31 March 2005
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=108164&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=28011
In an exclusive interview with Anwar Abdulrahman, the new American
ambassador to Bahrain Mr William Monroe speaks in depth for the first
time about his government's policies in the Middle East.
We carry his answers in full...
****
American politics can be confusing and enigmatic - even to Americans
themselves! During the 1950s when John Foster Dulles was foreign
secretary, coup after coup was engineered by the US to topple elected
governments, beginning with Dr Mohammed Mussadeq. Afghanistan followed
in 1973 when its constitutional monarchy was brought down, and in Latin
America Salvadore Allende, Chile's first elected leader, was murdered by
America. Your country's involvement again in Afghanistan, backing the
Mujahideen in 1978 preceded the Iraq debacle. You have a history of
placing puppets in power, but time always outflanks you. Why is there
never any long-term strategy, because even Bush's so called
democratisation of the world will be subject to change by the next
American president?
****
Ambassador Monroe: The President has spoken on numerous occasions about
the importance of supporting democracy throughout the Middle East and
the world. He believes that freedom is the right of every person and
that freedom is the hope of every culture. This is a policy that is not
only endorsed by the United States, but also other members of the G-8
and countries in the region. During the inaugural gathering of the Forum
for the Future, which was held in Rabat and concluded on December 11,
2004, the participants called for specific steps toward implementing
various proposals aimed at creating greater economic development,
political participation and educational opportunities in the broader
Middle East and North Africa. In partnership with the G-8 industrial
nations and countries of the Broader Middle East and North Africa, the
US pledged support for political and economic reforms. At the same time,
we acknowledged that all genuine reform must come from within society,
not imposed from the outside. I am very pleased that the Kingdom of
Bahrain has offered to host the second Forum for the Future in November,
2005, to continue this vital endeavour.
****
The U.S. also has a track record of selling out its friends. Every
American president has had his own personal agenda, which forces any
political observer to ask: Is the president independent in his
decisions, or is he merely a by-product of the lobbyists who elevated
him to the White House? Are US politics formed for the benefit of the
American people, or only to reward such lobbying groups, including
corporations, financially or politically?
****
Ambassador Monroe: The U S does not have a track record of selling out
its friends, and has numerous long standing relationships in every
region of the world. The First Amendment to the U S Constitution, by
asserting the rights of free speech, free assembly and peaceful petition
for the redress of grievances, provides the legal basis for lobbies in
America. Any group in America has the right to demand that its views be
heard by the public, the legislature, and the executive branch. Today,
there are hundreds if not thousands of lobbying groups and organisations
in the US, and each group is working through our democratic system to
put forward its agenda. The heart of American democracy - and of any
democracy- is meaningful, active participation by its people in
government decisions. It is part of our history. As U S President James
Madison said back in 1822, "A popular government, without popular
information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce
or a tragedy; or, perhaps both."
****
Why does the White House still practice double standards? The President
says there cannot be proper democracy in Lebanon while it is occupied by
a foreign power (Syria). How then does he assess the chances of
democracy becoming rooted in Iraq with US forces in full control of
everything? With all this in mind, America's honesty as a government or
power is always questioned. Your past does not instil confidence. Any
Comments?
****
Ambassador Monroe: The world community, including Russia, Germany,
France, and Saudi Arabia, along with the U S, has told the Syrian
government that it must end its decades-long occupation of Lebanon. On
January 30, Iraq held elections that were free, credible, and
legitimate, and the elections advanced the development of a constitution
that will embrace the freedom and principles of a democratic system of
government. More than eight million Iraqis defied terrorists and went to
the polls. The world saw long lines of Iraqi men and women voting in a
free and fair election for the first time in their lives. Iraq's
Transitional National Assembly convened for the first time and the
elected leaders have a mandate to represent all of Iraq's people. The
new deputies include more than 85 women. In October, the constitution
will be presented to the Iraqi people in a national referendum and
another election is planned for December to choose a permanent
constitutional government. As President Bush stated in his weekly radio
address on March 19, "Iraq's progress toward political freedom has
opened a new phase of our work there". America and its coalition
partners will increasingly assume a supporting role. In the end, Iraqis
must be able to defend their own country, and we will help that proud,
new nation secure its liberty. And then our troops will return home."
****
During the early days of Baghdad's occupation, US forces stood by and
watched libraries, museums and galleries looted. The military did not
raise a finger while Iraq's wealth and culture was plundered. Any
occupier has a moral responsibility to protect these. What is the
difference between you and what the Germans did in occupied Europe?
