January 13th, 2009 by Jason

Freedom House has released its 2009 survey on the state of global political rights and civil liberties. This year, Iraq is the only MENA country to register a gain, due to the decrease in political violence and militia activity. Four countries declined in the ratings: Jordan (greater restrictions on freedom of expression), Bahrain (freedom of expression and Shiite persecution), Iran (repression of political opposition and media), and the Palestinian Authority (various Hamas and Fatah malfeasance). The report notes that as MENA was the centerpiece of the Bush administration’s freedom agenda, the region’s appalling reform record represents a particular failure for the U.S.

Once again, Israel is the only country listed as “Free”, with Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, Bahrain, and Kuwait “Partially Free.” All others are “Not Free.”

Here’s the overview essay (MENA starts on page 8). Michael Allen at Democracy Digest also has a good summary of the report.

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