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Leadership, Not Locusts, is Egypt's Greatest Plague
The central problem behind Egypt's problems is its president, Mohamed Morsi. He quite obviously has no idea what he's doing. The brotherhood hadn't governed anything of consequence -- certainly not a fractious nation of 82 million people
Africa is the one remaining region where big families are the norm. Fertility is still high with five births per woman and rapid population growth is inevitable. Africa's population will more than double from 900 million today to 1.96 billion by 2050
Is Egypt Being Primed for a Coup?
When an important opposition leader hints that a military coup might be preferable to the current chaos, and when a major financial organization proposes an economic program certain to spark a social explosion, something is afoot
Richest Businessman Says Libya Is Better Off
Despite problems buffeting the country, Libya's richest businessman says all Libyans are better off now than they were under Moammar Gadhafi. However, Hesham Husni Bey's optimism is tinged with frustration
Anti-Morsi Fervor Grows Despite Shift in Election Dates
Whether it's angry Copts or the ongoing demonstrations against his rule, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi continues to face growing challenges and growing nationwide unrest
Egypt's Turmoil Makes Life Tougher for Refugees
Life in Egypt for refugees has moved from bad to worse after the revolution. Refugees and migrants are frequently the victims of unprovoked arrests and disappearances, while also struggling to feed themselves and pay rent
Will Morsi Face Mubarak's Fate in Egypt?
As Egyptians celebrated the second anniversary of former President Hosni Mubarak's ouster, protests organized by opposition groups continued against the rule of Mubarak successor Mohamed Morsi, whom some believe will meet Mubarak's fate
Would the Turkish Model Work in Arab Spring Countries?
The leader of one of the most popular political parties in Tunisia says his model for the development of democracy in the Muslim world is Turkey. Experts debate whether secularism could take root in countries like Egypt or Tunisia
Algeria: Return of the Arab Strongman
Algeria, the biggest country in Africa, played an eerily subdued role in the Arab Spring. It is only now, two years since a wave of popular uprisings spread across the Middle East and North Africa, that Algeria has become a focus of world interest
Jihadism in North Africa Gets US Attention
The main foreign preoccupation seems to be the potential threat to America of al-Qaida of the Islamic Maghreb and the other bands of Islamic jihadists, kidnappers, smugglers and bandits active in the Sahara
The Regional Threat Posed by Mali's Militants
Militant Islamists fleeing northern Mali under pressure from French forces could undermine security in neighbouring countries from where some of the fighters are believed to hail. They could also attract the support of sympathetic militias in the region
Self-Interested Leaders Roil Chaos in Middle East
The Middle East along with the larger Islamic world are the perfect demonstration of a 'world on fire'. When have we ever seen such widespread turmoil, destruction and death as we are witnessing right now?
Tunisians Question Future After Politician's Death
The shooting death of an opposition politician has brought to a head simmering tensions in Tunisia and deep political and religious divisions. Tunisia, once heralded as a model for Arab democracy, is struggling for a way forward
Libyans Wary of Violence in Tunisia
Facing similar challenges, Libya and Tunisia have been establishing closer ties, trying to learn from each other. Libya’s leaders are watching nervously the turmoil in neighboring Tunisia, fearing it may foreshadow trouble for them too
The In Amenas Fiasco Throws Cold Water on the Algeria-U.S.-France Love Fest
The Algerian hostage situation and ensuing crisis -- one of the largest hostage seizures ever ended with the death of 80 people -- was both a human and political fiasco and its regional implications are still evolving
Africa to the World: Don't Tell Us Who We Are or What To Do
Recently, two completely different events demonstrated how sensitized Africans have become about Western attitudes and; American and European condescension towards toward them
Tunisia Two Years On: The Crisis Deepens
When President Zine Ben Ali was deposed, a new era of modern Tunisian history -- one filled with hope and frustration -- unfolded
Tunisia and the Struggles Of Drafting a New Constitution
The view that Islam and democracy are incompatible is gaining strength in the western world. How can Tunisia prove the skeptics wrong?
