It has become crystal clear, on the basis of what we see around us in the world at large, that democracy is the solution. It is not perfect, but it works. All countries in today’s world that developed, progressed and prospered – the US, all European countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc. – did so because of democracy, to a large extent. In this sense, democracy has become a condition, a must, for development and progress of societies. Why should it be an exception for the Arab world?
Clearly, it should not. If the Arab countries are to develop and progress, they have also to embrace democracy – viable, real democracy. Democracy not only guarantees freedom, human rights and stability; it also generates and channels collective energies and efforts in the direction of advancement, not stalemate or conflict. And it is the remedy for many ills in the Arab world – social, political and economic.
The absence of democracy, on the other hand, fragments efforts, augments feelings of injustice and creates harmful frictions, clashes and divisions that greatly harm the concerned countries – as we see in many Arab countries at present.
Undeniably, some Arab countries have taken significant steps in the direction of building democratic institutions, institutions which are, in fact, growing and progressing noticeably. Such steps are welcome and need to be boosted even further. Other countries – unfortunately – are not only blocking efforts at democratisation but silencing and crushing them. Which is not only shameful, but foolish and destructive.
The various uprisings in a number of Arab countries, which are sending loud and clear messages about the need for reform and for democracy, should be not repressed and crushed, but encouraged and nourished. Those Arab regimes that stand against their peoples in these historic times are committing a mistake as a result of which they themselves and their peoples are directly harmed. They are also foolishly failing to make this historic opportunity work for themselves and for their peoples.
As clear from the statements made by those rising and revolting in the Arab street, the demands of the people are not only, on the whole, extremely reasonable but entirely correct. They are making it crystal clear that they are not against the regimes per se, but against stands and positions that oppose legitimate rights and demands. Why should the Finns, the Swedes, the Americans, the Japanese and the Australians enjoy democracy and Arabs be deprived of it?
One is both greatly moved and greatly saddened by statements coming from the Arab street, which reflect not only wisdom but political maturity. “We expected the head of our regime to treat us like a father treating his children, with compassion and care; not bomb us and kill us,” says a young man in one of those Arab countries whose regime is dealing with its own people as if they were the enemy. “We want the freedom to choose our own representatives, to have a say in what goes on,” says another. “Is this too much to ask?”
It isn’t. It is an inalienable right for the Arab people to be respected, to be involved in decision making, after decades of outright neglect, disrespect and oppression.
The present moment is a historic moment for Arab regimes. It is, in fact, a weapon with two edges. Either the regimes use it wisely for their benefit and for that of their people, or fail to live up to the challenge of democracy – out of sheer selfishness, false pride and misguided arrogance – and destroy themselves and harm their peoples and countries in the process. It is not too late for the heads of these regimes to shift position and stand with their people, not against them, even if they have to sacrifice those petty seats they have occupied for too long or those lousy dollars they have been amassing shamelessly.
Democracy is coming to the Arab world bottom-up, by hook or by crook. History is being made, by ordinary men, women and children. The Arab people have spoken – and what they desire is in no way unreasonable. Their will is unwavering, their determination is staunch, and their voice is loud and clear. Woe to those who stand in their way, in the way of their peoples’ aspirations and dreams.
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