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Who is in the Middle East?
With the world's attention focused as never before on political reform and democratization in Arab countries, giving rise to often highly politicized debates, it is important to provide accurate, factual information about Arab political systems and reforms being introduced in the region. Countries in the Middle East include: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Palestine National Authority, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

• Latest news and information on the Middle East Peace Process

The Arab World and Representative Governments:
The world is changing more quickly than at any time in its history. As Arab leaders themselves have recognized, the challenge, in the Arab world as elsewhere, is to manage change in a way which preserves the best in society, gives ordinary people greater freedom and choice while protecting them from violence and injustice. Many in the region realize the extent of these challenges and are working for reform so that they can be addressed more effectively. Many governments have already taken important steps on economic, social and political reform, and others are following.

Role for Britain and the International Community:
The task for Britain and in the international community is to help to support the Arab world, drawing on our own experience of change - because we too have a vital interest in its success. We need to work first of all with those countries, which have shown a clear wish to reform; and we need to make sure the partnerships include conditions by which both sides are prepared to abide. We need to work closely together with the Arab world to ensure we get our approach right. The G8 also can also play an important working with businesses and with Arab governments to identify and reduce barriers to trade and investment, and to deepen local financial markets. The promotion of long-term stability and prosperity in the Broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) remains a priority for the leaders of the G8 countries and an important objective of the UK Presidency. The UN too has much to offer, and UN bodies have the expertise, resources and legitimacy, which are necessary for success. NATO should also be able to offer help in some areas, for example of closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism, proliferation and smuggling.

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Democracy, Reconstruction and Development in Iraq
Iraqis now have full responsibility for governing Iraq. Iraq's first democratic elections took place on January 30, 2020 with 8.5 million people voting on this historic occasion. During the legislative elections Iraqis chose representatives for the newly formed 275-member Iraqi National Assembly, the Council of Representatives.