Libya: Gaddafi's Guns Trigger Collapse
In their planning to support the Libyan revolution, Western powers appear to have neglected the impact on its sub-Saharan neighbours. This gap in thinking may reflect the institutional gulf in foreign ministries between sections focused on the Middle East and North Africa
The Expensive, Diminishing Threat of Somali Piracy
Ship hijackings and piracy off the coast of Somalia has dropped off dramatically in 2012. However, diminished activity does not necessarily mean a decrease in the cost of sailing around the Horn of Africa
A Bright and Shining Libyan Lie
Almost everything we have been told about Libya over the last two years is untrue. A free Libya was supposed to be proof of President Obama's enlightened reset Middle East policy
Democratized Media Meets the Arab Political Awakening
Recent events in the Middle East only forewarn of future turmoil as the democratization of the media in the West meets the political awakening in the Arab world
Morsi's Plan to Keep the Egyptian Army Sweet
Mohamed Morsi, Egypt's president, is on a collision course with the army. But powerful voices within the new leadership are saying there are limits to how fast the military can be sent back to barracks
Targeting Tribal Leaders: A New Militant Tactic in Sinai
Militants in the Sinai have targeted tribal leaders, though whether this is wise remains to be seen
Call for Investigation into Post-Revolution Deaths in Egypt
Clashes during the second anniversary of the revolution which deposed Egypt's former president Hosni Mubarak have brought the number of Egyptians killed since the uprising began to at least 1,085
Egyptians Struggle to Keep Hope
There has been so much change in Egypt in the past two years, it is sometimes hard to remember how little there was for so long. Hosni Mubarak's near 30-year rule was a weight that seemed, to many, impossible to lift
The Unspectacular, Unsophisticated Algerian Hostage Crisis
The recent jihadist attack in Algeria, and the subsequent hostage situation prompted some knee-jerk discussions. From these discussions came the belief that the incident was unprecedented. A closer examination shows quite the opposite
Rice Farmers Lose Harvest to Floods
Flash floods have washed away the rice harvest of some 2,000 farmers in western Kenya, flooding some of their homes and sending latrine effluent into water courses
While the appetite for cheap and tasty fare offers an ever-expanding market, the business climate in the Muslim world has a habit of turning nasty for outlets of America's fast-food chains
Floods Affect Tens of Thousands Throughout Africa
Above-average seasonal rains in parts of the East and Horn of Africa have affected tens of thousands of people, displacing families and restricting access to many in need
Libya: From Gadhafi to Benghazi
The killing of four American diplomatic personnel in Libya exposes the consequences of the Arab Spring uprisings
Middle Eastern Governments Continue to Let Their People Down
The anti-American foment sweeping through the Middle East demonstrates that the new governments, and the older but chastened ones, are still letting them down
Egypt's President Reasserts His Country's Sovereignty in World Affairs
President Morsi has been looked upon with some apprehension, suspected of supplying a modest and accommodating facade for a movement considered to be committed to a fundamentalist version of Islam
Who Needs Reform Most: Egypt or America?
