In the months following the start of the Arab Revolutions, articles and analysis poured into openDemocracy from contributors across the Middle East and Europe: see the five key themes in our right hand column. Gradually, the impact of Tahrir Square began to extend well beyond the Middle East as democratic inspiration travelled from east to west. On this page, we wish to capture that inspiration and use it to help us read a rapidly changing world.

Looking to the future of the Arab Spring, we have chosen three new avenues for exploration: on the Tahrir Square 'meme'; on Social innovation in the region; and You tell us.

The global and local re-packaging and marketing of a “moderate” Islamist leader

Mohamed-Salah Omri 17 May 2013

In Tunisia, the resigning former Prime Minister and Ennahda leader, Hamadi Jebali, is being groomed for a presidential role by his party as well as international players, in a bid to market an “acceptable” Islamism.  

Lebanon tempts fate

Sarah El-Richani 15 May 2013

While a protracted civil conflict in Lebanon is unlikely, a clash between Hezbollah and Israel is only too feasible.

 

Tunisian university dean acquitted

Sana Ajmi 15 May 2013

Each university has a right to set their own guidelines for the wearing of the niqab and religious activity in general on campus. But the issue has become too divisive.

Islamists are not above criticism

Nader Bakkar 15 May 2013

We promised people to be truthful and to recognize the truth to the best of our ability, even if it was against ourselves. And Muslims – as the Hadith states – are obliged to stick to what they promise.

“Chicken nuggets”: Bahrain’s lost generation goes mainstream

Hasan Tariq Al Hasan 15 May 2013

The battle for culture, the conquest of space, the re-interpretation of heritage and the competition for writing Bahrain’s collective memory are well under way in an island roughly half the size of New York City.

Libya's political isolation law: confusion and charade

Rhiannon Smith 15 May 2013

How will this Political Isolation Law benefit Libya? The manner in which it was passed has set a precedent for rule by intimidation and has undermined Libya's transition towards democracy, justice and rule of law.

Qatar’s dark side

Michael Stephens 15 May 2013

The influx of journalists, writers, thinkers and generally socially engaged expatriates, alongside a growing class of civically minded Qataris ensures that these dark sides no longer remain hidden from view.

Labour Day in Turkey: ‘proportional force’ and irresponsible leadership

Ali Gokpinar 15 May 2013

Perhaps Turkey has never used tear gas in its 90-year history as much as it has done in the last ten years.

Turkey’s Syria quagmire takes a new turn

Firdevs Robinson 15 May 2013

Among the many questions raised by the recent attack, Turkey has been accused of intentionally neglecting border security to allow the Free Syrian Army and international jihadists to use Turkish soil along the border as a base.

Syrian rebels’ faults are surfacing

Giuseppe Acconcia and Roger Owen 13 May 2013

Roger Owen, professor of Middle East history at Harvard University talks about Syrian rebels’ narratives and current US strategies. Interview. 

A grand bargain is needed, between Israel, Hamas and Egypt

Benedetta Berti 12 May 2013

When it comes to Gaza, an approach centered on isolation and deterrence has not led to a real stability, resulting in repeated rounds of violent confrontation between the two parties

Europe's bold ride to stabilise Mali

Marije Balt 12 May 2013

On May 15 the EU will organise a donors’ conference on Mali. It should address the underlying causes of terrorism and instability, making investment in youth a priority 

Syrian crisis now a global affair

Ahmed E. Souaiaia 12 May 2013

The outcome of the Syrian crisis, no matter what that might be, will delimit the new Middle East in a way that will affect the entire world—not just Syria and the region

This week's window on the Middle East - April 29, 2013

Arab Awakening 30 April 2013

Arab Awakening's columnists offer their weekly perspective on what is happening on the ground in the Middle East. Leading the week, Attack on the French Embassy in Tripoli: what now for Libya?

Attack on the French Embassy in Tripoli: what now for Libya?

Rhiannon Smith 30 April 2013

Foreign companies and investors already unsure about returning to Libya will be further dissuaded by this targeting of a foreign embassy in the heart of Tripoli.

Columnist of the Week

Omer Harari

Israel and the vertical politics of interruptions

Syria: 'cold war redux'?

Syria's war, Israel's trap
Paul Rogers

The Iranian key to the Syrian crisis
Heiko Wimmen

Has Turkey reached a dead-end in Syria?
Firdevs Robinson

oD author detained in Dubai

"Mr. Ulrichsen believes that an article he wrote last summer "The U.A.E.: Holding Back the Tide," may have played a part in his blacklisting."
- Chronicle of Higher Education


Rita from Syria

Latest article:

Syrian colours: the greys

Rap and the Arab Spring

Interview with Arab rappers Ibn Thabit and Deeb

Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3

Full Event, Rap and the Arab Spring

Democracy and Islam

Sami Zubaida writes that the political fields and social spaces of many countries in the region have been opened, however chaotically.

Tariq Ramadan argues that we must look at the Arab Awakening in economic as well as political terms.

Mali in crisis

The Mali effect
Stephen Ellis

Mali, and remote-control war
Paul Rogers

Qatar intervening in northern Mali?
Mehdi Lazar

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Our Editors

Bassam Gergi

Bassam Gergi

Associate Editor of Arab Awakening is pursuing an M.Phil in Comparative Government at Oxford University

Mazen Zoabi

Mazen Zoabi

Translation Editor of Arab Awakening is a psychology graduate with an interest in film

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