Permis de penser * Licence to think* Tefekkür Ehliyeti

Common Ground News Service        Can Turkey inspire Tunisia? by Murat Daoudov 25 November 2011 Istanbul, Turkey - As a forerunner of the Arab Spring, Tunisia has offered a pioneering example for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. After sparking the MENA revolutions, it rapidly stepped into a post-revolutionary phase by organising the first democratic elections in the region. Moreover, it is in Tunisia that Islamic political parties and activists, who have long been used as an excuse to justify dictatorial regimes in other countries, gained power democratically. And just as Tunisia’s revolt proved contagious across the region, the outcome of the recent Tunisian vote will likely influence the upcoming elections in Egypt and Morocco.  At this critical stage, there is a great deal the country can learn from Turkey, which has provided a successful model linking both democracy and Islamic political parties. Three major types of challenges await Tunisia at this transitional phase: democratic, economic and demographic. To begin with, the new leadership will have to build a strong democracy with pluralist institutions to secure a stable future. Otherwise, there is a risk of falling into authoritarianism, a fate other societies in transition have faced in the past. It remains to be seen whether Tunisia’s Islamic political parties will be able to reform the state according to universal principles to avert this possibility.  The experience of Turkey, which has an Islamic-rooted ruling political elite in a secular state, is a proof of the mutual compatibility of democracy and Islamic political parties. However, opinions among Tunisians are divided on whether the Turkish example should be seen as a source of inspiration. For those who hold secular values and fear their erosion due to the win of Al Nahda, the main Islamic political party in Tunisia, the circumstances of Turkey and Tunisia might seem to differ considerably.  While it’s true that secularism is constitutionally protected in Turkey and not in Tunisia, Tunisian society is likely to support secular law, rather than adopting religious law, as some observers fear. At the same time, as both nations simultaneously undertake to adopt new constitutions, there is room for an exchange of ideas and cooperation. For example, both must consider how best to lay foundations for an efficient government and judiciary, how to protect basic rights and freedoms, and which model of decentralisation to adopt. As a member of the Council of Europe and a candidate for EU membership, Turkey already has accumulated important knowledge about democracy-building in a predominantly Muslim society that it could share with Tunisia. On the other hand, since it was largely socio-economic pressures that served as a catalyst for the uprising, Tunisia’s economic recovery will probably be the main test for the government. The high scores of Al Nahda in the elections will also mean that the Tunisian people will have high expectations for tangible and rapid improvement in the standard of living, which will ultimately constitute a heavy burden of responsibility for leaders.  In my view, it is here that Turkey’s example may provide some lessons from inside the region, given that it evolved from a collapsing economy to the current growth-champion. After all, the continuous success of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in elections for the past decade is largely due to its progress in economic matters. If a government with an Islamic background succeeded in steering the market in Turkey, who is to say something similar couldn’t be achieved elsewhere?  Likewise, Tunisia must address corruption, create a transparent and favourable environment for foreign investments, and support tourism as well as free trade. With such programmes it could become a new northern gateway for trade in Africa.  Finally, it was youth who wrote the story of the Arab Spring and who are at the epicentre of what has been referred to as a “youthquake” throughout the region. For this reason, it’s regrettable that they are not properly represented in Tunisia’s first, newly elected democratic assembly. At the same time, youth must try and ensure that their voices are part of the transition, and should also keep pressure on political parties to be represented in decision-making entities.  An inspiring example of this kind of effort is the Young Civilians movement in Turkey, which often uses humour to focus public attention on the need to support democracy and human rights.  Hopefully, next year, the young can benefit better from new opportunities that present themselves at national and local elections. After all, it was success in municipal politics that propelled the current political elite in Turkey to national government.  In Tunisia too, participation at the local level – which is the first echelon of democratic governance – may prove a good training ground for the political involvement of the younger generation. If all these opportunities are seized, then Tunisia might continue to inspire other countries and pave the way forward in the region.  ### * Murat Daoudov is an İstanbul-based member of the North-South Center Think Tank of the Council of Europe. This article was written for the Common Ground News Service (CGNews). Source: Common Ground News Service (CGNews), 22 November 2011, www.commongroundnews.org  Copyright permission is granted for publication. http://www.commongroundnews.org/article.php?id=30695&lan=en&sp=0   Translation in French, Arabic, Urdu, Indonesian and Hebrew available at CGNews, while Turkish translation can be read here: http://www.timeturk.com/tr/2011/11/25/turkiye-tunus-a-ilham-verebilir-mi.html   The article has been published in the Saudi daily "The Arab News", the Emirati daily "The Khaleej Times", the Lebanese daily "The Daily Star", the Indonesian daily "The Bali Times", the Jordanian daily "Al-Rai" (in Arabic), the Bahraini daily "Al-Wasat" (in Arabic), as well as at the Al-Arabiya English TV web site.

