Brookings: Experts - Hady Amr

Can Civil Society Help Bridge Divides between the United States and a Diverse Muslim World?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr presents research on past efforts to bridge the gap between the United States and a diverse Muslim world. In a wide survey of various initiatives, many of which developed post-9/11, Amr attempts to evaluate the level of success that different programs have experienced so far. Amr then offers several recommendations on ways civil society can be the most effective in bringing people together for meaningful dialogue and progress.

Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama’s 2009 Nobel Peace Prize immediately triggered strong reactions worldwide. Hady Amr and Steven Barnes write that the prize presents President Obama an opportunity to build on his recent efforts to foster dialogue between America and people of all faiths around the globe.

Lebanon: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lebanon’s electoral system, like Iran’s, should be confined to the dustbin of history, says Hady Amr. It’s disturbing. And worse, it actively reinforces the divisions which spark civil and sectarian strife. A new system can emerge if Lebanese civil society calls for it, and the international community supports these calls. The outcome would ultimately be a truly democratic Lebanon with less sectarianism, less violence, and more unity.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in Lebanon's Elections

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr discusses the good and bad news related to Lebanon's recent elections in which a pro-American coalition won. Amr notes that while there are many positives, the electoral system, in which parliament is seated on sectarian lines needs to go.

President Obama’s Cairo Speech: Healing the Wounds?

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr explores President Barack Obama's June 4 Cairo speech as seen through the eyes of an Arab-American who has focused a career on tying to explain the relationship between America and the Middle East. Arm writes that Obama evoked social truths and the word of God to speak to the Muslim world in a way he has never witnessed from a U.S. president.

Reactions to President Obama's Speech to the Muslim World

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama delivered a highly anticipated address in Cairo, Egypt on June 4 in an attempt to improve U.S. relations with the Muslim world. Brookings experts offered comments on the President’s speech.

Force Alone Won't Defeat Somali Piracy

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On April 8, a United States-flagged cargo ship carrying U.S. government food aid destined for Africa was hijacked by Somali pirates 300 miles off Somalia's coast. Hady Amr and Areej Noor examine the growing problem of of piracy and offer solutions to empower Somalia's new government and effectively end the string of hijackings.

Displacement in the Muslim World: A Focus on Afghanistan and Iraq

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Iraq and Afghanistan face displacement crises of massive proportions. According to best estimates, the number approaches two million refugees and 2.8 million IDPs. Although the pace of displacement has slowed since mid-2007, few IDPs and refugees have been able to return, their resources are running out, and international assistance has been inadequate. The longer displacement lasts, the more complicated it will be to resolve.

Displacement in the Muslim World

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Throughout the Muslim world, millions of people have been forced to flee their homes and communities for many reasons, including both conflicts and natural disasters. This massive displacement of people affects both national development plans and individual human development, affecting relationships between countries, UN Security Council discussions, and peace processes. In short, as Hady Amr and Elizabeth Ferris argue, understanding—and resolving—displacement is central to development, peace, and security.

Our Enemies are Watching the Presidential Election

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr and Ariel Kastner write that many throughout the world are watching the U.S. presidential election, including enemies like al-Qaeda. Rather than succumbing to fear, Amr and Kastner believe the U.S. must end torture, close Guantanamo Bay, and engage allies in order to drain the swamp from which al-Qaeda attracts its members.

The Muslim Olympics?

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr reflects on the Beijing Olympics and the lack of major success in these games by athletes living in the Muslim world. He argues that there should be a concerted effort to encourage youth to strive for greatness and inspire others to compete in the Olympiads of the future.

If the Muslim World Could Vote

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr discusses the current mood in Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, and its people's reaction to the U.S. presidential race. Amr states that, in their view, Malaysians are looking forward to the return of U.S. leadership which uses all facets of diplomacy instead of force to assert power in the world.

To Win the "War on Terror," We Must First Win the "War of Ideas"

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr and Peter Singer address the critical role that public diplomacy plays in improving the deteriorating image of the United States in the Muslim world. They argue that both public diplomacy and policies, including those on civil liberties, are vital to U.S. success in the war on terrorism and that the next U.S. president must designate this effort as a matter of highest national security importance.

What Lebanon Needs Now

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr writes about the need for Lebanon to create a truly democratic electoral system, free from the legal restrictions that divide the government into religious sects. He believes the current feudal system of government must be eliminated in order for the country to come together as Lebanese rather than sectarian groups.

The Rise of Middle East Peacemakers

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr believes that after 7 years of the Bush Administration’s blunders in Iraq, Lebanon and Israel-Palestine, Middle East leaders are beginning to solve their own problems. He writes that the new president of the United States will have to find a way to encourage the Middle East to continue to take responsibility for their problems while also restoring American credibility throughout the region.

Kidnapped: My Friend in Pakistan and American Ideals

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr writes about U.S. ideals and overall appearance in the Muslim world.

How “Super Delegates” Can Do Super Damage to America

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though the 2008 election season has been exciting and vibrant, Hady Amr believes it may have a detrimental effect on the voting public who does not fully understand the system in place to nominate a candidate.

Human Development in the Muslim World

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Participants discuss human development in the Muslim World in a paper prepared for the 2008 U.S./Islamic World Forum in Doha, Qatar.

The 2008 Election: Whose Decision is It, Anyway?

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr discusses the rules and strategies behind the U.S. election process and what it means for 2008.

Avoiding the Emergence of Two Lebanons

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Hady Amr, The Daily Star (9/10/07

How to Advance U.S. Public Diplomacy

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr notes recent high levels of anti-American sentiment shown in Pew global public opinion polls and that some of the lowest rankings are coming out of the Muslim world. He offers many ideas for "public diplomacy" that range from U.S. government sponsored programs to individual volunteering.

Religious Pluralism is an American Tradition

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Hady Amr, San Francisco Chronicle (7/26/07)

Shared Sovereignty, Jerusalem and the War of Ideas

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has always been finding a solution for Jerusalem. Hady Amr argues that American leadership on "shared" sovereignty for the city can help bring peace, but that the U.S. must remain committed to making it happen.

Engaging the Muslim World: A Communication Strategy to Win the War of Ideas

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A critical pillar of success in the war on terrorism is restoring the world's trust in America's word. Fortifying this pillar should be a top priority of the next President, with a special focus on relations with the Muslim world.

Restoring America's Good Name: Improving Strategic Communications with the Islamic World

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Hady Amr and Peter W. Singer, National Defense University (September 2006)

Give the Lebanese Voters a Say in Choice of New Electoral System

Fri, 30 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Hady Amr, The Daily Star (9/30/05)

The Need to Communicate: How to Improve U.S. Public Diplomacy with the Islamic World

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. Policy Towards the Islamic World, Analysis Paper #6 by Hady Amr (January 2004)