On August 4, 2020, a blast devastated Beirut’s port and half the city. This comes against the backdrop of deep corruption and a crumbling political system.
Middle East articles on Democracy Chronicles
View news about the struggle for democracy in the troubled Middle East where vast cultural change and persistent political violence cry out for democracy. Also see our World Democracy section and our articles on the ongoing Arab Spring.
Lebanese Dreams and Manhattan Explosions
[The] slow-moving disaster that has been the last 45 years of the Lebanese Republic should serve as a warning to multi-ethnic countries who can’t “get it together” – like ours now…
The “Woke” and the Left’s Israel Problem
Why is Israel bashing like hockey in Canada, drinking furniture stripper methanol in Russia, or shooting in the US – why is it such a popular pastime?
Pro-democracy actors’ powerful message at a time of moral crisis
The Chair of the EED says pro-democracy protests in countries like Algeria, Lebanon are a powerful message to Europe in a time of moral crisis.
Iran, China and Venezuela called out on human rights abuses
State Department’s 2019 Country Human Rights Report shows deterioration in respect for human rights globally but, Iran, China and Venezuela in particular.
The Iranian regime is facing a fundamental test of legitimacy
Iranians voted for a new parliament Friday. Hard-line factions are set to win the polls. This could cripple the more moderate president, Hassan Rouhani.
A catalyst for change in Iran?
Iran’s theocracy is ruthless and survives through repression. However, the labor protest may be the political force most feared by the clerical regime.
‘Signposts of Struggle’: Iran’s protest movement endures
While protests will continue in Iran, it is unclear if they will lead to more significant outcomes, such as revolution or regime change, analysts.
Can Lebanon’s ‘tenacious’ movement turn from protests to power?
Although Lebanon’s new cabinet met for the first time on Wednesday, the country’s tenacious protest movement hasn’t seemed to lose momentum.
People, Processes and Politics: Countering violent extremism in fragile states
Democracy Digest examines perspectives on the impact of, and how to counter violent extremism in fragile States, with focus on Burkina Faso and Iraq.