Jordan-Turkey-Europe: a model partnership?

The growing rapprochement between Turkey and the rest of the Middle East is creating an opportunity to develop a regional project in support of democratization, involving competent European actors. Jordan, Turkey and Europe should seize this opportunity  and forge an exemplary partnership.

Recent efforts have led to the establishment of strategic cooperation councils and a visa-free regime between Turkey and a number of Arab countries. Yet, this progress on the bilateral level could evolve into a trilateral process by adding the “European component.” Such remodeling would make it a more multidimensional process, allowing these countries to benefit, through Turkey, from the best know-how in democratic modernization. Countries in the Middle East aspire -- although to different extents -- to reform of their public institutions, regionalization and decentralization, human rights and women’s emancipation. Europe is the most valuable and closest source of such expertise, and Turkey is well placed to provide guidance. To test such a trilateral partnership, Europe-Turkey-Jordan is a suitable axis. As outlined by Jordanian researcher Deena Dajani, the conditions of political liberty in Jordan in recent decades compare favorably to those of its Arab neighbors. Even a historian as critical of Arab states as Bernard Lewis has argued that it is in the “reforming autocracies” of the Arab world such as Jordan that the best prospects for democracy exist. I would also add that Jordan is not an “oil rich” country, a factor that pushes society to rely on its own performance and human capital. Jordan’s “benevolent monarchy” is a partner receptive to innovative approaches. Finally, it has the advantage of stability. European know-how would benefit a changing Jordan; the question is by which institutions and in which political framework could it be best provided. A reforming country would need a range of expertise in developing democratic institutions, in the judiciary and rule of law, local and regional authorities, human rights, women’s emancipation and education. These tools are available as an “all-inclusive package” at a one-stop shop -- the Council of Europe (CoE). Established in 1949 in Strasbourg, this organization is made up of 47 members today, including countries such as Turkey, Ukraine and Russia. It’s good to remember that the CoE was the forerunner of the “European unity” project, before it got overshadowed by the Brussels-based EU. Mashreq’s bridge to Europe In the 1990s, the CoE played a catalyzing role in the democratic transformation of Eastern Europe, which later helped it to join the EU. Now it could have positive impact on the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Some non-European countries are already engaging with it. In 1957 Israel joined the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) as an observer, and in 1994 its Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. Today, Tunisia and Algeria participate in the CoE’s Venice Commission, dedicated to constitutional issues. But the most successful example is Morocco, which recently obtained “partner for democracy” status and joined the European Centre for Global Interdependence and Solidarity (North-South Centre). The countries of the Middle East would benefit significantly from discovering the CoE and exploring its potential. Jordan would be a perfect forerunner, as Queen Rania was awarded the CoE’s North-South Prize for empowering women in 2008. Such a partnership could start a pilot cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean, something that Morocco did successfully in the West. Given its key position, Turkey has a historic opportunity, if not a responsibility, to foster such a partnership as it takes the helm of the CoE. Since January Turkey began a two-year presidency term in PACE and will soon chair the Committee of Ministers for six months. Initiating a trilateral partnership under the Turkish presidency would have a particular significance and broader regional impact. Turkey’s gate to the Indian Ocean Other fields of potential mutual benefit for Turkey and Jordan await their exploration. Jordan, which assumed the secretariat general of the Union for the Mediterranean, could encourage Turkey’s active involvement in this project. In the field of economic integration, Turkey and Jordan have the chance go further than just lifting visa requirements and set their sights on greater achievements. For instance, both countries could grant reciprocal privileges in using their maritime ports. This would allow Turkey access to the Red Sea through Aqaba and Jordan to the Mediterranean via Iskenderun or Mersin. Circumstances are favorable to this. Turkey and its neighbors intend to restore the historic Hejaz Railway, which a century ago was built to connect Istanbul to Mecca. This track has one branch that is still in active use today: the Aqaba railway. The prospect of such a rail connection and the close partnership that Turkey is developing with Syria and Jordan make the project realistic. Turkey, which is striving to expand its foreign trade and regional involvement, would definitely benefit from such easy access to the Indian Ocean, something that it seems to also have in mind as it builds up its strategic partnership with Iraq. However, the Aqaba route would be clearly a better choice than a Basra route through unstable Iraq. * Murat Daoudov is a member of the North-South Centre Think-Tank of the Council of Europe.

