By Eric C. Sigmund
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

RAMALLAH, West Bank – Last week’s unprecedented uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt are now fueling government opposition throughout the region.  One day after Egypt’s “March of Millions,” the increasing prospects that anti-government protests will spill over into nearby Jordan and the West Bank have led many international commentators to fear regional destabilization.  Thousands of Jordanians, encouraged by Egypt’s March of Millions, took the streets of Amman to demand governmental reforms.  In response, King Abdullah II of Jordan took steps to quell opposition forces in the country by firing his Cabinet on Tuesday.  The President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, has also promised to hold long-delayed elections in the Occupied Territories. 

Many observers in the West have approached the current situation in the region with both fear and optimism.  While the ousting of President Zine Al Abidine Ben Ali in Tunisia and the increasingly likely resignation of President Mubarak in Egypt may pave the way for recognition of more rights and freedoms in these countries, the protests have also given some Western leaders pause as longtime allies of the United States and Europe may be replaced by leaders hostile their interests abroad.  

In addition some fear the resumption of violent conflict between Abbas’ moderate Fatah party and militant Hamas as each group vies for political supremacy.  After the most recent elections in 2006, both parties attempted to subdue the other in their respective territories, leading to security roundups and detentions of political leaders.  Now Abbas has ordered his security officials to ramp up pressure on opposition forces.  The Palestinian President publicly expressed his concern that Hamas could gain additional momentum in the wake of Egyptian protests.  He has urged that all anti-Israel demonstrations remain non-violent.  President Abbas’ Cabinet promised yesterday to set a date for municipal elects by the end of next week.  Hamas has already announced that it will not cooperate with Fatah in conducting the elections. 

Maintaining political control of the West Bank may be more difficult than initially anticipated by Abbas.  Dissatisfaction towards Abbas and his Fatah party continues to increase among Palestinians.  Young Palestinians are finding it difficult to side with either Fatah or Hamas.  Khalil Shikai, a Palestinian analyst, reported that “[t]hey feel that the West Bank is turning into a police state.”  Accordingly, rising opposition to both parties may create a power vacuum that threatens to pit disenfranchised citizens against political parties desperate to hold onto power.

In a move to appease local populations, King Abdullah instructed Jordan’s new Prime Minister, Marouf al-Bakhit, to pursue “real political reforms.”  Many Jordanians, however, have not welcomed the appointment of Mr. al-Bakhit, finding the change in leadership merely cosmetic.  Commenting on the appointment of the new Prime Minister, Hamza Mansour, leader of the Islamic Action Front (Jordan’s largest opposition movement), stated “[w]e reject the new prime minister and we will continue our protests until our demands are met.”  While opposition groups in the country contend that they do not wish to see complete regime change, they do seek to limit the power of the monarch.  In particular, opposition groups have argued that the appointment of the Prime Minister should go to the elected leader of the party holding a parliamentary majority.   While King Abdullah has promised electoral reform, he has also expressed his concern that U.S. interference count strengthen hard line Islamists.

Analysis also fear destabilization in Syria, a country which shares many similarities with Egypt.  Like Egypt, Syria suffers from high levels of poverty, unemployment and corruption.  Anti-government protests, organized by online social media websites, have already taken place over the weekend.   Syria has consistently been the target of international criticism for its poor economic and human rights record.  While protests in Syria remain mild in comparison to those held in Egypt and Tunisia, it is clear that the Syrian population sees this as a prime opportunity to ratchet up pressure on the government in Damascus. 

While no one can predict the final outcome of these popular revolutions, the situation in Africa and the Middle East will continue to be fast paced and dynamic.  Even if protests remain localized in Africa, the events which have occurred over the last two weeks are sure to change the nature of politics in the region.  The 2011 African protests will be a defining moment in the region’s history. 

For more information, please see:

Christian Science Monitor – Why Palestinians Remain So Quite as Egyptians Loudly Rail Against Mubarak – Feb. 2, 2011

Reuters Africa – Palestinians Expect A Boost From New Egypt – Feb. 2, 2011

Associated Press – Egypt Crisis Puts Pressure on US Allies in Mideast – Feb. 1, 2011

Bloomberg – Palestinians Anxious Mubarak Exit Mean More Mideast Disarray – Feb. 1, 2011

By Eric C. Sigmund
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The self-immolation of a 26-year-old Tunisian last week not only sparked protests against the Tunisian government, precipitating the overthrow of President Zine al-Abdine Ben Ali, but has also sparked a series of public suicides throughout the Middle East and Africa.  Reports indicate that self-immolations have occurred in a number of Middle Eastern and African states including; Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Algeria.  Now many fear that anti-government protests in Yemen may escalate and produce a new round of self-immolations. 

