Social movements
All topics-
Authoritarian reinstatement in the Arab world
Whatʹs left of the Arab Spring
Not much remains of the euphoric mood and the hopes that drove the Arab Spring. A return to pre-2011 conditions is however out of the question. Commentary by Loay Mudhoon
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What triggered the Middle Eastern revolts in 2011?
The economics of Arabellion
Syrian historian Nasser Rabbat argues that the Arab Spring resulted mainly from social imbalance and the misery of large sections of the population within the Arab world. Moreover, as long as economic inequality persists, these states will continue to be plagued by instability
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From Basra to Baghdad
Young Iraqis rise up for a life worth living
Major rallies against the nation's political elite have been raging in Iraq for months, so far resulting in 15 deaths and 120 injuries. Birgit Svensson reports from Basra, where the protests first flared up and quickly spread through the entire southern half of the country to Baghdad
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Civil society in Africa
Sudan′s young people roll up their sleeves
Sudan′s younger generation has already faced all manner of crises, from the conflicts and struggles of a country in the process of breaking apart, economic crises, to problems in health and education. It′s a generation that anticipates the worst and has no concept of peace. But idle? Hardly. By Abdul Salam al-Haj
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Moroccoʹs sentencing of Nasser Zefzafi
When civil liberties contract
The sentencing of a prominent opposition activist to jail long-term has shaken critics of Moroccoʹs government. Activists and analysts alike warn of ill omens for the countryʹs political trajectory. By Tom Stevenson
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Protests in Jordan
"The status quo has to go"
Last week thousands of people filled the streets of Jordan to protest about the countryʹs ongoing economic woes and the governmentʹs lack of accountability. Among them was Jordanian journalist Lina Shannak, who now hopes the new administration will bring about tangible change
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Lebanonʹs rubbish crisis and youth protests
"If not us, then who?"
Something remarkable has begun in Beirut. Massive government mismanagement and the attendant rubbish crisis two years ago inspired and galvanised Lebanese youth to demand more of their government and to hold their leaders accountable. It all began with the closure of the Naameh landfill, which was over-capacity. Kareem Chehayeb recalls the protests
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Peaceful Palestinian protests
Eyed with suspicion
The lack of support by the political elite for non-violent protests in Palestine means the model of local resistance will remain marginalised. By Mahmoud Jaraba
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Iranʹs image in Europe
Making believe
According to many European analyses of Iran, the election of President Hassan Rouhani marked a significant turning point. While in the days of his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the country was still widely regarded as the incarnation of evil, Iran has ever since been cast in a predominantly positive light. By Ali Fathollah-Nejad
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Moroccoʹs treatment of Hirak El-Shaabi
Fair trial? Fat chance
More than a year after protests emerged in the northern city of Hoceima, Moroccan authorities continue to crackdown on support for Hirak, the popular movement that began when fish vendor Mouhcine Fikri was crushed to death in a garbage truck trying to retrieve his confiscated merchandise. By Matthew Greene
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Neoliberalism and Iranʹs protest movement
It's the economy, stupid!
The protests in Iran, like those elsewhere, express the populationʹs grave socio-economic concerns and discontent over the regimeʹs reform plans. Report by Iranian sociologist Amin Bozorgian
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Social unrest in Algeria
Cranking up the pressure
For months now, Algeria's education and health system has been crippled by a wave of strikes. But despite vehement protests against the government's labour and social policies, it is categorically refusing to make any concessions to the strikers. By Sofian Philip Naceur