In The News

Obama's Pressure on Mubarak Could Cost US Regional Influence

Howard LaFranchi February 8, 2011
It’s no secret that the US values democracy, free speech and representative government – and that the regimes ruling Arab nations in the Middle East resist those values. “The Obama administration has so far followed a bifurcated approach of supporting both the popular uprisings sweeping across the region and friendly regimes moving to implement reforms,” writes Howard LaFranchi for the Christian...

The Arab Rising – Part III

Barry Rubin February 7, 2011
Trust is frayed in the Middle East, between nations and within, as revealed by two weeks of massive protests and fearful reactions to calls for Egypt’s president to step down. Leaders of Egypt, Yemen and Jordan scramble to offer reforms, and the international community grapples with the fact that transition in Arab governments could come sooner than they wish. Governance in these nations could go...

BE, Before Egypt. AE, After Egypt.

Thomas L. Friedman February 7, 2011
With enduring protests in Egypt and beyond, global and regional powers realize new polices are required for the Middle East. Israel is alarmed that a major ally is under siege by its own people. President Hosni Mubarak delayed reforms, advising the international community that Egypt’s governance had but two directions: his style of harsh authoritarian rule or that of Islamic extremists. But anti-...

The Arab Rising – Part II

Jamsheed K. Choksy, Carol E. B. Choksy February 4, 2011
Anger rages in Egypt, Jordan, Yemen and throughout the Middle East. Protesters plead for international support in their demands for democracy and economic reforms, and this YaleGlobal series examines the implications of the Arab upsurge. Iran, long intent on promoting Islamic governance throughout the Middle East, has been swift to grab the opportunity offered by the turmoil, explain Jamsheed K....

The Arab Rising – Part I

Susan Froetschel February 2, 2011
With the Egyptian president conceding not to seek re-election and his supporters clashing with pro-democracy demonstrators, the country is on edge. Demonstrations have also led to dismissal of the Jordanian government and the Yemeni president agreeing to step down at the end of his current term. The Middle East stands at a crossroads, and this YaleGlobal series explores the challenges faced by...

The Arab World at a Tipping Point?

Michael C. Hudson February 2, 2011
Protesters may have permanently shaken the Arab world’s authoritarian order, argues Michael Hudson writing for Straits Times. The country of more than 80 million has a rich history of influencing and modernizing the region politically and culturally, he explains, and yet alliance with the US dulled its influence. Protesters urge international powers to support reforms that counter unemployment,...

Turkish PM Backs Egypt Protesters

February 1, 2011
Press around the world has urged democratic governments to take a position on protests in Egypt, and US ally Turkey has weighed in: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak to “listen to the wishes of the people… to create security and stability.” He joined other world leaders in urging protesters not to rely on violence or risk losing the support for their cause...