When it comes to corruption, the Arab region is second only to Africa. Arab governments like to give the impression they are doing something about it, even though in most cases government corruption is a large part of the problem. 

With the exception of Oman and Somalia, all Arab states have signed up to the international Convention Against Corruption. The Convention, which came into force four years ago, is a well-intentioned by mainly toothless document (which of course is why so many countries were happy to agree to it).

Last week, Egypt and Algeria – along with Angola, China, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Venezuela and Zimbabwe – succeeded in blocking efforts to give it some teeth.

An international meeting in Qatar discussed plans for a review mechanism to ensure that states abide by their treaty obligations. A mechanism was eventually agreed but in such a watered-down form that anti-corruption campaigners say it will be ineffective.

Countries' performance will be monitored every five years but "review teams will have to seek permission if they want to make a country visit or talk to those outside of government," according to Gobal Witness. Participation in the process by civil society organisations is also not guaranteed.

Furthermore, assuming that this allows meaningful reports to be produced, their full findings will not be available to other countries participating in the Convention.

As on other occasions when it has something to hide (international election observers, for example) Egypt justifies this on grounds ofnational sovereignty.