Amman, Jordan
The Arab world saw no significant advances toward democracy last year, a group of Arab intellectuals said this week in a U.N.–sponsored report. The third annual Arab Human Development Report advocated greater freedom, democratic reform, and respect for human rights in the region—the same goals being pushed by President Bush. But the report said that the U.S. had actually impeded progress with its occupation of Iraq and support of Israel. Repressive governments, the report said, diverted energy from reformists by channeling their populations’ anger toward Washington. The report covers the year from October 2003 to October 2004, so it does not include the recent Iraqi elections or the democratic resurgence in Lebanon.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
An ingredient in Coca-Cola may be funding Sudan's warUnder the Radar Global trade in gum arabic centres on the African nation – and proceeds bankroll conflict between the army and paramilitary rebels
-
Homes for multi-generational familiesFeature Featuring a 1900 Jacobean-style mansion in Massachusetts and a 22.5-acre compound in California
-
The Week contest: Foot PSAPuzzles and Quizzes
