Arab Spring or Middle East Chaos?

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In The Media

Arab Spring or Middle East Chaos?

The age of ideology in the Arab world is drawing to a close.

By Marwan Muasher

Published on Jun 29, 2014

Source: Aspen Institute

Speaking on a panel discussion at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Carnegie’s Marwan Muasher joined Anne-Marie Slaughter, Steve Clemons, and George Mitchell to discuss the situation in Syria, Iraq, and the broader Middle East. Muasher argued that the age of ideology in the Arab world is coming to a close and that those who are able to show results will succeed. “We cannot talk about the region in terms of ethnic purity or religious purity,” he said. “If we are to talk about a Middle East that is prosperous and stable, we have to talk about pluralism and inclusion, not exclusion, exclusionist policies, or exclusionist countries.”

Muasher argued that that Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) has been able to secure military victories because it’s operating in an environment that felt marginalized. “If we have a political process in which everybody feels included, ISIS will be far less effective than they are today.”

“The Arab world cannot remain hostage to political elites who are governing through a system without any checks and balances or to the radical Islamists who are threatening the cultural and political diversity of society,” he contended. “Those who want a pluralistic discourse have to work for one.”

The panel discussion was held by the Aspen Institute.

About the Author

Marwan Muasher

Vice President for Studies

Marwan Muasher is vice president for studies at Carnegie, where he oversees research in Washington and Beirut on the Middle East. Muasher served as foreign minister (2002–2004) and deputy prime minister (2004–2005) of Jordan, and his career has spanned the areas of diplomacy, development, civil society, and communications.

Recent Work

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The Myriad Problems With the Iran Ceasefire
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Political Reform Middle East North Africa Egypt Gulf Levant Maghreb

Carnegie India does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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