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Program Data Sheet 498-012 USAID PROGRAM: Asia and Near East Regional PROGRAM TITLE: Middle East Regional Democracy Fund (Pillar: Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance) STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE AND NUMBER: Middle East Regional Democracy Fund, 498-012 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2002 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $5,000,000 ESF UNOBLIGATED PRIOR YEAR FUNDS AND FUNDING SOURCE: $3,991,000 ESF PROPOSED FY 2003 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $5,000,000 ESF INITIAL OBLIGTATION: FY 1998      ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: Continuing Summary: The development of a democratic culture in the Near East, based on representative government, strong civil society institutions, and respect for individual human rights, directly supports the U.S. goal of fostering democracy worldwide and enhances U.S. interests in peace and stability in the region. More democratic countries in the region that respect the rule of law and embrace civil society are likely to transfer power peacefully, resist the spread of extremism, promote investment by increasing confidence in the business sectors, and enhance the stability of the Near East region as a whole. The countries of the Middle East are often characterized by autocratic rule, the absence of political and civil rights, cumbersome bureaucracies, corruption, and failure to deliver basic services. These factors, combined with fundamentalist Islam, pose serious challenges to the region’s democratic development. However, some positive democratic momentum in the Middle East has been generated in recent years. Public participation in political life in many states is increasing through the growth of active nongovernmental organizations and the expanded role of elected legislatures/advisory councils. Morocco and Yemen have demonstrated a willingness to implement judicial reforms, as well as provide additional degrees of freedom to civil society organizations. While still nascent, potential openings for civil society, court reform, and legislative strengthening exist in Oman and Algeria. Inputs, Outputs, and Activities: FY 2002 Program: This activity has defined a core program that directs resources to Morocco, Yemen, Oman, and Algeria in areas that have been identified as most likely to generate results over a short period of time. In FY 2002 the program will support activities focused on (but not limited to)— Algeria: parliamentary and civil society training; Morocco: civil society advocacy, human rights monitoring, anticorruption and ethics programs, women’s rights advocacy, pre-election political party training; Oman: judicial reform; and Yemen: political party and parliamentary training, electoral assistance, judicial reform. A Persian Gulf Regional Democratization Project will begin in 2002. The program will support establishment of a regional "democracy center" devoted to civic education; the development of a parliamentary training center to educate current and future legislators; and a series of targeted international visits and exchanges This activity also supports a small grants program administered by the Department of State. FY 2003 Program: USAID will conduct similar activities in FY 2003. Performance and Results: An analysis of issues and opportunities to promote democracy and governance in the Middle East indicates the likelihood of achieving positive results in three important areas: commitment to the rule of law, including respect for human rights and particularly women’s rights; a strong legal system; and an independent judiciary, as evidenced by improvements in the administration of justice and increased independence of judicial officials making fair decisions;   a strong and participatory civil sector, including nongovernmental organizations and the media; and   representative and accountable government, as evidenced by free and fair elections, more independent legislatures and improved constituency outreach. Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: U.S. partner organizations for democracy and governance activities include the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, the International Foundation for Election Systems, the American Bar Association, Freedom House, and others to be determined. US Financing in Thousands of Dollars 498-012 Middle East Regional Democracy Fund ESF Through September 30, 2000 Obligations 10,580 Expenditures 3,597 Unliquidated 6,983 Fiscal Year 2001 Obligations 0 Expenditures 5,700 Through September 30, 2001 Obligations 10,580 Expenditures 9,297 Unliquidated 1,283 Prior Year Unobligated Funds Obligations 3,991 Planned Fiscal Year 2002 NOA Obligations 5,000 Total Planned Fiscal Year 2002 Obligations 8,991 Proposed Fiscal Year 2003 NOA Obligations 5,000 Future Obligations 0 Est. Total Cost 24,571

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