"Political parties in the Arab world: Clubs to preserve power or dynamic forces of change?"

Political parties in the Arab world seldom fit into right-left schemes of Western political systems. Rather than being perceived as interest groups that lobby for political change, they are often seen in the West as loyal blocks safeguarding the power of a political leader or a dynasty. But how do political parties (per)form in the Arab world? How can Western governments engage with them in ideological terms? What difficulties do European parties face in collaborating with Arab political parties?

To discuss those questions, the EuroArab Forum is pleased to invite you to our next debate on "Political parties in the Arab world: Clubs to preserve power or dynamic forces of change?" on 28 October 2009, 20h00-21h30 at Arthur’s Restaurant (Rue de Trèves 26, close to Place Luxemburg).

As keynote speakers we have the honour to welcome:

- A view from practice: Yonnec Polet, Foreign Policy Coordinator of the Party of European Socialists

- A view from theory: N.N.

To attend this event, please RSVP by e-mailing Olaf Deussen at olaf.deussen@euroarab-forum.eu before Tuesday, 27 October 2009.