The United States ought to promote democracy in the Middle East.

1st of all, this round was supposed to only be acceptance. You still get a constructive case after this posting. For that reason I am going to put of rebuttals until the 3rd round. Governments that block the aspirations of their people, that steal or are corrupt, that oppress and torture or that deny freedom of expression and human rights should bear in mind that they will find it increasingly hard to escape the judgement of their own people, or where warranted, the reach of international law. Today I strongly affirm, the United States ought to promote democracy in the Middle East. I would like to present the following definitions for today"s debate: Promote: To contribute to the growth or prosperity of (Merriam Webster Dictionary) Democracy is based on the freely expressed will of the people and closely linked to the rule of law. Democracy and democratic governance in particular, means that people"s human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected, promoted, allowing them to live with dignity. (United Nations). Ought: Implies the idea of morality. That we morally must do something. My debate ultimately revolves around the idea of preventing dehumanization to help society progress. I argue that United States ought to be promoted because it gives the people human dignity which helps their society. Contention 1: Affirmation promotes human rights, which builds human dignity. Ultimately, human rights in the Middle East are lacking which leads to lack of human dignity as the government treats certain individuals and groups like means. There are countless violations of human rights in the Middle East. One examples of many being Asmaa Mahfouz who attempted to peacefully congregate and ask for human rights. During her first gathering of only 4 people she said "No one came except three guys"three guys and three armored cars of riot police" and officers that came to terrorize us. They shoved us roughly away from the people." Her government was denying her human rights like freedom of speech and assembly, messaging that they could be treated with brutality. Also, in 2015 Iran executed several people for crimes such as loosing religious faith. When a government is allowed to provide such a brutal punishment in order to keep power completely unchecked they absolutely dehumanize every single person in the region with the clear message that they cannot have opinions and should only obey the oppressive laws. Democracy clearly helps with the clear tie between democratic nations, rule of law, and human rights. In and of itself democracy can"t work without human rights because it leaves the people with no power. Yet, even if you the Negative argues that democracy could fail preventing me from this impact human rights, and ultimately human dignity, are actually still impacted. The promotion of democracy creates notions of equality and signals to individuals that there inherent worth is valued empowering the people. For example, the single election in Egypt, regardless of its outcomes, improved the society by proving that they are being oppressed and that that is morally wrong. Stability under oppressed and dehumanized people is more dangerous and takes priority over instability with people with intrinsic self-worth because it promotes progress instead of barely surviving. If the United States, being the oldest democracy and the world leader in democracy can do anything to help the Middle East progress instead of digress than we ought to do it. Contention 2: Affirmation promotes equality. It does this through notions of pluralism and elections, directly signaling that every life is valued. On top of that, democracy makes it more difficult for corruption and oppression. The promotion of democracy returns human dignity to minorities and women, and provides security to individuals. For examples, in the Middle East there are 3 major religions which Islam having more than 8 distinct religious sects. The inherent problem is that a totalitarian government requires a hierarchy lending itself to the problems of dehumanization and oppression. This is especially important in the Middle East where there is historical distrust and modern fear between groups. For example, in Lebanon 75% of the population said they felt insecurity in their religions longevity. Democracy and democratic advancements like elections gives everyone a voice and takes away totalitarian rule. Even if there is a ruling majority starting out, it still provides signals to every individual that they are indeed equal, which is priceless for progress and welfare. according to SEP, "When people participate in making decisions" they are called upon to justify themselves and they are forced the think in terms of the interests of others." This mentality leads to unity and greater good. Contention 3: Affirmation reduces structural violence. Structural violence refers to systematic ways in which social structures harm or otherwise disadvantage individuals. This could include poverty, abuse, or any social system that harms society. As stated in my first contentions, the promotion of democracy counteracts abuse and counteracts hierarchy. Another example being poverty in which the human dignity allows poverty to become less localized on any particular group. This kind of violence ultimately takes the most precedence for 2 main reasons. For one, structural violence makes it easier for people to degrade other people because it is worked into the social system and the norm, ironically making it less noticeable but more detrimental. Compared to all other forms of violence or atrocities structural violence has no respect and makes the violence socially permissible. Another huge impact is that its effects are far more exponential because it make violence in general permissible. For example, the holocaust started as structural violence and dehumanization before it became direct genocide and war.