Tabsir

Democracy and Revolutions: Drawing a Line Is Not Easy

Democracy and Revolutions: Drawing a Line Is Not Easy

HANI SHURKALLAH, TABSIR: How could the people of Egypt support the parody of democracy that the Muslim Brotherhood had established?

 Jonathan Cook

‘Why Bother?’: Election ‘Turns Off’ Palestinian-Israelis

‘Why Bother?’: Election ‘Turns Off’ Palestinian-Israelis

JONATHAN COOK: The overwhelming reaction of most Palestinian-Israelis to the upcoming Israeli election can be summed up in one word – apathy.

 Juan Cole

U.S. Democracy: The Billionaires Only Game

U.S. Democracy: The Billionaires Only Game

JUAN COLE: After Nicolas Sarkozy lost the presidency in France, SWAT teams went into his house looking for evidence that he had received $50,000 illicitly from the L’oreal heiress. $50,000? Our politicians get that in their sleep.

 Juan Cole

Morsi Wins: Is Now The Rise of a Pluralist Egypt?

Morsi Wins: Is Now The Rise of a Pluralist Egypt?

JUAN COLE: One problem for Mursi is mollifying the Egyptians who are terrified of him, fearing he wants to turn their fun-loving country into a grim Saudi Arabia.

 Ramzy Baroud

Sustained Criticism Leaves Netanyahu Unmoved

Sustained Criticism Leaves Netanyahu Unmoved

RAMZY BAROUD: He’s been pummelled by leading political, intelligence and military heavyweights but polls still put him in the lead

 Rania Al Malky

Egypt: A Long Road to the Starting Point

Egypt: A Long Road to the Starting Point

RANIA AL MALKY: Egypt is approaching full circle, masterminded by SCAF: The more things change, the more they stay the same.

 James M. Dorsey

Algeria: Football Ban to Lead to Street Protest?

Algeria: Football Ban to Lead to Street Protest?

JAMES M. DORSEY: The ban on football matches taking place during election week deprives Algerians of a useful pressure valve

 David Roberts

The Kuwaiti Elections: Tribal and Bitter

The Kuwaiti Elections: Tribal and Bitter

DAVID ROBERTS: Until these groups can come together bitter arguments, recriminations and stalled political and economic sectors will typify Kuwait.

 Joshua Maricich

A Divided Egypt: Outside Cairo Concerns Mount Over Tahrir Protests

A Divided Egypt: Outside Cairo Concerns Mount Over Tahrir Protests

JOSHUA MARICICH: Travelling outside Cairo I’ve seen first-hand the frustration of people that democratic gains may be taken away as a result of the protests.

 Alexander McNabb

UAE Gears Up for Elections – But Will the Voters Show Up?

UAE Gears Up for Elections – But Will the Voters Show Up?

ALEXANDER MCNABB: Gulf News’ editor Abdul Hamid Ahmad points out not all Dubai candidates have been active. “They do not have the motivation..”

 Matt J. Duffy

Positive Signs in UAE Election Campaign

Positive Signs in UAE Election Campaign

MATT J. DUFFY: Some concerns have been raised about the stringency of the rules relating to public discourse in the UAE elections. Comments from a senior official, however, seem to have assuaged these concerns.

 David Roberts

Emirati Voting Numbers: It’s How You Look At It…

Emirati Voting Numbers: It’s How You Look At It…

DAVID ROBERTS: Around 129,000 or 14% of Emiratis will be eligible to vote, 1.6% of the entire population, but a lot more than the 7,000 eligible to vote in the last elections…

 Crossroads Arabia

Saudi Elections: Too Soon, And Too Little?

Saudi Elections: Too Soon, And Too Little?

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Arab News reports that the government has set a date for the second municipal elections. It does not report women cannot take part.

 Rob L. Wagner

Muslim Brotherhood No Threat to the West

Muslim Brotherhood No Threat to the West

ROB L. WAGNER: Both the United States and Israel are nervously anticipating what role the Muslim Brotherhood will play in the future of Egypt. But Western leaders can rest easy…

 James M. Dorsey

Why the U.S. Should Push for Democracy in Egypt

Why the U.S. Should Push for Democracy in Egypt

JAMES M. DORSEY: Repression of the opposition, intimidation of the media and electoral restrictions may guarantee Mubarak’s win. But for the U.S., the perception it is perpetuating authoritarian rule may outweigh any benefits.