OPINION Vol.1, No.1 June 2013 - National Defence University

leading to the best case scenario. Similarly Egypt and Jordan though not oil rich, have the potential for
reform and progress in line with the aspiration of their people. On the other hand, situation in Syria is fast
deteriorating and region could experience a much deeper crisis due to sectarian strife within Syria and in
the region, which could result in the worst case scenario. Deepening Syrian crisis would lead to increase
in sectarian tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Although the ingredients and the potential for
utopian scenario exist in the region due to abundance of energy resources and educated youth, it is still a
distant dream because of so many other deficiencies within most of the Arab countries as highlighted in
preceding paragraphs.
Way Forward for the Arab World
Time to Seize the Opportunity. Arab Muslims enjoy a unique opportunity to reclaim their
identity based on their own history, traditions, values and strengths. It is the time to reject all types of
conspiracy theories and unproductive debate between secularists and fundamentalists. Attention must be
focused on the way forward towards true democracy and freedom with the help of civil society,
intellectuals, scholars and above all the Arab people.
Reality Check. The Arab world blessed with abundance of natural resources and yet so weak
and marginalized, has to analyze her weaknesses and inadequacies pragmatically. Instead of criticizing
US or others, it is time that Arab people must acknowledge their weaknesses and shortcomings as a
prerequisite to embark upon the process of corrections and reforms.
Psychological Subservience of West- A Major Obstacle to Change. The Arab people must
reject the notion that the fate of their country is decided by the West. Such a notion could lead to inaction
which will prove fatal to the spirit of popular uprising. Therefore, if the Arabs want to transform their
countries into real democracies, they will first have to overcome this major obstacle to change.
Framing the Constitution. The functioning of the state has to be governed through a well
thought out constitution framed by democratically elected representatives in line with the aspirations of
the people. Religion could be the guide but the constitution and the laws have to be framed in accordance
with prevailing environment and situation of each country. For this, the intellectuals, religious scholars
and the civil societies will have to overcome their differences and idiosyncrasies to frame a consensus
document which could protect citizen’s fundamental rights and guide the rulers to administer the state
affairs.
Objectives of a Democratic Government. Democratically elected governments in Arab
countries need to define their milestones as per aspirations of people. The leadership must focus on
initiating processes for political and economic reforms, broadening access to education, women’s rights
and empowerment and above all development of a harmonious society based on good governance and
social justice.
Islam and Democracy 35 . Principles of democracy i.e. rule of law, equality, right to vote,
accountability etc. are absolutely according to the teachings and the spirit of Islam. Therefore, the
teachings of Islam which emphasize ethics in all aspects of human life including politics, could become
source of true guidance. The main issue to understand is the requirement to differentiate the authority of
the state from the religion, and not to separate politics from ethics.
Economic System Reforms. Globalization, capitalism and free market economy are the
dominant economic orders too difficult to ignore for economic progress in today’s environment. Yet, the
time has come for attempting a policy shift. Economic reforms in Arab world must focus on management
of oil and gas resources, shift towards emerging new economies like China, Turkey, Russia, Brazil and
redefinition of relationship with World Bank, IMF using natural resources as the bargaining reference.
Addressing Long Outstanding Critical Issues. To be credible, the new political order will
have to reform the existing dysfunctional system and empower the people. Serious issues such as
corruption, uneven distribution of wealth, nepotism, poor governance, misuse of public authority by
police must be addressed at the top priority with resolve and deep sense of sincerity. Long neglected
issues such as healthcare, education, social uplift, employment and poverty must also be tackled
immediately to provide relief to the people.
Impact of Arab Uprising on Pakistan
OPINION Vol.1 No.1 61 June 2013