It isn't the policies and attitude of the United States toward the Arab world that need changing. It's the attitude and policies of the Arab world that need to change
Egypt's Hazardous Roads and Railways
Egypt should invest more in modernizing its roads and railways if it wants to bring down the shockingly high number of accidents and fatalities
Egyptian Court Orders Retrial for Mubarak
Supporters chanted slogans in favor of deposed president outside courtroom; opponents, families of protesters killed during 2011 revolution demonstrated nearby
Morsi Seeks Release of Blind Preacher from U.S. Prison
Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi will ask U.S. President Barack Obama to release from a North Carolina prison a blind Muslim preacher when he visits Washington
'Responsibility to Protect' After Libya
'Responsibility to Protect' is a doctrine which aims to end impunity for the perpetrators of atrocities such as those being committed in Syria. Gareth Evans, explains why the UN is now powerless to stop the bloodshed, and offers ideas on restoring consensus
Egypt, Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula
The Gaza conflict comes at an interesting time in Egyptian-Israeli relations. Cairo recently saw the Muslim Brotherhood candidate assume the Egyptian presidency, while in the past two years Israel has approved Egyptian military increases in the Sinai Peninsula
The deeper reason for the heated response to 'Innocence of Muslims' from the Muslim world is not so much Western rhetoric but Western policy
America Should Not Apologize for its Values which Clash with a Hostile Islam
Ayaan Hirsi Ali, author of 'Infidel,' the political ideology embedded in Islam that makes no room for any criticism of its foundational father and sacred texts
Shortly before the national elections, the Tunisian narrative shifted from the socio-economic crisis which fueled the revolt to religion
Growing Violence Between Christians and Muslims in Egypt
When Antonius Nashaat had to flee his house following a business feud between Muslims and Christians, he had little faith the police would intervene to stop the violence
Libya's first democratic election went comparatively smoothly. But it's what comes next that poses the greater challenge
In Egypt, Morsi's Silence Speaks Volumes
Mohammed Morsi has been Egypt's president for less than a month, and already senior clerics in his country and around the Islamic world are loudly calling for the demolition of the pyramids
It is often said that the Arab Spring proves American support for Middle Eastern autocrats for more than half a century was wrong because the policy did not bring peace or stability. Nonsense
Global Peace Index Bad for Middle East and North Africa
While the world has become more peaceful for the first time since 2009, the Middle East and North Africa has now surpassed sub-Saharan Africa as the least peaceful region on earth
Egypt's Path Winds Toward Democracy
Egypt's presidential election ought to be celebrated as a great success for the forces of democracy in Egypt and the Arab world
Morocco's Short-Sighted Politics
Morocco's democratic deficit, too often abetted by allies, has contributed to an unsustainable status quo both at home and in Western Sahara
The Continuing Threat of Libyan Missiles
We have seen Tuareg militants, previously employed by the regime of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, leave Libya with sizable stockpiles of weapons and returning to northern Mali, where they have successfully wrested control of the region away from the Malian government
Whatever may be the eventual outcome in Syria, there is no denying the fact that for all practical purposes the dream of establishing democracy and the rule of law and the institution of human rights in the Arab World is almost over
The Arab Spring in the Long Run
It was hoped that the Arab Spring would bring freedom and democracy to the Middle East and North Africa. However, continued unrest in Libya and Syria points to a potentially bleaker future for the region
Riots Signal Trouble for Tunisia's Islamist Leadership
Tunisia is straining, pulled on one side by violence in the streets and campuses and on the other by political paralysis in parliament
Hillary Clinton Moves to Bear Hug Egyptian Leader
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton heads to Cairo for a two-day visit that aims to give a hearty handshake to the new Islamist president and move to temper any radical moves by his government
Time to Turn the Page on Egypt
If we truly believe in the value of democracy, the value of freedom, and the power of the people's voice, we will support Egypt and its new president
Should the West Believe Egypt's New President?
The presidential election in Egypt, won by the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi, challenges contemporary deniers and enablers who refuse to acknowledge the threat advancing Islamism poses to Israel and the West
Elections and Instability in Algeria
Recent Algerian elections are not a sign that the Arab Spring is coming to Algeria
Egypt's New President Faces Lengthy Economic Agenda
By almost every measure, Egypt is in deep trouble: economic growth has stagnated, foreign currency reserves are down to dangerous levels, the government has a yawning budget deficit and political uncertainty remains overwhelming
Europe's Dilemma: Immigration and the Arab Spring
It's time Europe stopped viewing immigrants as a threat to society
The Political Economy of the Maghreb Spring and Its Aftermath
Tunisia is going through a classic transition moment, complete with both opportunity and risks
Egyptian Revolution Frozen in Its Tracks
A year and a half after the Tahir Square uprising, the Egyptian military used its power to offer the Egyptian people the same electoral non-choices they have had in the past
Rising Tide of Small Arms Fueling Terror in Kenya
A spate of 'terror' attacks, aid worker kidnappings and heightened ethnic conflict in northern Kenya have fuelled demand for small arms by civilians and criminals
This article examines the hopes and prospects for democratization in Algeria
Arab Spring Frees Media, Mostly
For the first time in eight years, freedom of the global press was not in decline in 2011 and for that the world can thank protestors who brought down dictatorships in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia
Resurgent Arab Nationalism in Egypt?
