Arab Politics
Experts investigate how the participation of Islamist movements, social activists, and other reform-oriented alliances affect an Arab politics largely defined by social unrest.
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The Importance of Power-Sharing in Arab States: Lessons from Switzerland?
A national coalition government, such as the one in Switzerland, could allow the Arab world to include a wide cross-section of parties and groups in a power-sharing government that would increase the sense of security and participation for all.
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How Arab Governments Resist the Trend to Democracy
The current regimes in the Arab world are resisting democratic change because of firm security measures maintaining the status quo and ineffective, incapable, and insular opposition movements.
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Between Berlin and Beirut
This article discusses xenophobic attitudes in the Arab world, which were evident throughout the celebration of the results achieved by the German national team at the World Cup. It also calls for an honest self assessment and for a serious review of the wrong readings of the other.
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The Arab State: Assisting or Obstructing Development?
Although full democracy in the Arab world remains a distant goal, broader participation in the political process, with a marked effect on human development, can be achieved.
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Exploiting Grievances: Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
The violent jihad advocated by al-Qaeda is not widely accepted by Yemenis at this point, and there is a small window of opportunity to take steps to undermine al-Qaeda’s influence.
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A Two-State Solution Requires Palestinian Politics
A two-state solution requires reconciliation between Palestinian factions and reunification of the West Bank and Gaza. The United States should support Palestinian institution building and be open to political competition, including elections.
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Divided Palestine—A Barrier to Peace?
While Prime Minister Netanyahu was received warmly on his recent visit to Washington, progress on the peace process remains in doubt. If direct negotiations are to resume, the split among Palestinians will hamper—and arguably prevent—the ability of President Abbas to negotiate on behalf of the divided people.