How to Achieve Real Reform in the Arab World

So far, Arab leaders' reactions to recent events have been thoroughly disappointing. President Mubarak agreed to step down following the next election, but this is too little too late. And in Jordan it is not clear yet if the change in prime ministers will accelerate reforms or not. There is a strong inclination to look at the protesters' wants in purely economic terms - that economic conditions sparked the protests, so offer quick fixes by raising salaries and reducing prices of everyday goods. Such thinking has worked in the past, but serious attention must be paid to fixing governance problems. Putting off reforms will only lead to more protests.

 

When I was deputy prime minister of Jordan, I led a national, inclusive effort to produce a 10-year plan for political, economic and social reform. The Jordanian National Agenda provided a blueprint for moving the ball forward in gradual and serious ways. It didn't rely on rhetoric but laid out specific programs with clear deadlines, how they fit into the budget and how results could be measured.

 

Under this plan, Jordanian laws were to change in ways that would open up elections, improve freedom of the press and reduce bias against women - in other words, creating meritocracies. Little surprise that an entrenched political elite shot down these efforts.

 

Today, lip service to reform will not be enough. Arabs no longer trust in their governments' abilities to deliver better management of political and economic matters. Action must be taken to appease an increasingly skeptical public. Arab governments should start by acknowledging reality and putting their countries on a track of political reform.

 

The Arab world suffers from an entrenched political elite. This layer of society was created by regimes to prop up their rule; leaders fashioned rentier systems and bought loyalty with favors. These ossified elites, not wanting to give up their lives of privilege, are resisting political reforms from below and, in many instances, also opposing the leaders who enriched them when these leaders contemplate reforms. The worst thing that could happen for Arabs and their leaders is if elites continue telling leaders not to worry, we're not Tunisia, cosmetic changes and handouts can fix the situation.

 

If they are to maintain power, Arab leaders need to institute real and sustained political reform processes - gradually, because democracy doesn't happen overnight and things must not be done in ways that shock the system.

 

Arab countries, including Egypt and Jordan, need to start by building stronger parliaments. This can happen only with changes to electoral laws that make elections more fair and parliaments more representative. Today, most Arab parliaments work on providing services; they need to gradually begin exercising their oversight role and monitoring government actions.

 

Next, more checks and balances must be implemented. No single body or person should have excessive power. The executive is simply too dominant in the Arab world. By developing the legislative wing and establishing judicial independence, both branches can then offer sufficient checks and balances to the system. This will also help fight corruption.

 

Another area in dire need of reform is education - not so much the quantity but the quality. Arab children are not taught to question or consider different ways of thinking, leaving entire generations raised to believe that good citizens are measured by their loyalty to government and that diversity and critical thinking are treasonous. Education must teach tolerance and critical thinking.

 

These political reforms are necessary for balanced economic growth. Liberalization without political reform has meant that the fruits of economic growth have not been enjoyed by average citizens - the business elite are the only winners. Arabs have thus come to regard globalization and economic liberalization very negatively. But we are in a situation where sustainable growth can't happen without political changes.

 

Arabs might not be calling for democracy as it's known in the West, but they are demanding better rule of law, equitable treatment and far less corruption. These things can't happen without political reform. Arab leaders need to understand that if they want to maintain power, they have to share it. Otherwise, what is happening in Egypt won't stay in Egypt.