Civil society—broadly conceived—played an important role in instigating the Arab uprisings and will continue to be a decisive force. With new spaces for collective action, civil society leaders are poised to play a bigger role in the social and political future of the Middle East and North Africa than ever before. The Middle East Task Force held this discussion with the Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND) and member organizations.
 
The ANND is a regional network operating in 11 Arab countries with 7 national networks and 23 NGO members. ANND’s work focuses on economic and social policies and rights in the Arab region. They are visiting Washington DC to discuss development challenges and social justice priorities in the region, and the effectiveness of US foreign policy, including bi-lateral assistance and trade policies, in meeting needs.

For an in-depth analysis of these issues and more.