In The News

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 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,...

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...

US Wary of What's Next for Egypt

Ben Smith, Laura Rozen January 31, 2011
Observing the mounting opposition to Egypt’s government, under Hosni Mubarak since 1981, allies including the US and Israel ponder what democratic changes might mean for them. Fair elections could deliver a moderate democratic system or an Islamist one, speculates a team of writers from Politico. US President Barack Obama and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have gradually relayed the...

Unrest Spells End to Mideast Dynasties

Roula Khalaf January 26, 2011
Confronting ongoing economic hardship and high unemployment rates, Tunisians, Egyptians and others across the Middle East question the value of tawrith, or inherited rule – a nation’s leadership locked up by one family. As protests rise, “dynastic succession in the region’s republics is likely to emerge as the main casualty,” writes Roula Khalaf, Middle East editor for the Financial Times, adding...

Uganda: Surely, We Are Not As Simplistic as the Tunisians, Are We?

Fredrick M. Masiga January 25, 2011
After economic troubles, high unemployment rates and protests over one man’s cruel death led to quick revolt in Tunisia, other nations engage in self-reflection. College graduate Mohamed Bouazizi was frustrated after authorities beat him and confiscated his vending cart. Left without livelihood or legal recourse, the 26-year-old set himself on fire and ignited his nation’s fury. Public anger...

US-Chinese Relations Take a New Direction? – Part I

David Shambaugh January 24, 2011
It’s not in the global interest for rivalry between the world’s two largest economies to get out of hand. The US hosted China’s President Hu Jintao for a summit and lavish state visit, and this YaleGlobal series analyzes the potential for stable relations between the two nations and the impact on others. The Obama administration delivered a series of pre-summit statements with candid, tough...