The latest incident of suicide by fire occurred in Saudi Arabia and is the first reported case of self-immolation ever in the country.  While the motives of the 60-year-old Saudi resident who set himself ablaze remains unclear, reports suggest that the man sought to protest the country’s restrictive citizenship process.   Commenting on the latest act of public suicide, Saudi Grand Mufti Sheik Abdel Aziz Al Sheikh condemned suicide as a form of protest or an escape from harsh living conditions stating that suicide is a “great sin” prohibited by Islam.    According to the Al-Azhar in Cairo, Egypt, the highest institute of learning in Sunni Islam, “Sharia Law states that Islam categorically forbids suicide for any reason and does not accept the separation of souls from bodies as an expression of stress, anger or protests.”

Although these incidents of self-immolation remain isolated, they are symbolic of the growing resentment of Arab populations against their respective governments in the region.  The use of this tactic raises further questions about strict governmental regulation of expression which makes it difficult, if not punishable, to engage in anti-government expression in some Middle Eastern and African nations.  For those who engage in in the act, suicide may be the method [of resistance] of last resort.    Despite the government’s strong rhetoric condemning suicide, Saudi officials warned that more incidents of self-immolation are likely to occur in the near future.   

For more information please see:

Malaysia Sun – First Incident of Public Suicide by Fire Reported in Saudi Arabia – Jan. 23, 2011

Gulf News Daily – Saudi Man Sets Himself Ablaze – Jan. 23, 2011

Associated Press – Saudi Man Dies After Setting Himself on Fire – Jan. 22, 2011

BBC News Middle East – Man Dies After Setting himself on Fire in Saudi Arabia – Jan. 22, 2011

Straits Times – Saudi Mufti Brands Suicide Protests as ‘Great Sin’ – Jan. 21, 2011

By Eric C. Sigmund
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

AMMAN, Jordan – In what was heralded as “a day of rage,” over 5000 Jordanians staged protests against the government for increases in food prices and unemployment.  While police were successful in containing the protests, the demonstrations highlight the rising levels of resentment against the government blamed for the country’s declining standards of living and economic stagnation.  The protests occurred in five cities and were the latest in a series of demonstrations within the region opposing rising food prices.  The protests remained peaceful and no arrests have been reported. 

Even before the protests broke out, the Jordanian government had dedicated over £141m to subsidize the cost of bread.  Some of this money has also been infused into the economy to spur job creation.   While the government’s efforts have proven helpful in cushioning the impact of the current economic situation, those who are worse off have felt little relief.  Poverty and unemployment continue to be difficult challenges for the leadership in Amman, and may be exacerbated by continued economic decline.  Current poverty levels continue to hover around 25 percent in the desert regions of the country and Amman, the country’s capital, continues to be the most expensive city in the Arab world. The country’s budget deficit reach a record high in 2009 standing at $2billion or 9 percent of Jordan’s GDP. 

The protests in Jordan were just one of many in recent weeks which sought to bring attention to the rising price of food in the Middle East and Africa.   Some protests in Tunisia and Algeria turned violent.  The protests in Jordan mark the growing dissatisfaction with the population of the government’s economic policy. The latest figures published by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization reported a 25% increase in the price of many of the most fundamental foodstuffs since last year, including; bread, cereals, cooking oils, meat and dairy products.  One protest banner warned of the effects of a resentful and hungry population reading “Jordan is not one for the rich.  Bread is a red line.  Beware of our starvation and fury.”  While these protests were conducted in a peaceful manner, it may only be a matter of time before the government is faced with a more tumultuous scenario.

For more information, please see:

Guardian – Jordanians Protests against Soaring Food Prices – Jan. 15, 2011

Agence France Presse – Jordanians Protest Living Conditions, Blame Govt – Jan. 14, 2011

Reuters Africa – Hundreds Protest Over High Prices in south Jordan – Jan. 14, 2011

The Press Association – Jordanians Protest at Rising Prices – Jan. 14, 2011

By Eric C. Sigmund
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – A Saudi court on Sunday issued a three year prison sentence to a female employer of an Indonesian maid.  Reports indicate that the ruling may be the first time in the country’s history that a punishment has been handed down to a Saudi citizen for abusing a migrant worker.  The employer was found guilty under a new law issued by the Kingdom to fight human trafficking.   Observers contend that Sunday’s ruling is a small step in the right direction for a country which continues to face international pressure to secure rights and protections for migrant workers. 