Egypt's Islamists carry widespread support throughout the country. Nonetheless, the surge of enthusiasm for Hamdeen Sabahi demonstrates the growing strength of Nasserism in post-Mubarak Egypt
Saudi Arrest Lays Bare Egyptian Resentments
Long suppressed, Egyptian anger at Saudi Arabia's treatment of its expats emerges in protests over an activist's arrest
Egypt Foils Iranian Plot to Kill Saudi Envoy in Cairo
Nearly three months after Egyptian authorities arrested three Iranians, the legal advisor of the Saudi Arabian embassy disclosed that Egypt had foiled a plot to assassinate Saudi ambassador to Cairo Ahmed Qattan
IMF Aid Becomes Egyptian Political Football
As Egypt's foreign reserves plummet, an International Monetary Fund delegation leaves Cairo without terms for a loan
IMF Sees Another Year of Tepid Growth
After a 2011 that most of the region's economies would rather forget, North Africa looks set for more of the same this year
Salafists Could Roll Arab Spring Back to Arab Winter
An Islamic civil war could result if the Wahhabi/Salafists are permitted to take control with the US 'managing' the conflict and the Wahhabi/Salafists doing the dirty work
Tunisia's Rulers Squeezed Between Salafists and Liberals
The Tunisian Islamist party Ennahda's moderate Islam wins few friends, lots of distrust, and comparisons with Ben-Ali
The Congress for the People of Cyrenaica attracted international attention after the group demanded greater autonomy from the central government in Tripoli
Militias Still Have the Run of Libya
Despite some success the interim government has had ahead of the planned June 2012 national elections in bringing militias to heel several obstacles remain
Time to Rein in Libya's Militias
In Libya, many positive signs are emerging from the debris of battle. But much remains to be done, in particular with regard to security, justice and human rights
In Egypt, A cellphone is a Wireless Lifeline
Post-revolution chaos, wandering youth spur Egyptian families to stretch budgets to stay in touch by cellphone
Arms Appetite in Middle East and North Africa Remains Strong
Stockholm Institute figures show a 13 percent rise in arms sales to the Middle East between 2007 and 2011, with a big jump last year
Copts Debate: Fighting Pope or Peacemaker
Tense times in Egypt as Christians choose successor for Pope Shenouda
Are the changes in Tunisia deep and enduring, or simply cosmetic?