22.06.2010

News

MURAT DAOUDOV http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-213794-jordan-turkey-europe-a-model-partnership.html

 

 

 

T.C. MARMARA BELEDİYELER BİRLİĞİ

UNION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF MARMARA

 

PRESS RELEASE

13.03.2010, Istanbul

UMM TO PLAY ROLE IN EURO-ARAB DIALOGUE

Murat Daoudov, the Director of EU and International Relations of the Union of Municipalities of Marmara (Turkey), has been nominated member of the high profile North-South Centre Think-Tank of the Council of Europe dedicated to the Euro-Mediterranean dialogue.

In the framework of the agreement signed between the Council of Europe and the London-based MBI Al Jaber Foundation with the objective of developing co-operation on Intercultural Dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean region, a special think tank has been set up for four years under the coordination of the Centre for Global Interdependence and Solidarity of the Council of Europe (known as the “North-South Centre”). In line with the recommendations and policy guidelines outlined in the “White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue”, the partnership between the Council of Europe and the MBI Al Jaber Foundation focuses on strengthening Euro-Arab co-operation, and promoting education for human rights, rule of law, democratic citizenship and intercultural understanding. The agreement covers activities in the fields of research, support to in-service training and curriculum development, networking and discussion forums. 

 

Speaking on the occasion of the signing the agreement, Council of Europe’s Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland said: “Intercultural understanding is one of the main challenges of our societies: the Council of Europe has acted as a bridge in the last 60 years between different cultures in our Continent. Fostering dialogue is crucial for human rights’ protection and development. I welcome this agreement with the MBI Al Jaber Foundation. It will enhance co-operation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, building on the MBI’s extensive experience, know-how and contacts in the area.”

The official setting-up of the Think-Tank, composed of the representatives of the NSC “quadrilogue” (international organisations, governments, civil society and local authorities), will take place in Lisbon in May 2010, on the occasion of the 20^th anniversary Ceremony of the North-South Centre and the Award of the North South Prize to M. Gorbatchev and R.Dashti.

 

Members of the Think-Tank

Chair of the Think-Tank: Mr. Eberhard KOELSCH, Vice-Chair of the North-South Centre Executive Council

Mr. Koelsch was Permanent Representative of Germany to the Council of Europe from 2006 until 2009. He is now a lecturer at Bonn University in Germany and a regular speaker at programmes of various political foundations and other institutions of adult education.

 

Mr Victor ANGELO, Special Representative for MINURCAT, United Nations Deputy Secretary General

Mr Angelo is currently the Special Representative for the United Nations Mission in Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT).

 

Ms Mbarka BOUAIDA, Member of Parliament, Chair of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, National Defence and Religious Affairs (Morocco)

Ms Bouaida is a member of the National Council of the National Rally for Independents (RNI), which forms a part of the current Moroccan governmental coalition. She is also a Member of the Economic Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean.

 

Mrs Alicia CABEZUDO, Professor

Alicia Cabezudo is a Professor and Peace/Human Rights Educator and Consultant. Until recently, she was the Director of Educating Cities Latin America.

