Dear MEI Community,

Like so many of you, I was horrified by the killing of George Floyd, and I share this message to reflect on the meaning of this crisis and what has become a pivotal moment for the United States in the world. Many of you have been deeply shaken by recent events, and spurred to action. This crisis heralds the need — and opportunity — for positive change.

The wave of pain and protest that the killing provoked underlines the long path still ahead in building truly inclusive and equitable societies and reinforcing human rights, good governance, and civil liberties. Our resident and nonresident scholars around the world regularly focus on these challenges in the Middle East, offering their recommendations for the best way forward. But today, we are facing these challenges here in the US, and in MEI’s hometown of Washington, DC. 
 
The US-Middle Eastern relationship is built on more than common economic and strategic interests. Despite much controversy over US foreign policy, many in the region have consistently looked up to the ideals of human rights and democratic governance enshrined in the US Constitution. The more these ideals are manifested in the US, the more they serve as an inspiration and aspiration for people in the Middle East. 

The road to building truly inclusive, equitable, and well-governed societies is never easy, and it has not been in the US either. As protests against the excessive and brutal use of force spread worldwide, the crisis underscores how interconnected we all are. Progress in the US is linked to progress around the world. 
 
We mourn the deaths of George Floyd and so many others in the Black American community and join our voices with those in the US and around the world who are committed to working to end systemic racism, discrimination, and exclusion. 

Even in this difficult time, we have seen so many people spurred to action. The road toward positive change is long and strewn with challenges; but through sustained commitment, political engagement, and purposeful action, positive change is possible.  

Paul Salem
President

 

Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images

The Middle East Institute (MEI) is an independent, non-partisan, non-for-profit, educational organization. It does not engage in advocacy and its scholars’ opinions are their own. MEI welcomes financial donations, but retains sole editorial control over its work and its publications reflect only the authors’ views. For a listing of MEI donors, please click here.