SECOND QATAR CONFERENCE
ON DEMOCRACY AND FREE MARKETS 

 

Based on the discussions that took place at the second Conference on Democracy and Free Markets in Doha, the outlook for democratic principles and free-market economics is bright in the small Gulf state of Qatar.

            The conference, sponsored by the Islamic Institute, the Heritage Foundation, the University of Qatar, and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was held March 26-27. New panel topics at this year’s conference included the role of technology in emerging markets, the economic impact of structuring open markets, Muslim-Christian dialogue, women in a democratic society, and terrorism’s threat to the dialogue of civilizations.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani opened the conference with a keynote address in which he welcomed the distinguished conference guests. In his remarks, he stated that Qatar “believes in democracy as the indispensable foundation upon which the future of our peoples and countries will be built.” Welcoming remarks were also given by President of the Heritage Foundation Ed Feulner, Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC), President of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Mohammed Al-Thani.

In addition to hosting the latest round of World Trade Organization (WTO) talks last autumn, Qatar has encouraged more foreign investment and is set to adopt a written constitution this July. These and many other factors caused the Heritage Foundation, a major sponsor of the conference, to raise its ranking of Qatar from 87th to 70th in its annual “Index of Economic Freedom” report which assesses 161 countries from around the world.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) commented on “the great strides that Qatar continues to make in areas of democratic reform, human rights, and economic freedom.” WTO Director Mike Moore added that living standards will be increased with democratization. What has been achieved in Doha is the beginning of the process for democratic change in the region.

Conference participants discussed the structuring of opening markets, and Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) stressed the need for a trade promotion authority. Whitfield also remarked on the importance of this dialogue in helping others understand the benefits of free trade for all of people, regardless of societal status. Feulner added that “open markets are more than important for economic growth—they are critical for growth.” Former Finance Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Sartaj Aziz noted that open economies have grown 2.5 percent faster than closed economies.

The panel discussion on terrorism echoed the emir’s comment that, “history has given us lasting lessons and insights which demonstrate that nations which … upheld democracy and respected human rights were the ones which have succeeded to stand up to challenges.” In this important panel, Marwan Bishara of the American University in Paris argued that terrorism is an uncivilized dialogue and not part of any civilization, and that only through protecting universal values will terrorism be defeated.

When the emir visited the United States in October 2001, he stressed the importance of a free press and the involvement of women in society and government. These topics were also discussed at the conference. Coble and Director General of Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel Mohammed Jasim Al-Ali spoke on the role of the media in enhancing democracy. Claude Salhani of United Press International cited a recent controversy over Ted Koppel and David Letterman as a way to illustrate the media’s obsession with “the bottom line,” and to stress the need for more shows like Koppel’s “Nightline,” which serves the public well in its mission to educate.

The impact of technology on emerging markets was given an important platform with the presentation of Chairman of the Doha Stock Market Ghanim Al-Hamadi. His message was clear: without technology, today’s free markets cannot survive. Technology enables the four systems of the Doha market—trading, depository, clearing and settlement, and information dissemination—to work seamlessly and allows for over one billion shares to be traded daily.

The discussion of the role of women in democratic society was a perfect example of how the conference broadened its scope of participation. Panel participants from China, Egypt, Qatar, Russia, and the United States addressed women’s issues. Rep. Eva Clayton (D-NC)—the first woman, and the first African American woman, to be elected to Congress from the state of North Carolina—noted that women’s representation in politics is far below what it could be in the United States. She remarked that, “more than the right to vote, women need the confidence to seek political office and need help in candidate training as well as raising money.” Qatar is advancing in this area, as evidenced by its efforts to grant women suffrage and in allowing them to seek office in recent municipal elections.

Much like the diverse group of speakers brought together on the panel discussing women’s issues, the panel focusing on the components of a democratic society—organized by conference cosponsors, the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute—drew upon the expertise of individuals from Egypt, Bahrain, Palestine, and Oman. Conference participant Nader Said commented that in the Arab world there is an appreciation of and interest in democracy. But as Ahmed Al-Mukhaini stated, “Arabs cannot simply borrow the West’s definition of democracy—they need to develop their own.”

One of the best-attended sessions focused on Muslim-Christian dialogue. Participants commented that both Christians and Muslims believe in the existence of the same god, but that more must be done to educate and bridge the gap between the faiths through dialogue and action. Panelists praised world leaders for reaching out, especially President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair. Each visited mosques after the events of September 11 to illustrate their understanding and appreciation of diverse faiths. Adding to that important example, Corrine Whitlatch of Churches for Middle East Peace stressed the need for Jerusalem to be open to and respectful of people of all faiths.

The emir shared with conference participants his belief that, “the future of the region relies on the success of democratization.” In a country no larger than the state of Connecticut, many strides have been and continue to be made toward the goal of a more open and democratic society.