****
Ambassador Monroe: There are many factors which contributed to the
disorder that followed the liberation of Iraq. These include the release
of tens of thousands of hardened criminals from Iraqi prisons by the
former regime just prior to its fall, the anger on the part of many
Iraqis towards the former regime and the institutions which represented
it, and the speed of the Coalition military victory in liberating the
country. These events took place almost two years ago, and there has
been a great deal of progress during these two years, both in Iraq's
political development and in efforts to reconstruct the country. The
U.S. alone is providing more than $20 billion in reconstruction aid, and
other nations have together pledged billions more in assistance. What is
important now is that the international community continues its support
for Iraq as it progresses in developing a free and democratic society.
The courage of Iraqis in the historic vote of January 30, and the
political dialogue of compromise and inclusion which has characterised
the period since the elections, strongly suggest that Iraqis are
determined to succeed in this effort.
****
Is the US in danger of using the war on terror to settle old scores?
Wouldn't attacks on other Muslim countries spark disaster?
Ambassador Monroe: I'm not sure I understand what you mean by settling
old scores. But I can tell you that the international community has
responded to the menace of global terrorism with speed and unanimity
that are rare on the world stage. The spread of terrorism has been
likened to a cancer, exploiting weaknesses wherever it can. Parents and
children who were simply enjoying the beauty of a Shakespeare play in
Doha last week were targeted by terrorists. How can any terrorist
organisation possibly justify such an act? The U.S. policy on this has
been clear from the start: we will use all the tools at our disposal -
diplomatic, law enforcement, intelligence, financial, and the military -
to defeat global terrorism.
****
How can America justify keeping on Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in
the face of proven and horrific rights abuses at Abu Ghraib and
Guantanamo Bay?
****
Ambassador Monroe: As you know, President Bush was interviewed on Al
Arabiya and Al Hurra Satellite Channels immediately after the Abu Ghraib
prison abuse scandal, and he told the Arab World that he found the Abu
Ghraib prison abuses abhorrent. As the President said, what took place
at Abu Ghraib does not represent America, which is a compassionate
country that believes in freedom. America sent troops into Iraq to
promote freedom. In a democracy, everything is not perfect and mistakes
are made. But also in a democracy, those mistakes are investigated and
people are brought to justice. President Bush instructed Defence
Secretary Rumsfeld to find the truth and then tell the Iraqi people and
world. These actions of a few people do not reflect the nature of the
men and women who serve our country.
****
How confident are you that renewed White House forays into Mideast
peace-making will be more hopeful? It is after all common knowledge that
the US protects Israel financially and militarily.
****
Ambassador Monroe: President Bush was the first U S President who said
that the Palestinians must have their own state, and he has repeatedly
called for finding a just and lasting solution to the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The President noted in April, 2004, "...I
was the first President ever to articulate the vision of a Palestinian
state. No other President has ever done that. I was pleased to do so
because I believe that is the best hope for the Palestinian people and
the best way to promote peace." The role of the United States will
continue to be to urge both parties to make the necessary sacrifices,
sacrifices meaning that Israel must withdraw from settlements and there
must be territory for a viable Palestinian state. But the Palestinians,
on their part, must continue to work hard to fight against any terrorist
activities within the territories. The Arab countries bear their own
responsibility to work together to help the Palestinian Authority build
the necessary structures for democracy. The President said in his State
of the Union address in January that he believes peace is at hand and
that the U S government will do what is necessary to help move the
process forward. The U S believes Palestinian Authority Chairman Abbas
wants to develop a state that will live side by side with Israel in
peace and security.
****
How do you answer allegations that your Embassy is meddling in Bahrain's
political affairs by embracing certain political societies?
****
Ambassador Monroe: The Embassy endeavours to meet with representatives
from a broad range of Bahraini society. These contacts include, among
others, civil society organisations, including political societies, and
members of the press like Akhbar Al Khaleej. The U S Department of State
Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) is a Presidential initiative
founded to support economic, political, and educational reform efforts
in the Middle East and champion opportunity for all people of the
region, especially women and youth. The initiative strives to link Arab,
U S, and global private sector businesses, non-governmental
organisations, civil society elements, and governments together to
develop innovative policies and programmes that support reform in the
region. We are proud to partner with Bahrainis, in co-operation with the
Bahraini leadership, on these initiatives.
****
What do you rate your biggest challenge as Washington's new Ambassador
to Bahrain?
****
Ambassador Monroe: I prefer not to think of challenges but rather of
opportunities. This is a time of great opportunity in this region. There
are changes taking place as the countries of the region grapple with new
realities and look for ways to open up their political and economic
systems. Our role is to identify and provide opportunities and
assistance to those countries, and people in those countries, that want
it. And the government and many people in Bahrain have welcomed
assistance. The Free Trade Agreement is an excellent example. In signing
an FTA, the U S and Bahrain are creating an opportunity for increased
trade and investment in Bahrain. Our assistance under the Middle East
Partnership Initiative (MEPI) is another example. Under this initiative,
we have offered programmes such as training to assist Bahrain to
strengthen its legal system and develop its democratic institutions, as
well as internships for Bahraini businesswomen and leadership programmes
for high school and university students.
