The question is not whether the regime will crumble, but rather when, and under what circumstances. The answers will have a profound impact on the future of Syria and the Arab world.
When violence broke out last month between Israel and Palestinian militants, Egypt once again stepped in to mediate a truce. In the wake of the Arab Spring and Iran’s rising power, however, Cairo and the parties to conflict will find it increasingly difficult to contain the fallout.
Turkey should push for humanitarian assistance and sanctions, whilst putting serious diplomatic pressure on the Assad regime.
Young Muslim activists have received a new standard for challenging the old order, and a new form of protest, one that discredits terrorism as the easy and ineffective path.
Ali Abdallah Saleh — who first came to power in North Yemen in 1978 and who has ruled over united Yemen since 1990 — has finally left office and left the country. Appearances, though, may be deceiving.
The global terrorist threat is diversifying. After embracing al Qaeda tactics and ideology, more local groups seek to emulate al Qaeda. Groups are planning domestic and international operations to cause mass casualties.
Egyptian progress towards democracy is still in doubt amidst a backdrop of deep social and economic troubles. Providing effective democratic structures are created and upheld, it is likely the Muslim Brothers and other Islamic forces will gradually lose support.
The post Arab Spring era is one in which many western liberals fear the rise of Islamist parties in post-revolutionary Arab states. If we are lucky, more democracies can soon emerge in the Middle East, and Islamic liberalism, which is actually not that much of an oxymoron, will be reborn.
There needs to be a greater understanding of the role that religion plays in different societies and countries, and specifically how this shapes the politics of these countries. Unless the different theories of international relations can accommodate religion in their frameworks, we will be unable to fully comprehend important geopolitical events.
Local leaders, activists, and regional and international organisations have a responsibility to make sure that these revolutions do not just result in a different brand of self-serving rulers.
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