Egypt's Other Revolution: Modernizing the Military-Industrial Complex
Planners in the Egyptian military want to boost the old defense-industrial complex by cultivating new smaller scale projects that partner the Egyptian armed forces with a diverse portfolio of second- and third-tier foreign defense manufacturers
Clock Ticking for Egypt's Finances
Egyptian unrest is not Egypt's only problem as time runs out on financial issues
Fans of Rival Soccer Teams Clash in Egypt, 73 Killed
Hundreds of fans of rival teams clashed after a match in a stadium in Port Said, Egypt killing at least 73 people and wounding hundreds others
As the Cairo International Book Fair opens, a year of revolution has made its mark as a theme for writers and readers alike. Besides the usual cultural activities, a section this year is dedicated to the testimonies of the revolutionaries
Egypt: The Importance of History and Process
Egyptians are voting for what is hoped to be the first freely elected parliament in decades. Although an encouraging development, these elections do not yet signal a new dawn in Egyptian politics
Journalist Joseph Mayton saw firsthand over 13 hours of detention in the new Egypt, a country where the military rules, the police and the torturers act as enforcers
In Egypt's New Democracy, Women Feel their Vote Diminished
For Egypt's women, who make up 52 percent the country's eligible voters, voting is less fair than they had hoped
Libya: Long Road to Disarmament
Mistrust of Libya's interim administration is likely to deter tens of thousands of revolutionary fighters from complying with a massive new demobilization plan
Somalia: Mohamud Mohamed Ali, 'Two years later, I am back to square one'
Mohamud Mohamed Ali, 21, was a high-school student when he fled the Somali capital, Mogadishu, in June 2009, in fear of being forcibly recruited into Al-Shabaab. His dangerous journey ultimately took him to South Africa
Somalia: Yemen Returnee Numbers Soar
Continuing unrest and xenophobia in Yemen have prompted an upsurge in the number of migrants and refugees returning to Somalia, with up to 6,000 reported to have travelled back across the Red Sea
Egyptian Elections in Doubt as Violence Returns to Tahrir
Middle East analyst Bayless Parsley examines the impact violent clashes between Egyptian protesters and security forces will have on upcoming parliamentary elections and how Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces plans to respond
Rule of Law Under Siege in Egypt
Demonstrations in Cairo's Tahrir square against Egypt's interim military rulers have reportedly left at least 33 people dead and more than 1,500 injured since they began
Egyptians Feel Less Secure on Streets and in Wallets
Egyptians feel less safe from crime and worse off financially than before the revolution that toppled President Husni Mubarak, according to opinion polls as the country's transitional military government struggles to retain its legitimacy in the eyes of many Egyptians
Guide to Egypt's First Post-Revolution Elections
Millions of Egyptians will head to the polls on November 28th in the first parliamentary vote after a popular uprising ended Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule
Fitting End for Libya's Bloody Dictator
Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi is finally rotting in the ground, ending the unsavory spectacle of his bloody corpse on public display in a refrigerated vegetable locker. A guy like him was lucky not to end up with his head on a stake
The last year or so has seen a significant change in piracy activities, which has led to considerable successes for these terrors of the high seas
Riots and Revolutions in the Digital Age
For the Arab Spring it was Twitter; for the summer riots in London it was BlackBerry Messenger. The latest technology is helping to accelerate 'information cascades', where people make decisions based on what they see other people doing -- and getting away with
Democracy in Revolution: the Mediterranean Moment
By showing us the possibility of democracy in revolution, the Mediterranean has ignited a revolution in democracy, one that is redefining the meaning of both terms
Tunisians Celebrate Elections, Worry What Follows
As Tunisians celebrated their first big step toward democracy, many feared it may be followed by another step back as the Islamic Ennahda Party is likely to emerge as the biggest vote getter, setting the stage for a possibly searing conflict over the role of religion in the nascent democracy
Lack of Education Hinders Arab Economies
Across the Arab world -- from the wealthiest oil economies to the resource-poor countries of North Africa and the Levant -- education remains a key obstacle to making the region's economies economically competitive, a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) has found
In response to popular pressures, the Algerian regime is making gestures toward reform. But the real problem is the regime itself.
