy life by their own efforts. Governments and politicians are discredited. On the example of vividly discussed current events in the Middle East and in the North Africa, the following research is focused on discussion of the reasons for such kind of social turmoil. A historical perspective The history of Egypt was changed after the Arab conquest of 641. The military commander Amr ibn al As initiated the processes of the Islamization and Arabization. From the ninth century Egypt was ruled by strong autonomous dynasties and the destiny of the country was in the hands of hereditary dynasties (History of Egypt). Adelson stated: The Middle East, if I may adopt a term which I have not seen, will some day need its Malta, as well as its Gibraltar; it does not follow that either will be in the Persian Gulf. Naval force has the quality of mobility which carries with it the privilege of temporary absences; but it needs to find on every scene of operation established bases of refit, of supply, and in case of disaster, of security. The British Navy should have the facility to concentrate in force if occasion arise, about Aden, India, and the Persian Gulf (Adelson, 1995). North Africa underwent substantial changes in the 5th century. Tunisia was invaded by European tribes. Starting from 7th to 15th centuries Tunisian population experienced numerous migrations and Jews and Hispanics Muslims entered this country. Tunisia as Arab cultural center was known as the Turkish Ottoman Empire until it was protected by France in 1881. Starting from 1956 this country gained independence, but there is still a close connection with France on political, economic and cultural levels (History of Tunisia).  According to John Foster Dulles, the Middle East is "the area lying between and including Libya on the west and Pakistan on the east, Syria and Iraq on the North and the Arabian peninsula to the south, plus the Sudan and Ethiopia" (Davison, 1960). Sir Ignatius stated that Middle East means "those regions of Asia which extend to the borders of India or command the approaches to India" (Adelson, 1995). Current events The main common feature between Tunisia and Egypt is a repressive regime, which is appropriate for other Middle Eastern autocracies (Egypt and the Middle East: revolution or evolution?) In spite of a social turmoil, it is relevant to note that Tunisia is “an economically successful state” (Dunne 2010). In accordance with data of the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index 2010 Tunisia ‘gained the lead’ in comparison with Poland, Italy and Spain. In 2010 Tunisia was “a country for tourism, not terrorism” (Burger 2010). Social support of the government enabled pregnant women to receive prenatal care; there were favorable conditions for businessmen to start their business in 11 days (Burger 2010). In spite of the mentioned data, an oppressive regime of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Alikept has been an issue of a great concern for Tunisian society. 90s were marked by imprisonment of more than 10,000 political opponents, Islamists, or ‘suspected enemies’ (Burger 2010). There was no chance to criticize Tunisian government. Tunisia was known as the country with the most repressive regime. Among Middle Eastern dictatorships, Tunisia was considered one of the most repressive. Thus, a current protest of public in Tunisia is often compared to a ‘dog who barks in a desert’ (Burger 2010). Voiceless people are not afraid and finally express their ideas versus their government, their real attitude to the President. The same tendencies happen in Egypt. Egyptians are on the way to protest against fake elections and want to live observing truthful democratic laws and not petty tyranny of their aging President. Where do these protests lead to? Maybe, people want to fight against ever existent tyranny? Unfortunately, the world’s society would hardly reach this goal…It’s just necessary to mention that tyrants may be different: Tunisian regime is too repressive, but regime in Russia, for example, is more tolerant (History of Egypt). In spite of a complicated political situation in the Middle East and North Africa, modern governments define the role of this continent in the following way: “the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are global shapers” (Blustein 2010). Changes and innovation in region’s trade, financial operations, a favorable geographical position and region’s development perspectives are attentively discussed in the International Forum (2010). Therefore a world’s countries efforts may support the MENA region and current revolutionary moods may halt this process (History of Egypt). Moreover, essential changes in the region’s industry currently are “ranging from second-generation biofuels and high-tech manufacturing to mobile finance and health solutions” (Blustein 2006). Consequently, a uniqueness of MENA region can be explained in the following way: in spite of repressive governmental politics of the region