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Voter approval of constitutional amendments in Egypt provides a strong boost to the military-led transition process, however the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has yet to announce the schedule of elections or clarify the electoral procedures that will govern them.
Russia’s choice to abstain on the UN Security Council resolution on Libya demonstrates that Moscow’s new foreign policy is shaped by its vital interests and its desire to maintain good relations with both the EU and the United States.
The Arab League’s call for the international community to impose a no-flight zone over Libya demonstrates that the League rejects Qaddafi’s violent crackdown and provides cover for international action.
As Egyptians move toward a referendum on suggested amendments to the country’s constitution, the country faces an opportunity for the first time in its history to write a constitution its citizens want rather than one drafted for them by deeply entrenched incumbents.
The Egyptian constitutional reform committee appointed by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces announced several proposed revisions to Egypt's constitution on February 26. On March 19, Egyptians will vote in a referendum concerning these amendments.
Even if Egypt succeeds in holding completely free presidential and parliamentary elections, there is no way for the country to make a transition to real democracy if its internal security services resume their pre-January 25 mode of operation.
While the Arab world continues to see massive upheaval, the Saudi royal family has relied on a new social welfare package, religious persuasion, and not-so-subtle threats of coercion to neutralize opposition and mute demonstrations.
In spite of Colonel Muammar Qaddafi’s good relations with the leaders of a number of countries around the world, he may encounter some difficulty in finding a new place to relocate to if he is forced to leave Libya.
While the wave of political change sweeping through the Arab world is reminiscent of the political upheaval in Central and Eastern Europe in 1989, historical analogies cannot capture the complex and dramatic events occurring or predict how this change will end.
Yemen’s long-term security is at risk, as popular unrest is fueled by a host of socioeconomic problems, including political instability stemming from internal conflicts, high unemployment, and a weak government crippled by widespread corruption.