Egyptian Blogger Finally Becomes Cause Celebre
Shunned as pro-Israel, a controversial blogger is adopted by Egyptian activists after authorities send him to psychiatric hospital
Al-Qaddafi-Era Rivalries Haunt Libya
More than seven months after Muamar Al-Qaddafi was toppled from power, his legacy of divide, rule and suppress has bequeathed Libya with simmering grievances now boiling over into fierce turf wars
Arab Spring May Not Bring Democracy and Modernization After All
Ever since Islamists took office in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, they have been trying to convince us that they are advocates of moderation, democracy, women's rights and individual freedoms
Rare Glimpse into Middle East Middle Class Angst
Less than a third of the people surveyed in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Morocco said they are 'extremely satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their current economic situation
Algeria: Ripe for Rebellion, But Wary Too
In Algeria, memories of past fighting deter unrest despite economic malaise, political repression
Death Penalty Stalks the Middle East and North Africa
At least 588 people were executed across the Middle East and North Africa last year, the largest number anywhere in the world except in China and a 50 percent rise over 2010
Egypt: Livestock Disease Puts Food Security at Risk
A new strain of foot-and-mouth disease in Egypt has killed several thousand livestock, put farmers' livelihoods at risk and could threaten regional food security
Egypt: Helping Refugee Women to Fend for Themselves
Egypt is a signatory to the Geneva Convention for Refugees, but it bans them from seeking lawful employment, posing a survival challenging for the refugees
Egypt: Fears of Malnutrition Amid Increasing Poverty
Experts say malnutrition in Egypt is not related to a shortage of food, but rather to a lack of access to proper foods, leading to a deficiency in essential micronutrients
Port Said Dialogue Aims to Restore Calm
Weeks after more than 70 died in stadium violence, Egyptian leaders seek to restore confidence to a still-shaken Port Said
Egyptian Strike Fails to Mobilize Masses
Strikes and campaigns of civil disobedience aimed at forcing the generals ruling Egypt to step down was largely ignored. But organizers are revising their tactics and say they are confident their message is reaching the public
The Egyptian Revolution One Year On
One year after forcing their long-time ruler Hosni Mubarak to step down, many Egyptians are confused about the achievements of the revolution so far
At Tahrir Square, Joy Turns to Fear
Women faced assaults and groping as Egypt celebrated the Arab Spring revolution's anniversary
Some Surprises as Egypt Marks Revolution's First Year
Contrary to popular perceptions, Egypt's Islamists are not so popular, its parliament not so rights-friendly and its press not so free
Foreign Investment Outlook Dims as Arab Spring Continues to Stir
Foreign direct investment, one important remedy for economic revival in the Middle East and North Africa, looks like an increasingly distant prospect amid the continuing political turmoil
Arab Islamists Are Here to Stay
Given the history of Western support for corrupt secular governments, the popularity of moderate Islamist parties should come as little surprise nor should it be cause for concern
Arab Spring: The Fog in Our Future
The most dramatic contemporary event from which one can attempt to extrapolate future world change is the political and social uprising of the Arab peoples of the Mediterranean basin. The consequences are unpredictable, highly political in the short run, and wholly unfathomable in the longer term
International Security: Balanced Transition
'Starting from scratch' is the term used widely to describe the challenges faced by the world's newest state, the Republic of South Sudan. More recently, it has been used to describe the difficulties to be faced in Libya. While the two states are in entirely different situations both face similar difficulties in what is effectively nation building in a post-war context
Egyptian Citizens Take Up Arms Amid Insecurity
It took Ahmed Fawzi, a College of Islamic Studies graduate, only a few hours after seeing a man robbed and killed by a group of criminals to buy a gun
Egypt's Generals Fail to Stem Human Rights Abuses
In the nine months since they assumed control, the generals ruling Egypt have managed to run up an abysmal human rights record as Husni Mubarak, whose toppling from power they had promised would usher in a new era of democracy and freedom
Sinai Bedouin Join Al-Qaeda Out of Bitterness, Not Ideology
Economic and social grievances at heart of surge in violence in the Egyptian-ruled Sinai Peninsula
After decades of government malfeasance, Libya needs new political structures, a strong civil society, and an equitable economy
Gaddafi's Death: Mission Accomplished!
