1. EMERGING REGIONAL CHALLENGES NRCC GRADUATION Ambassador Dr. Sameh AboulEnein December, 2015

2.  Let me begin by extending my thanks and deep appreciation for inviting me to speak in my personal and academic capacities. The political transition in the region has undoubtedly changed fundamental dynamics in the Middle East, with significant implications for role of information technology, as an integral part of the future of security architecture in the Middle East. Public opinion and media plays now a more prominent role in Arab societies, and communications technologies provide a notable platform to transfer this public opinion to the decision-making institutions faster and more representatively.

3. As recently witnessed, the flow of masses in the streets, along with their participation in the elections, is a sign of their desire for deeper engagement in the policymaking and security concerns in the Middle East. Along with the political transition sweeping the region, several Middle Eastern states face significant social problems due to the economic deficiencies coupled with rising unemployment rates. Given these political changes, parliaments particularly through their specialized committees on national security are expected to play a more prominent role in issues addressing day-day in the Arab World.  However, there are other symptoms of transition in the region and these are: The failure of several state systems and the failure of governance experiments combined with the rise of non-state actors. The transitory result of the post- Arab Spring became a high securitisation of domestic political processes. The failure of the attempt to seperate the Middle East from the rest of the world, as globalisation remains a major influence. The successful conclusion of the nuclear talks with P5+1 has given Iran an important regional boost.

4.  Moreover, Cyber Security has become a serious challenge that interlinks with other political challenges in the region, such as the regional and cross-national terrorism. In this respect, efforts and demand-driven programs should be invested to help local governments create suitable environment for sustainable socio- economic conditions to overcome the roots of poverty and terrorism.  It is important here to highlight that cyber warfare has several forms, and there are multiple techniques and mechanisms on how cyber attacks may affect civilian devices, services and applications. Therefore, cyber security cooperation remains a part and parcel of any regional or international security arrangements. Many States in the region give high consideration for developing its cyber infrastructure and exert all possible efforts to update their cyber security techniques and capabilities.

5.  In addition, cyber security is crucial for maintaining nuclear security. The NSS in The Hague in March 2014 recognized the growing importance of information security, including information held on computer systems, related to nuclear material and technology. In these areas, cooperation between government, industry and academia is desirable.  Another significant challenge that faces the whole region is particularly terrorism, which requires concerted international efforts to combat the phenomena of terrorism and condemn all its forms, starting with extremism to the incitement of violence. There is an urgent need to develop an international mechanism in fighting terrorism. There is a serious need for closer cooperation in this field, taking into consideration the international character of such networks. It is believed that close cooperation is the only way for the countries of the region to identify, define and resolve the security problems of the region with international partners.

6.  Similarly, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) affects regional and international security. Both have destabilizing effects on social, societal and economic development and represent major challenges to peace and security. More efforts should be exerted to address these issues by encouraging dialogue and cooperation among Allies and partners to seek effective substantive solutions.  Along the efforts to establish a Middle East nuclear weapon free-zone, the following 3 technical provisions still need to be considered in order to achieve nuclear disarmament and non- proliferation in the Middle East, These are: Dismantling and destroying existing or remaining nuclear weapons capabilities, facilities, and devices under international verification mechanisms; Using nuclear materials and facilities for peaceful purposes only and placing all nuclear facilities under comprehensive IAEA safeguards; Addressing the issue of verification, including identifying the role of the IAEA and other relevant organizations such as the OPCW and CTBTO.

7.  Concluding Remarks amid a ‘Crisis era’: 1.Think Tanks Regional think tanks need to be better equipped, to provide and stimulate considered critical contribution and analysis on the challenges and opportunities present in developing a security zonal framework. A key role for this community would be to draw out the appropriate lessons and suggest road maps. 2.Capacity Building ​ Several layers of technical expertise will be required both to write and establish a technically watertight regional international security mechanism, and to run, manage, maintain and protect it once it is in place. This will require knowledge and an understanding of where joint ventures might be possible, and what technologies might be associated with them. 3.Technical Analysis: ​ There is a need to address technical analysis of existing cooperation treaties – their terms of reference and definitions; cooperation mechanisms, compliance, enforcement and monitoring methods; and their mediation structures. Opportunities may exist to develop networks and platforms for the exchange of perspectives and ideas across the region.

8. 4.Education & Training Education and training are key agents for development. They are complementary activities, which reinforce each other. Education focuses on the function of explaining concepts, doctrines and practices and teaching procedures. Training focuses on practicing and applying that knowledge, which helps to assimilate the subject matter completely. Exercises take training a step further by testing acquired knowledge during real-life or computer-assisted exercises with a scenario involving large numbers of participants from a broad range of countries. Further regional cooperation should focus on assisting partner countries in their reform efforts, and help bring peace and stability to crisis-hit areas, especially in with the rise of new security threats posted from non-state actors and other terrorist organizations.

9. 5.Regional Security In view of the above, the regional and international level, there are open questions around alliances, partnerships and relationships between partners. What exists at the moment is a much looser form of alliance with less constraining ties between allies than in the past. More efforts should be exerted to capacity to establish, protect and maintain regional peace with an effective dismantlement of illegal weapons programs that currently exist. At present, such personnel and skills are largely absent through much of the Middle East region. ​ 6. Palestine Finally, the raising of the flag of Palestine at the United Nations in New York, Geneva & Vienna is a major step in achieving peace & stability in the Middle East. The recognition of Palestine as an observer state in the UN is a landmark in the process of overcoming regional challenges & paves the grounds for constructive dialogue in the region.

10. Thank You