FACT SHEET

The Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiative (BMENAI)

May 10, 2005

In recent years, government, civil society, and business leaders from throughout the Broader Middle East and North Africa have voiced support for democratic reform in their region. Declarations at the Congress of Democrats from the Islamic World in April 2004 and at the Arab League Summit in May 2004, as well as statements issued at conferences in Aqaba, Sanaa, and Alexandria, have called for change based on the principles of political participation, tolerance, and social justice.

BMENAI Not a U.S. Program, But a Multilateral Effort Initiated by G-8 Nations

In response to this emerging momentum for reform coming from the region, the G-8 nations adopted the Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiative (BMENAI) at the Sea Island Summit in June 2004. This collaborative effort seeks to support the spread of reform and democracy throughout the region and end decades of policies that were willing to tolerate oppression for the sake of stability. As the centerpiece of this strategic partnership, the G-8 established the “Forum for the Future” to create the opportunity for Middle East, G-8, and other government leaders to meet and discuss their goals for political, economic, and social reform. The first Forum convened in Rabat, Morocco, in December 2004. The G-8 also approved an array of initiatives designed to promote democracy, entrepreneurship, literacy and education, opportunities for women, and financial stability in the region. Specific examples of pro-reform programs include small business loan programs, government exchanges, education programs, and women’s leadership workshops.

Turkey is a Full BMENAI Partner, Not a ‘Target’

Turkey is a strong partner in advancing freedom and democracy in the Broader Middle East and North Africa. As a secular, democratic country with a population that is predominantly Muslim, Turkey has a wealth of valuable experience to offer countries in the early stages of reform.

U.S. Appreciates Turkey’s Role in BMENAI Initiatives

The United States appreciates Turkey’s sponsorship, along with Italy and Yemen, of the Democracy Assistance Dialogue (DAD). A key component of the BMENAI’s “Plan of Support,” the DAD furthers the goals of the Initiative by bringing together government and civil society leaders to support democratic institutions, share information on democracy programs and initiate new ones, and sponsor exchanges. Turkish MFA officials, the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV), and women’s NGO representatives plan to host the first substantive DAD event, a conference on the role of women in a democratic society, in Istanbul in June. The U.S. also values Turkey’s participation in other BMENAI initiatives, including the Algiers Literacy Workshop in April and the Trade and Development Finance Conference in Jordan this month.

Turkey Not a ‘Moderate Islamic Model’ for the BMENAI Region

BMENAI does not aim to make Turkey less secular or less democratic. Turkey’s democracy and its experience with reform are precisely what make it a valuable BMENAI partner.

Stage for Democratic Change Set from Within Region

For democratic change and modernization to work, the U.S. believes it must originate from within the region and be tailored to fit prevailing circumstances in individual countries. Calls for reform from the region’s governments and civil society groups indicate a desire to embrace freedom and modernization, and the U.S. enthusiastically supports such efforts.

BMENAI, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Not Mutually Exclusive

Some critics have claimed that the United States is using the Initiative as an excuse to delay or avoid addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The opposite is true. The United States believes that Middle East peace and regional democratization are mutually reinforcing goals that can and should be addressed simultaneously. However, lack of progress in one area should not hold back progress in the other. Therefore, in parallel with BMENAI, President Bush, Secretary Rice, and other senior U.S. officials are actively engaged with our other Quartet partners (the UN, EU, and Russia), and we are making progress.

Shared Vision for a Democratic Future

History has shown that with democratization comes peace, freedom to dissent, respect for human rights, and greater educational and economic opportunity. Beyond improving the lives of millions of people, the reforms BMENAI seeks to support will bring greater freedom, prosperity, and stability to the Broader Middle East. Given the history of oppression, corruption, and economic deprivation in the region, positive change will not be quick or easy. However, the United States considers the spread of democratic values a worthwhile endeavor and has made a generational commitment to the process of reform.