One dictator less is good, the mission has been accomplished and whatever else is happening in Libya is just mundane
The popular Arab Spring protests against tyrannical regimes originally brought hope for freedom and democracy in the region. However, even with marginal victories, like Qadhafi's death, the future of these countries remains extremely delicate and uncertain. Here's the latest update on the countries most affected by this year's Arab Spring uprisings
Gaddafi Took Knowledge of Where Bodies Were Buried to the Grave
In all the speculation about why the late Libyan ruler was assassinated, it seems strange that media commentators would not at least speculate that it was because more than a few world governments and leaders would not want to have risked his shooting off his mouth in a trial
Libya: Now the Hard Part Starts
More than four decades after he seized power, and more than seven months after the civil war began that led to his ouster, Muammar al-Qaddafi is dead, forever removed from Libya's politics. Qaddafi's death alters but does not transform the situation in Libya
Qadhafi's Death Leaves Libyan Oil Industry Uncertain
The death of Libyan dictator Muammar Qadhafi marks the end of an era, both for the nation and its once-booming oil industry
Libya: The True Costs of Humanitarian Intervention
As rebel forces consolidated control of Tripoli in the last days of August, many pundits began speaking of a victory for the idea of humanitarian intervention. Yet even if the intervention does ultimately give birth to a stable and prosperous democracy, this outcome will not prove that intervention was the right choice in Libya
Libya: Humanitarian Intervention Comes of Age
Foreign policy realists and other critics likened the Libyan operation to the disastrous engagements of the early 1990s, arguing that humanitarian intervention is the wrong way to respond to intrastate violence and civil war. To some extent, widespread skepticism is understandable: foreign interventions inevitably face steep challenges. Yet such skepticism is unwarranted
As Arab Awakening Gets Messy, US Involvement Weakens
Since the start of the intervention in Libya, commentaries on the left have usually interpreted the action as Western imperialism. It was called an effort to seize control of Libya's enormous oil reserves, in the guise of humanitarian intervention
The Arab World's Democracy Deficit
A Harvard scholar points to medieval conquests as the basis for modern autocracy in the Middle East
Web Grows in Middle East and North Africa But So Does Censorship
The Internet is enjoying explosive growth across the Middle East and North Africa, but that has made governments of the region more fearful than ever of the on-line community
Egypt's Liberals Shun Constitutional Assembly
The task of writing Egypt's new constitution will be in the sole hands of the Islamists after liberals and leftists said they were opting out of a process they say is destined to be dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists
Arab Spring Democracy: A Win for Women?
More than a year into the Arab Spring, women get more of a voice in Tunisia, Libya, but Egypt seems to be marching backwards
The Arabs' exceptionalism was becoming not just a human disaster but a moral one. Then, a frustrated Tunisian fruit vendor summoned his fellows to a new history. The third Arab awakening came in the nick of time, and it may still usher in freedom
Honor Killings Defy Attempts at Reform
Across the Middle East and North Africa, honor killings are seemingly on the rise
Red Sea Bridge Back on the Drawing Board
The on-again, off-again bridge linking Egypt to Saudi Arabia via the Straits of Tiran has come back to life
Next Fight in Egypt and Tunisia Will Be Among The Islamists
Islamist movements were more successful than any other parties in the recent parliamentary elections in Egypt and Tunisia, prompting some observers to accuse them of 'stealing the revolutions'
Time to Build Bridges Over The Mediterranean
The Mediterranean stands as a dividing line between a prosperous Europe and a poor North Africa at a time when deeper economic ties could provide part of the solution to both crises
Middle East, North Africa Growth Set to Improve
Economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa will likely hold steady this year, even as the rest of the world economy slows
For Investors Arab Spring Dangers Remain
Political risk consultant sees more upheaval in the Middle East this year and beyond because the causes of instability remain
Egypt: Obama's Middle East Miscalculation
The euphoria of the Arab Spring, the instant Twitter-style transition from dictatorship to democracy, is seen for what it is: an illusion
Arab Awakening Begins to Resemble European Enlightenment
What exactly is it today that is 'awakening' in North Africa and the Middle East? It is the people. They demand justice. But are they capable of creating just and modern governments?