and social turmoil, the MENA region is considered by the world’s leaders, such as China and USA, to be the countries of a great potential, able to “radically increase competitiveness and advance human development” (Blustein 2010). The most striking problem remains unsolved: how can the most powerful countries of the world to invest in the MENA region if there is a great challenge of political and religious identities (History of Egypt). The way any nation thinks about it, determines its role in the global arena, or regulates the lifestyles of their citizens, is reflected on political and religious levels. The political and religious identities are strongly connected with each other. Religious beliefs of any nation suppose “right self-understanding in relationships with other nations and accommodation of their people to other in universal interests” (Fahim 2011). Nation’s political identity implies confidence in nation’s personal/ social commonalities. Political and religious identities Consequently, different countries, different historical events and primary religious beliefs differentiate political and religious identities of the nations. Thus in order to pacify current turbulent situation in the MENA region it is relevant to consider the political and religious identities of the nations. These identities are formed under influence of “a government that is run by and for the rich and powerful” (Tunisia's Protest Wave 2011; Yasmine 2011). Leaders of Egypt oppress their nation though in public propagate “sacrifice" in the name of the poor, but in reality they cut taxes for corporations and the wealthy. Thus, a social turmoil happening these days in Egypt is a public protest to a corrupt Egyptian system (Protesters Back on Egypt Streets, 2011). Differences between American and Egyptian state principles Unlike American government, which is based on respect to human freedoms and liberties, equality principles, a right to choose, the basic principles of democracy, there is a broken political system of Egypt and a dreadful disappointment of Egyptian nation about a corrupt political system. Courage of Egyptian nation is respected by American nation, because this is a fight for a national dignity and the principles of a national well-being. Conclusion Modern unstable world is a background of contemporary political events. On the example of vividly discussed current events in the Middle East and in the North Africa, the following research was focused on discussion of the reasons for such kind of social turmoil. As far as we can see, social turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa has a strong historical background (History of Egypt). For centuries nations of the MENA region were oppressed. Now they feel courage and are strong enough to support their rights for freedom and well-being. World’s countries should pay attention to the MENA region, make investments and direct social efforts of the nations on establishment of democratic principles. Political and religious identities define peculiarities of the MENA region development. It is necessary to direct public efforts in the right direction in order their motive force would be constructive power and not destructive flame of anger and despair. Works cited 1. Adelson, Roger (1995). London and the Invention of the Middle East: Money, Power, and War, 1902-1922.. Yale University Press. 2. Blustein, P., 2010. Mideast Investment Up in U.S. [online]. [Accessed February 14 2011]. 3. Borger, Julian, December 2010. Tunisian president vows to punish rioters after worst unrest in a decade. [online]. The Guardian (Guardian Media Group). [Accessed February 14 2011]. 4. Davison, Roderic H. (1960). "Where is the Middle East?". Foreign Affairs 38: 665–675. 5. Dunne, M. et al, November 18, 2010. Egypt's Political Future: The Parliamentary Elections and Beyond. [online]. [Accessed February 14 2011] 6. Egypt and the Middle East: revolution or evolution? [online]. novelactivist.com. [Accessed February 14 2011]. 7. Fahim, Kareem et al, 25 January 2011. Violent Clashes Mark Protests Against Mubarak’s Rule. [online]. The New York Times. [Accessed February 14 2011]. 8. History of Egypt. [online]. [Accessed February 14 2011]. 9. History of Tunisia. [online]. [Accessed February 14 2011]. 10. Middle East revolution. [online]. The Propagandist. [Accessed February 14 2011]. 11. Murphy, Dan, 25 January 2011. Inspired by Tunisia, Egypt's protests appear unprecedented. The Christian Science Monitor. [Accessed February 14 2011]. 12. Protesters Back on Egypt Streets, 2011. Al Jazeera English. [Accessed February 14 2011]. 13. Tunisia's Protest Wave: Where It Comes From and What It Means for Ben Ali the Middle East Channel, 2011. [online]. Mideast.foreignpolicy.com. [Accessed February 14 2011]. 14. Unrest in Egypt, 28 January 2011. [online]. Reuters. [Accessed February 14 2011]. 15. Yasmine, Ryan, 2011. How Tunisia's revolution began - Features. Al Jazeera English. [online]. [Accessed February 14 2011]. Read More