International IDEA’s Post

My New Column: It is time for Israelis who take to the streets to preserve and protect Israeli democracy to say openly we support Palestinian democracy along with ensuring Israeli democracy. It is time for the international community to tell President Abbas that there is no excuse to delay holding elections any more. It is time for the Palestinian people who want those elections to take to the streets and scream “DEMOCRACY!” I know there is no democracy with occupation – that is true for Israel and also true for Palestine. Israel rules over Palestine with a military dictatorship and it is our responsibility as Israelis to end it. Palestinian elections, as a democratic move is an essential step to help us to end Israel’s occupation over the territories conquered in 1967. https://lnkd.in/d_umn977

Perhaps more than the United Kingdom or France, it was elections in Iran brought in an unexpected mandate of sort as the only reformist/moderate candidate, Masoud Pezeshkian, came out as an unexpected winner defeating a long queue of hardliners. My piece for Observer Research Foundation on what Pezeshkian's win means for Iranian foreign policy, the war in Gaza, regional security, and domestic politics in Tehran. https://lnkd.in/gdG4WQYQ

My latest article: As Iraq's provincial council elections draw close, the remaining days carry heightened political and security importance. Even in the absence of major disruptions and with the elections unfolding as scheduled, Iraq is poised for a transformative phase. Amidst the events unfolding in the Middle East and Iraq's internal dynamics, certain factors indicate that the upcoming year is likely to be filled with political tension. The disputes between the Coordination Framework and the Sadrist Movement, the tension between Islamic Resistance groups and the government, the repercussions of the Gaza war intertwined with international politics, alongside the complexities of the Kurdish and Sunni components, collectively pose potential catalysts for fresh challenges in Iraq… https://lnkd.in/eaarm_-3

"Over the past decade, President Erdogan has increasingly adopted a more nationalist and realist outlook at home and abroad, choosing interest over conscience. The cause of Islamism in Türkiye, one of the fundamental schools of thought in Turkish politics, has essentially been orphaned as a result of this transformation." I am delighted to share my brief analysis for The Washington Institute For Near East Policy's Fikra Forum on the outcome of the March 31 local elections. In this article, I argue how President Erdogan's politics have evolved from Islamism to Turkish Nationalism over the past decade and how this shift created an opportunity for Türkiye's recently founded Islamist party YRP, ultimately leading to AKP's first-ever defeat in any nationwide election since its foundation. Take a look.

The significance of the 2023 Liberian Presidential Elections cannot be downplayed. With the concession of President George Weah and the victory of President-elect, Joseph Boakai, a peaceful transfer of power would signify only the second time this has happened since 1944. On a regional level, it sends signals of hope that democracy is still viewed as the preferred system of governance especially as coups in Mali, 🇲🇱 Niger🇳🇪 and Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 have eroded incremental progress made over the years in West Africa. The article discusses briefly the background of the elections, the political history of Liberia, and the progress made post-civil war, with a sneak peek into what a Joseph Boakai Presidency could look like. Mvemba Phezo Dizolele Oge Onubogu Amaka Anku Zainab Usman, Ph.D. Michelle Gavin Jeffrey Sachs Tighisti Amare Nnenna Ifeanyi-Ajufo Dr Anino Emuwa W. Gyude Moore Kamissa Camara Olajumoke (Jumo) Ayandele, Ph.D. Ngozi Oti Council on Foreign Relations YPFP (Young Professionals in Foreign Policy) African Development Bank Group African Union ECOWAS Commission United Nations

#Pakistan: This week’s elections will take place at a turbulent time in Pakistan’s history, as it reels from multiple crises, including an economic downturn, tensions along its disputed borders, and rising militancy that has strained relations with neighboring Iran and Afghanistan. The resulting instability has served to strengthen the hand of the military, the dominant force in Pakistani politics. Claims of military interference in the democratic process are rife ahead of the 2024 elections, with political disorder and militant attacks characterizing the run-up to the vote. Read our latest #ElectionWatch piece ahead of the poll: bit.ly/3HG7sLV

The POLITICO Europe #MaastrichtDebate left a bad taste in my mouth that I cannot seem to shake off. The debate took a turn when Baier (GUE/NGL) asked about sanctions against Israel to stop the war in Gaza. It was neither the question nor Von der Leyen's (EPP) reply, who called for humanitarian aid and a two-state solution (echoed by Strack-Zimmermann (ALDE)). It was Vistisen (ID) from the far-right, who was the first one to mention antisemitism, using it as an argument against 'people who have been let in with values similar to those of the past'. Von der Leyen replied that she would do everything necessary to combat antisemitism. Baier mentioned that his father was an Auschwitz survivor and that it was unacceptable for a far-right representative to present himself as a defender against antisemitism. Unfortunately, Vistisen was given the last word. He replied that the ID have a Holocaust survivor in its party and that (his country) Denmark was proud to have saved Jews during the war. This part of the debate reminded me of a post I wrote (on my personal blog) about Anna-Maria Sörberg's book 'Homonationalism' from 2017, which is still relevant today. Sörberg argues that populism and nationalism defend an image of a secular and progressive Western culture against the threat of Islam and growing migration. LGBT people and women are being used as part of a neoliberal rhetoric to argue that they must be defended by modern nationalism against Muslims and migrants. Today we see that protests against Israel do not only show solidarity and compassion with the suffering people of Gaza, but also induce hatred against Jews across Europe. What worries me is that the far-right now see themselves as the protectors of LGBT-people, women and Jews against Muslims and migrants. This is extremely problematic. ▶ If you haven't yet seen it, watch the video by the European Parliament and #UseYourVote #EUelections2024 #EU2024

February's #Africa overview reveals crucial political dynamics as elections loom. In #Chad, tensions escalate with the tragic killing of opposition leader Yaya Dillo, spotlighting concerns for the upcoming presidential vote. The #DRC sees the #M23 rebel group advancing towards Goma, risking further civilian displacement. #Ethiopia's conflicts intensify in Oromia and Amhara, while #Senegal faces unrest over election delays. #SouthAfrica prepares for May elections amid rising demonstrations over service delivery concerns. For in-depth analysis, read our full regional overview: https://lnkd.in/eySApgzD #ConflictMonitoring #PoliticalViolence #DataforPeace #ACLED

"US-Pakistan relations hit rough water over allegations of election irregularities. Concerns are rising over disruptions in media & social platforms, including the shutdown of X. Donald Lu, the US top diplomat for South Asia, underscores the significance of democratic processes. While the prospect of re-running elections is being considered, an absence of a democratic process threatens the 76-year US-Pakistan partnership. Further exacerbating the situation are conspiracy theories circulating around former PM, Imran Khan's relationship with Russia. The democratic debate grows more heated with accusations, threats, & harassment. Adherence to the democratic process is not just vital for international relationships but for the integrity of the nation. Discover more about this rapidly developing situation at [🔗]. #USPakistanRelations #ElectionIrregularities #Democracy #SouthAsiaDiplomacy #MediaFreedom" (Source: [Link](https://lnkd.in/d_J39hNF))

As some of you may know, I am currently based at the Kurdish Peace Institute's local office in Qamishlo, Rojava / Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. Here, I've been speaking to politicians, activists, and civil society organizations to get a better idea of the challenges to the DAANES' postponed local elections and the the steps that could be taken to address them challenges. This is a preliminary report on what I've found, with recommendations to the DAANES and its international partners as to how they can leverage local commitments to federalism and decentralization for political progress, address shortcomings and weaknesses in the system, and plan an effective local election process that benefits everyone in the region.