NeilHicks

Secretary Clinton makes it clear that the U.S is ideologically committed to preserving and encouraging independent civil society. The question now is what practical steps can the U.S take towards advancing this goal?

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2010

By Neil Hicks, International Policy Advisor
Crossposted from Huffington Post

This week, one year after President Obama’s “remarks to the Muslim world” delivered at Cairo University on June 4, 2009, Egypt has made little or no progress in political reform, human rights or democracy advancement. In fact there has been retrenchment.

As the Human Rights Summit begins today, attendees will need the US to uphold its own values while supporting struggling activists abroad.

The Islamic Republic is preventing protests by using violence, lies and illegal executions.

Human rights conditions in many parts of the world are deteriorating, including in a number countries that are viewed as important strategic partners of the United States. What can the President and his administration do to arrest this disturbing global trend? Here are four things that the President could say in his State of the Union Address that would demonstrate how his Administration intends to advance human rights and democracy around the world.

The U.S. is taking important steps towards promoting human rights worldwide. It must now stay true to those ideals.

The Obama administration should move forward and urge the Egyptian government to continue with political reform.

The Obama Administration only needs to be involved in the Iran election promote the value of human rights. Any other form of involvement will cause the U.S. to perceived as the enemy.

President Obama’s Cairo speech promoted human rights without directly attacking those against it.

Obama’s real challenge will be pushing human rights policies in less-accepting countries.