The Arab Human Development Report 2004

The Arab Human Development Report 2004 calls for an Arab Renaissance. Renaissance is of French origin meaning rebirth and it was a time when classical texts resurfaced and provided such notions that man could be responsible for his fate. Many might disagree to the application of this western concept onto the Arabic culture, because the concept is Western. However, to call for an Arab renaissance is to recognize the universality of the ideas of the renaissance, such as freedom of expression, and thought and the individual’s right to manage their life. The report mentions three world conflicts that contribute to the impediment of Arab human development:
• The “occupation” of Israel of Palestinian territories, US led occupation of Iraq and the escalation of terrorism.
• On a regional level, most Arab countries suffer due to the lack of freedom to create grass root organizations, and political parties, the lack of freedom of press
• The existence of undemocratic regimes and traditions of tribalism “under the cover of religion.”(p9)
• Works from Arab literary tradition are sometimes prohibited: The Prophet by Gibran Kahlil Gibran and A Thousand and One Nights
There are only 4 Arab countries with democratically elected candidates: Algeria, Sudan, Yemen and Palestine. Syria and Egypt depend on referendums where Parliament decides who leads.
-There is a lack of reporting of killings
-Disappearances of people mysteriously go unreported
-An individual’s nationality can be revoked
-Minorities are treated as second class citizens
-An Arab women may not transmit her nationality to her children.
- Lack of laws protecting women from domestic violation
-15 Arab countries 32 million suffer from malnutrition.
-1/3 Arab men are illiterate, half of Arab women are illiterate
--There does not exist the equal right to education
-Education is of poor quality due to the “low quality and the resulting failure to instill the basic capabilities of self-learning, critical analysis and innovation among those educated.

What is freedom for an Arab- freedom of movement, marriage, and ownership of property and the freedom of minorities? Governments are seen as impediments to freedom and lack accountability.

Structures Impeding Freedom
“the real flaw is not cultural in origin” (11)

“East” V “west”
Despotic regimes
“the Arab mind” undemocratic
Inability to create institutions and grass roots groups
Growth of intergovernmental interests such as for oil that overlook human rights
Journalistic freedom is curtailed by Arab legislation that deems such activity as “dangerous activities”
Sharia is interpreted by a judge rather than be converted to discourse between legislators. Sharia “lacks legal precision” and can be interpreted broadly.

-Arab constitutions conflict with human rights by removing public rights and freedoms and permit their removal (14)
--Clannish Arab families—submission starts at birth---school relies on “dictation and instill submissiveness” undermines critical thinking, thinking outside the box.


The report is very biased in its view if Israel and Arab affairs. Calling Israel an occupation and blaming “everything” on Israel. Palestinians are mere victims. Aren’t they also a victim of their own people, their arab brothers who give them arms rather than education, housing and jobs.

The report makes no mention of the religion of Islam, instead it hides behind the interpretation of inhumane acts to be “tribal” in nature rather than something “misinterpreted” by generations and generations of ignorance. The report discusses the poor quality of education, the subjugating ways and methods of educational system and the lack of literacy in the Arab region. Where does Islam figure in with this renaissance? What values of Islam should be included and what values should be dropped? Should there be an official religion? Does Islam consider secularism? Is that allowed?

Hamas= Resistance Movement (p37)