There are many countries in the Middle East that claim to have adopted a democratic government. Democracy is a form of government where the people have the right to elect their governing legislation. Iraq, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel, who were ruled by dictators first, say they now have a system of democracy. However, is this really true? Do their actions justify the claims of their democracy? 

There has been new adjustments made to parliament, new laws, and elections established in these countries, but there’s a hidden truth behind these new reforms. Parliament is overseen by government authorities and political parties. These authorities and parties are all corrupt. Officials take money for themselves rather than investing it for the good of their countries. Political parties, who may oppose each other, never hesitate to collaborate and get rid of anyone who threatens their hold of power. Laws are created, but never enforced. People roam around doing whatever they want. There has been a significant increase in crimes around the countries. There are elections held for the public that are, essentially, rigged. These elections are rigged for the sake of corrupt officials that want the election to turn to their favor, while making the public believe it was a fair decision. Anyone who is desperate for control will do anything in their power to make sure they dominate their country. On the surface, these Middle Eastern countries seem to embrace democracy, but by looking deeper into their processes, there are complicated matters of deceit, extortion, and fraud.

Aside from the fact that the government has manipulated the meaning of democracy, the people of these countries aren’t prepared for democracy. They don’t truly understand the process of democracy since they have mostly been ruled under a dictatorship. Time is needed to implement the procedures of democracy into their society. Once people have truly accepted democracy, there is hope for change and improvement in the Middle East.