In The News

Egypt Violence Exposes Secret Tools of State Repression

Frank Gardner February 8, 2011
After a week of reporting on Egypt’s pro-democracy protests, international journalists abruptly became the target of harassment and attacks from plainclothes police and men expressing support for President Mubarak. Some reporters were beaten, handcuffed, interrogated – routine intimidation of ordinary citizens by police forces in nations under authoritarian rule. If intended to curtail coverage...

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...

Why a Nervous China Aims to Shield Citizens From Egypt News

Peter Ford February 1, 2011
The most powerful nations in the world watch helplessly as protests build in Egypt. Instability could spread throughout the Greater Middle East and deeper into Africa. China has invested heavily in the continent, and so far remains neutral, other than expressing hopes for stability, reports Peter Ford for the Christian Science Monitor. Attempting to maintain stability at home, the Chinese...

Grain, Soybeans Rise as Food Riots Spur Demand for US Exports

Jeff Wilson, Whitney McFerron January 28, 2011
Prices for wheat, soybeans, corn and other food staples continue to climb as more counties increase purchases from the US. Rising prices combined with high unemployment rates and governments long run by family dynasties have spurred protests in Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Yemen, Jordan and elsewhere. The United Nations warns that stockpiling crops or restricting food exports could add to the unrest...