Egypt’s new president will face a host of political and economic challenges, amid high expectations and aspirations from the population.

History has taught Egyptians not to trust promises of reform from the halls of power. As such, popular protest and international pressure must continue and the army must support the protesters or remain neutral for real democratic change to be achieved.

The bombing in Egypt of a Coptic church on January 1 is but the latest development in a long history of sectarian tensions that are rooted not in religious differences, but in the absence of basic democratic rights.

After years of political apathy, the Egyptian diaspora is beginning to mobilize around ElBaradei and the demand for voting abroad.

Libya's reconciliation and de-radicalization efforts signal a new approach to dealing with dissidents, if not necessarily a political opening.

New trends in post-jihadist literature hint at increasing interest in democratic politics among Islamists.

Recantation of radical ideologies and violence has picked up speed in recent years. Will it continue, and what will be the effect on al-Qaeda?

As counterterrorism policies move away from purely military solutions, counter-radicalization and disengagement programs in North African countries like Egypt, Algeria, and Libya offer an alternative approach.