Middle East Democracy by Evolution

(Jerusalem Post) - Eytan Bentsur There is a quiet dynamic in the Arab countries that many are not aware of, that should be allowed to evolve slowly, and ultimately generate a certain kind of democracy. There is a need to create a recognition among the Arab population that there is value to cooperation; that peace, even relative peace, will bring them more dividends than the lack of peace. In 1991-1992, the Middle East was on its way to renewal with the Madrid process. We all need to remember the atmosphere then, what communication existed between the countries, what hope there was. Remember the multilateral discussions, the discussion on regional cooperation, the economic and environmental work groups? (The writer is former director-general of the Foreign Ministry.)


2003-03-03 00:00:00

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