****
Why is the Free Trade Agreement taking so long to implement? How do you
address Saudi's concerns?
Ambassador Monroe: The U S-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement was signed in
September 2004 and currently is before the U S Congress for
ratification. The Agreement is the United States' first with a Gulf
state and only the third with an Arab country. It is an important step
toward realising President Bush's vision of a Middle East Free Trade
Area by 2013. We anticipate Congress taking up ratification soon, and we
hope the Bahraini Parliament also ratifies the Agreement expeditiously.
The Agreement represents a great opportunity to expand trade and
investment relations between the United States and the Kingdom of
Bahrain.
****
It is United States policy to work with each of our friends in the
Middle East on enhancing our economic and commercial relations. In that
regard, the U S looks forward to continued engagement with Saudi Arabia
on accession to the World Trade Organisation and other initiatives
related to trade and investment.
****
Many believe in this country that the US has a policy of encouraging
sectarian conflicts in the Gulf. Do you agree or disagree?
****
Ambassador Monroe: I reject the assertion that the United States
encourages sectarian conflict. The United States has a policy of
promoting the universal values that Americans share with people around
the world - liberty, freedom, democracy, economic development, and
educational opportunity. The President and Secretary of State have
spoken eloquently about spreading these values globally. Secretary Rice
said on January 31, "We have to have change in the Middle East, change
based on democratic values, change based on the spread of liberty,
because without the dignity and the hope that liberty and freedom bring,
we're going to see nothing but the kind of hopelessness that terrorism
brings... It's a time, again, when America's values and America's
interests are completely linked." The United States, through our
technical assistance programmes, seeks to work with the government and
people of Bahrain to shape a better future.
****
What about the future of Iraq? It is devastated. Tens of thousands have
been killed, with no security or no reform apart from elections. What
exactly is America's vision for the future of Iraq at a time when not a
single school, hospital, health centre or road has seen rebuilt? Money
has only been spent on securing oil supplies.
****
Ambassador Monroe: The Iraqi people have a very optimistic view of the
future of their country. In an opinion poll taken earlier this month,
more than 90per cent of those polled said that they are hopeful for the
future, almost the same number said that they believe life in Iraq will
slowly improve, and more than 60pc indicated that their lives today are
better than before the war. And there are good reasons for this. To date
more than 3,000 schools have been fully rehabilitated, and more than 800
are currently being renovated. 20 hospitals and almost 250 primary
health care facilities have either been renovated or are currently in
the process of rehabilitation. Hundreds of kilometres of roads have been
paved. Cell phone and Internet usage, which were almost non-existent in
Iraq before its liberation, have become commonplace. The U S has spent
almost $4 billion to date on such projects, and has more than $11
billion currently committed to more than 2,000 on-going reconstruction
projects in these areas.
****
The political reform in Iraq has also been remarkable. Opinion polling
indicates that 70pc of Iraqis feel that the results of the January 30
elections reflect the will of the Iraqi people. And the
Shi'ite-affiliated political majority which emerged from the elections
has demonstrated goodwill in reaching out to all Iraqi communities to
seek inclusion and consensus in creating the Iraqi Transitional
Government which will oversee the writing of a new, democratic
constitution for Iraq.
****
The deaths which have occurred in Iraq since its liberation have been
tragic, and in reaction to the mounting toll of terrorist-related
killings, Iraqis themselves have become more vocal against terrorism.
****
There is an historic opportunity for the countries of the region to
support the Iraqi people in this time of transition. As Iraq re
establishes its proper political, economic and intellectual role in the
region, it will contribute to stability, security and prosperity
throughout the Middle East. The countries of the region have a large
stake in Iraq's success.
****
The United States now has zero credibility in the eyes of Arabs and the
Third World. In fact, the minute it touches anything, it seems to
contaminate. There has been much talk of Bush's preparations to expand
his 'war on terror'. So who's next? Iran, Syria?
****
Ambassador Monroe: As Secretary Rice announced during her recent visit
to Europe, we and our European allies are now united publicly in a
concerted effort to make sure that Iran doesn't get a nuclear weapon
because it would be so destabilising to a region that is already very
troubled. What we were able to achieve over the last few weeks is a
really clear common purpose and common approach with the European Union
so that Iran knows that it really has only one choice, and that is to
live up to its international obligations not to develop a nuclear weapon
under cover of civilian nuclear power. We have a diplomatic path ahead
of us. It really now is up to the Iranians to do what they need to do.
I've already addressed the issue of Syrian occupation of Lebanon. The
President always has his options open, but we really do believe that
these issues can be resolved diplomatically.
enditem
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