Syrian Civil Defense documentary highlights the work of Syria’s White Helmets saving lives on the front lines
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.
Ottoman Shadow Puppets and Lebanese Political Paralysis
Characters in traditional Ottoman shadow puppets culture are known as Karagoz and Hacivat and reflect its political legacy
Palestinian Local Council Vote Suspended as Rivals Face Off
Infighting between rival Fatah and Hamas factions has led to the Palestinian local council vote suspension
Gary Johnson Gaffe Jeopardizes Year of Promise
Death of Aleppo is no small issue and Gary Johnson gaffe reaffirms that candidates must be quizzed on policy
Government Urged to Release Bahraini Activist Nabeel Rajab
Pressure to secure freedom for Bahraini activist Nabeel Rajab is rising after his NY Times op-ed
Local Palestinian Elections Suspended by PA Court
With rival Hamas predicted to gain in scheduled Palestinian elections, the PA has suspended all campaigning
Crackdown is Leading to Mass Exodus of Turkish Journalists
Jittery authorities in wave of arrests that has sparked an exodus of Turkish journalists following coup attempt
Syria’s White Helmets Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
All-volunteer Syrian rescue and humanitarian group White Helmets honored for its work in warzone
Building a Kuwaiti Human Rights Movement
Organization seeks to introduce culture of transparency to efforts to secure Kuwaiti human rights
Turkish Satirists Targeted Amid Crackdown on Dissent
Among the widening campaign of post-coup arrests snags Turkish satirists famous for making fun of government