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Many Islamic scholars say the so-called Islamic State has diverged from classical Sunnism, but the lack of a central voice, a decline in Islamic education, and attempts by states to influence religious thought have hampered the development of a strong counter-narrative.
Tunisia may be the exemplar for democratic transition in the Arab world. But if longstanding grievances continue to go unaddressed, worsening societal fractures will derail the country's fragile political transition.
The celebration of Tunisia as a success story contributes to obfuscating the reality of the social grievances and frustration toward political elites in the country.
Since the 2011 uprisings across the Middle East, each year has proven more challenging than the last. With conflicts spreading across the region, 2015 will follow a similar pattern.
As regimes and traditional militaries across the Middle East and North Africa crumble, powerful militias have risen in their place. A well structured national guard system is necessary to draw them into the national command structure.
Morocco’s Justice and Spirituality movement has always existed outside the mainstream political arena, and there is little reason to expect that to change.
With the collapse of national armies across the Middle East, governments increasingly turn to militias for security. However, a structured national guard may be a more effective long term solution.
Youth unemployment in the Middle East is among the highest in the world but it remains an inadequate explanation for radicalization.
Egypt’s real challenge is ensuring political as well as economic inclusion for the broadest array of social groups and classes possible.
The negative consequences of current trends will continue until Arab governments and elites identify ways to rebuild their relationships with citizens.