ARB - Political Reform

Hamas’s Choices

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 16:26:38 +0000

With few viable options at its disposal to address Gaza’s pressing social and economic needs, Hamas may be forced to extend its unity government with Fatah.

Saving Libya’s Constitution-Making Body

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 19:29:59 +0000

The dissolution of Libya’s House of Representatives is putting extra pressure on the Constitution Drafting Assembly to negotiate a new political order in the country.

Boycott in Bahrain

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 14:58:06 +0000

Upcoming elections in Bahrain are likely to prompt more opposition protests, rather than providing a means of channeling and containing opposition activity.

Seeking Wealth, Taking Power

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 16:21:01 +0000

The Egyptian military’s economic interests are driving it to seek further political control.

Algeria’s Police Riots

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 17:40:47 +0000

The power struggle between the Algerian presidency and DRS prevents any fundamental reforms that could address the underlying demands of police protesters.

A New Sectarian Force for Iraq

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 17:23:14 +0000

Plans to build a national guard force risk widening sectarian divisions in Iraq and pushing more Sunnis toward the Islamic State.

Ennahda’s Next Move

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 15:38:23 +0000

Ennahda’s failure to address Tunisia’s socio-economic challenges led to its electoral defeat, which may accelerate the movement’s split into a religious and political wing.

Nidaa Tounes and the Prospects of a Unity Government

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 15:10:27 +0000

Although a unity government between Nidaa Tounes and Ennahda would widen their internal divisions, for each party it is the best option.

Brotherly Love in the GCC

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 14:31:37 +0000

Renewed high-level diplomatic activity between Qatar and Saudi Arabia may end their historic row as the GCC seeks policy alignment, particularly on security issues.

Houthis on the Rise in Yemen

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 14:17:56 +0000

Although the Houthis are well-poised to acquire new territories and increase their influence within Yemen, neither development will bring about peace or prosperity for the country.

Egypt’s 1984

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 15:25:31 +0000

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s steps to quash dissent exceed the Mubarak era’s in scope and intensity.

Taking Advantage of Morocco’s Security Threat

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 16:11:18 +0000

Although Morocco is not immune to terrorism, the authorities’ exaggeration of the security threat does more to serve the Ministry of Interior than to fight terrorism.

Tunisia’s Uncertain Elections

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 15:05:24 +0000

Talk of Tunisia’s elections has focused on parties and individuals, not issues, leaving many citizens unsure for whom to vote.

Hamas After the Ceasefire

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 15:10:56 +0000

Hamas’s small tactical gains are unlikely to translate any short-term popularity boost into long-term political capital.

Saleh Bites Back

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 16:26:28 +0000

Former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh is seeking to take advantage of the Houthi conflict to reestablish his influence and pave the way for his son to take power.

Confronting the Islamic State

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:59:58 +0000

Airstrikes against ISIS will provide the Syrian opposition an opportunity to work alongside countries that long doubted its ability to rule a post-Assad Syria.

Egypt’s Judiciary, Coopted

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 18:40:17 +0000

The executive branch’s persistent efforts to discourage and punish independent judges have left the judiciary weak and coopted.

Debating a Kurdish State

Tue, 12 Aug 2014 15:10:19 +0000

Prospects for an independent Kurdish state are hampered by security challenges, internal competition, and insufficient international support.

Securing Lebanon, Widening Divides

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 16:15:04 +0000

Heightened tensions in Tripoli are prompting new measures meant to allay Sunni concerns, but these will not work unless the root causes of discontent are addressed.

The Islamists Ahead in Morocco

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 16:18:27 +0000

With the exception of the Islamists, Morocco’s political parties have failed to take advantage of the post-2011 openings in political space.

Sisi’s Dilemma

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 16:29:51 +0000

As long as Sisi remains heavily dependent on the military and other state institutions, he can neither push too hard against their interests nor count on them to always back his policies.

Individuals Before Parties in Egypt’s Elections

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 19:18:33 +0000

Egypt’s new parliamentary elections law will empower old networks.

Will the Palestinian Unity Government Survive?

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 14:43:03 +0000

Fundamental flaws in the Hamas-Fatah reconciliation deal, including disputes over security cooperation with Israel, may lead to the fall of the unity government.

A Bellwether of Palestinian Politics

Tue, 10 Jun 2014 15:27:44 +0000

Judging by recent student council elections in the West Bank, Fatah can expect a narrow lead in the upcoming national elections, as long as voter turnout doesn’t increase, which would play in Hamas’s favor.

Photo Essay: Gaza’s Views on Reconciliation

Wed, 28 May 2014 14:29:36 +0000

Despite skepticism, Gazans are hopeful about the prospects of unity between Hamas and Fatah.