Arab Spring Takes Surprising Toll on Expats
The quality of life for foreigners living and working in the Middle East and North Africa has certainly taken a turn for the worse over the past year, but they might be surprised to find that some of the cities where the biggest drops occurred were by no means the ones most seriously affected by war, protests and strikes
Plunging Foreign Reserves Pose New Threat to Egypt
While Egyptians make repeat visits to the polls over the next three months to elect a new government and debate the future of their country, the country's foreign currency reserves are rapidly running down to perilous levels
Tahrir Square Protestors Losers in Egyptian Elections
Egypt's flawless elections, big turnout, and the expected win for Islamists leave liberal opposition adrift
Expected Win by Egypt's Islamists Poses Dilemma for U.S. Policy
For the Obama administration, which has pushed for free and fair elections in Egypt, the process itself might be considered a victory. The outcome, however, would be a bitter pill to swallow, as U.S. policymakers are forced to reach out to the Muslim Brotherhood to protect their interests in the region
Tunisia's New Premier Faces Islamic Test
All eyes will be on Tunisia's Hamadi Jebali, the Arab Spring's first democratically elected Islamist leader
Europe's Woes Make Their Way Across the Mediterranean
Europe's seemingly intractable financial crisis is threatening to make itself felt across the Mediterranean in the economies of North Africa that can least afford another blow, economists say
Egypt and Tunisia Try to Lure Back Their Tourists
Egypt and Tunisia are trying to woo back tourists with campaigns making use of the social media, celebrities, new slogans and a dose of image re-branding
Tunisia Elections: The Real Thing This Time
Although many challenges lie ahead, Ennahda's victory in Tunisia shows that the country is starting to work like a real democracy
Obama Sets New Precedent with Role in Getting Gadhafi
Unlike the death of Osama bin Laden, the demise of Moammar Gadhafi cannot be chalked up as an unquestioned achievement of President Obama as he seeks political arguments for re-election next year. By choice, the American role was secondary, even inelegently described as 'leading from behind'
Obama Risks an Oil Opportunity
It may be a good time to remind President Obama of oil's importance to economic security, and the role that wartime leadership and image play in getting your hands on it post-victory. He can't just quietly outsource and downplay war because it's icky, then call dibs on victory, as he has just done with Libya. Something has to give
Gadhafi Bites the Dust ... What's Next?
Forgive me if I don't join in the euphoric Hallelujah Chorus celebrating the demise of Moammar Gadhafi. Oh, I'm happy he's dead, but ...
When you get a chance to have one less Gaddafi in the world, you should take it
What's Next for United States - Libyan Relations?
After Muammar Gaddafi's demise, the future of Libya's relationship with the United States remains uncertain
Gaddafi Just Another Tyrant Who Painted Himself Into a Corner
Tyrants such as Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein seal their own fate
Post Gaddafi Libya: What Happens Next?
Libya may have to turn to Asian countries such as China and India for long term financial help as also for construction and white collar workers
Libya and Iraq: The Price of Success
The withdrawal from Iraq creates enormous strategic complexities rather than closure. While the complexities in Libya are real but hardly strategic, the two events share certain characteristics and are instructive
Gaddafi's End & Libya's New Beginning
The death of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is prompting reactions from inside the White House and outside its front gates as tourists and passersby share in expressing their opinions
Libyans Celebrate Gaddafi's Death
Libyans are celebrating the death of their former leader Muammar Gaddafi. When news of the former dictator's capture spread and even before confirmation of his death, the joy of liberation from his 42-year iron rule was felt
Price of the Libya Intervention
One legacy of attacking Libya is the 20,000 surface-to-air missiles that have gone missing
Arab economies are as varied as the region's politics -- from poor Yemen, to much richer Libya, to the very wealthy gulf states, with countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, Syria and others being something of a median. Yet the performances of these economies are as critical to the long term success of the Arab Spring as the region's laws