The maid, 23, suffered internal bleeding and broken bones after she was severely beaten and burned by her employer.   This latest case of abuse against migrant workers has sparked international condemnation for a problem which has been prevalent in the Middle East in recent months.  Migrant workers continue to be subjected to poor treatment, abuse, arrest and deportations throughout the region.  A comprehensive report published by Human Rights Watch last year found that migrant workers who suffer abuse at the hands of their employers are likely to suffer emotional trauma and substantial psychological effects.   The report indicates that such abuse may also contribute to forced labor and human trafficking. 

While the ruling appears to be a small win for rights activists, both sides are appealing the ruling.  Indonesian officials have declared the sentence to be unsatisfactory.  Didi Wahyudi, the head of citizen protection services at the Indonesian Consulate in Jeddah stated that “[t]he punishment is not strict enough, it’s a very light punishment.” Other’s however, appear to embrace the ruling with an optimistic view towards the future.  The Saudi daily newspaper, Arab News, reported that the case “may become something of a watershed.”  The government in Riyadh has kept its distance in the controversy, failing to comment about the court’s decision.  Although the Saudi government is unlikely to announce any significant change in its policies towards migrant workers in the near future, Sunday’s ruling may be a starting point to guaranteeing greater rights and legal protections for migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.

For more information, please see:

BNO News – Indonesia to Appeal Sentence in Saudi Arabia Tortured Migrant Worker Case – Jan. 13, 2011

Adnkronos International – Non-govt Groups Fundraise to Repatriate Migrants Stranded in Saudi Arabia – Jan. 12, 2011

CNN World – Woman Gets Three Years for Abusing Indonesian Maid – Jan. 12, 2011

People’s Daily Online – Indonesia Files Appeal on Tortured Migrant Worker Case in Saudi Arabia – Jan. 12, 2011

By Eric C. Sigmund
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

 SANA’A, Yemen – As debate over the latest amendments to Yemen’s constitution begin this week, the country’s parliament announced its support for amendments which would eliminate term limitations on the country’s presidency.  Although a formal vote on the amendment will not occur until later this year, the amendment represents a significant reversal of democratic freedom in Yemen.   Saturday’s symbolic preliminary vote was protested by some in the international community however, the amendment received support from 170 members of the President’s General People’s Congress (GPC) party. 

Yemen’s current electoral rules limit the amount of time one may serve as President to two consecutive terms.   The proposed amendment would eliminate this restriction but would reduce the President’s term from seven years to five. Current President Ali Abdullah Saleh is currently serving his second term as the country’s President until its expiration in 2013.  Should the amendment pass, President Saleh may be able to rule for life. 

The amendments come at a time when the government is fighting a bloody campaign against al-Qaeda cells within the country.  Some leaders within the GPC have used the conflict to justify ending presidential term limits.  Sultan al-Barakani, head of the GPC stated that “stability of the country necessitates that he [President Saleh] should stay in power.”  President Salah, a long time  U.S. ally, has been given political and material support by the U.S. in its fight against al-Qaeda, but the proposed amendments threaten to cool relations between the two countries.    

Supporters of the constitutional amendments responded to calls by the United States and others to delay the vote, calling these demands foreign interference with Yemen’s sovereignty.   Proponents also highlight the progressive benefits of the reforms which would increase parliamentary seats for women.  Critics of the amendments however, fear that eliminating presidential term limits might increase tensions between the ruling party, minority parties and militant groups in the country.   Ali Acshal, a member of the Islamist Al-Islah (Reform) Party warned that the amendment “will result in a complete break between the north and south and will destroy any hope of partnership.” Ali Abed Rabbo al-Qadi, a prominent leader in parliament noted that “[i]f the ruling party goes ahead with these amendments…it will cause disorder in the country and open it up to foreign interference.”  Despite these warnings, officials of the President’s ruling GPC party expressed their commitment to pushing the constitutional reforms through parliament.  A finalized version of the proposed amendments will be ready within 60 days.

For more information, please see:

Global Arab Network – Yemen Rejects US Demand to Delay Constitutional Amendments – Jan. 2, 2011

Agence France Presse – Yemen Adopts Principle of Constitutional Amendment – Jan. 1, 2011

Bloomberg – Saleh Gains Preliminary Yemeni Approval to End Term Limits – Jan. 1, 2011

CNN World – Yemen Begins Debating Constitutional Reforms – Jan. 1, 2011