By Rami G. Khouri
The Daily Star
STORY SUMMARY
The assorted political crises in Egypt, Tunisia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria and other Arab states show very clearly why credible constitutions are such important documents.
These two elements of orderly contestation and genuine citizenship are missing in most Arab countries, which is why the region sees so many countries in the throes of political tensions or outright warfare.
This happens in countries with different political systems and socio-economic conditions, such as Syria, Egypt or Kuwait, though they share the problem of the immaturity of Arab political systems.
Syria is at war with itself; Lebanon limps along with chronic and intense political disagreements that include outright boycotts of government institutions; Kuwait and Jordan have seen opposition forces challenge the government in the streets; and Egypt is locked in a bitter fight between the president and opposition groups over the new constitution.
This makes it even more important that Arab countries that are now writing new constitutions navigate this process in a credible and legitimate way.
The end of Assad rule in Syria will probably come through warfare, but then Syria will have to go through the same process that Egypt is experiencing.
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)