Despite their large scale repercussions for both domestic and international players, the Arab uprisings have not led to a dramatically new regional order or a new balance of power.
As protests spread through the Middle East, Turkish political parties are preparing for an election this summer that will likely spark significant political reforms, including the possibility of a new constitution.
While the ideology of violence and terrorism has peaked and is visibly on the way down in the Middle East and North Africa, the war on al-Qaeda and terror is far from over.
It is in Turkey’s interests to support democratic protesters in Syria and across the region, and to work with the West to find resolution to the violent conflict in Syria.
Three months into the Arab Spring and after the fall of the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt, protests continue across the Middle East and North Africa and the region remains in a state of flux.
While Turkey’s integration of Islam, democracy, and economic growth is serving as potential inspiration for countries undergoing revolutions on how to effectively reform, Ankara’s reaction to the unrest is causing some observers to question its intentions in the region.
As protests continue throughout the Middle East and North Africa, the international community is seeking to curb the increasing violence in Syria, continue military engagement in Libya, and convince Yemen’s President Saleh to step down.
Although Yemen’s President Saleh has indicated a willingness to step down, the situation in Yemen remains unstable. Many protesters feel their demands are still not being met, even as al-Qaeda expands its presence in the country and Yemen’s economy continues to fail.
As they watch the fall of longtime Arab dictators, some Iranians are beginning to wonder whether nonviolent civil resistance is a viable strategy against a regime that has not hesitated to employ overwhelming violence and intimidation against peaceful protesters.
The international community must provide support to countries across the Middle East in order to contain the numerous financial and economic risks created by the current unrest.