 

Mr Murat DAOUDOV, Director of EU and International Relations at the Union of Municipalities of Marmara (Turkey)

Mr Daoudov works as Director of EU & International Relations at the Union of Municipalities of Marmara. He is also founding member of the Turkish Association of Local Government Managers - YÖNDER.

 

Mr. Mir Asghar HUSAIN, Adviser of Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber, Founder of the MBI Al Jaber Foundation

As a UNESCO international civil servant, Mr. Husain worked as an Education Planning Specialist in Africa, Asia, and some Arab countries. Later on he went on to become Director of Education Planning, Policies and Strategies at UNESCO, in Paris.

 

Mr Yohannes MEZGEBE, Vice-President of the Pan African Youth Union

Yohannes Mezgebe is founder of the Youth Corps, a non-profit organization working with and among young people from academic institutions and the wider community. He is also the Co-Founder of the African Youth Forum for Peace (AYFP).

 

Mrs Felisa TIBBITTS, Executive Director of HREA

Felisa Tibbitts is co-founder and director of the Human Rights Education Associates (HREA), an international non-governmental organisation. Mrs Tibbitts is also Adjunct Faculty at the United Nations University for Peace and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

 

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Press Contact:

Mustafa ÖZKUL (international media) +90.535.7833605 mustafa.ozkul@marmara.gov.tr

Fatih SANLAV (Turkish media) +90.532.7283341 fatihsanlav@marmara.gov.tr

Contact and information:

Murat DAOUDOV murat@marmara.gov.tr http://licencetothink.blogspirit.com

For Turkish text see http://www.marmara.gov.tr/newsdetail.aspx?newsId=866

 

 

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MBB, Avrupa ile Arap Dünyası Arasında Köprü Kuracak

Avrupa Konseyi ile Arap Dünyası, Marmara Belediyeler Birliği (MBB) üzerinden ilişki kuracak. Marmara Belediyeler Birliği AB ve Uluslararası İlişkiler Direktörü Murat Daoudov, Avrupa Konseyi tarafından oluşturulan sekiz kişilik üst düzey Kuzey-Güney Tefekkür Grubu üyeliğine seçildi.

Avrupa Konseyi’nin Avrupa-Arap Dünyası diyalogu için oluşturduğu ve aralarında Birleşmiş Milletler özel temsilcisi, büyükelçi, parlamento komisyon başkanı, akademisyenler ve uluslararası sivil toplum örgüt yöneticilerinin bulunduğu üst düzey Tefekkür Grubu üyeliğine, Marmara Belediyeler Birliği AB ve Uluslararası İlişkiler Merkezi Direktörü Murat Daoudov atandı. Merkezi Strasbourg’da bulunan Avrupa Konseyi, önümüzdeki dönemde Akdeniz ve Ortadoğu havzası ile yakın işbirliği kurmak, Avrupa ve Arap Dünyası arasında diyalog geliştirmek ve kültürler arası diyalog anlayışı alanlarında yeni politikalar üretmek amacıyla, dört yıllık süre için bir beyin takımı oluşturdu.

Konuyla ilgili açıklama yapan Avrupa Konseyi Genel Sekreteri Thorbjorn Jagland, “Avrupa Konseyi, Avrupa kıtasında 60 yıl boyunca kültürler arası köprü vazifesini görmüştür. Şimdi ise, Avrupa-Akdeniz havzasında işbirliğini ve Ortadoğu Havzası ile diyalogu pekiştirecektir” dedi. Sekiz kişiden oluşan ve uluslararası kurumların, hükümetlerin, sivil toplumun ve yerel yönetimlerin temsilcileri, ilk toplantısını yapmak üzere, Mayıs ayında Lizbon’da düzenlenecek olan Avrupa Konseyi Kuzey-Güney İşbirliği Merkezi 20. Kuruluş Yıldönümü kutlamaları vesilesi ile bir araya gelecek.

Geniş  bilgi için: http://www.marmara.gov.tr/newsdetail.aspx?newsId=866