In the Middle East, it has often begun the same way: a popular swell of street protests against long-entrenched autocrats and demonstrators .
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.
Explainer: Iranian Supreme Leader’s Hidden Administration
Pictures released from Iranian cabinet ministers’ meetings with the nation’s supreme leader, Khamenei often show little-known men in the back rows.
A Worrying Crackdown on Political Activists in Jordan
Jordanian authorities have increasingly targeted political and anti-corruption activists on charges that violate the right to free expression.
Iran Sends Journalist to Notorious Prison, Jails Another for 2 Years
A day before rearrest, Iranian authorities used state television to broadcast a report in which the two confessed to having ties to foreign activists.
Attorney, Rights Defender Sentenced to 30 Years, Flogging in Iran
Iranian lawyer jailed for 30 years after setting up a channel Telegram, highlighting human rights abuses in the Islamic Republic.
Iran Arrests Corruption-Exposing Journalist Masoud Kazemi
An Iranian journalist who wrote about government corruption has been arrested for the second time in six months on the same day.
Deposed Istanbul Mayor Blasts ‘Lies’ Used to Annul Election
Istanbul’s deposed mayor Ekrem says no one believed the “lies” used to overturn his recent election and called on voters to “correct this great shame” .
Turkish Rights Group Turns to Art to Represent the ‘Disappeared’
The hope of organizers of an Istanbul exhibition is to keep up the pressure to find those who vanished and ultimately to hold accountable those responsible.
Documents Offer Rare Look Inside Syrian Government Crackdown
Thousands found in Syrian government offices reveal the reach of President Bashar shadowy security agencies that sought to eliminate dissent at all costs.
Rights Groups: 3 Iranian Writers Free, Plan to Appeal Sentences
An international writers association says three Iranian authors apparently sentenced to long prison terms this week in Iran remain free.