Following the events in the Middle East, I have proposed a democracy review of UK
bilateral relations and former Europe minister Denis MacShane has suggested that David Cameron set up a Foundation for Democracy Development in the Middle East and North Africa to “provide an
all-party source of income, travel grants, and overseas seminars”
It would make sense, I think, to do both in succession, starting with the review and then creating a new body that can undertake the work. However, instead of creating a UK-only organisation, the government should build on the links established with Turkey’s government and set up a joint endeavour, chaired by William Hague and Ahmet Davatoglu, the Foreign Secretary’s counterpart. Many countries in North Africa are looking to Turkey as an example to follow and a UK-only initiative will be less effective.
But such a move will not be enough.
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