Constitutional reform - openDemocracy (Page 4)

Egypt’s presidential run-off: legal limbo and the transition to nowhere

The best way for the military to retain its privileges would be to step back from its high-visibility role. The more time that passes, though, the higher the cost of doing this will be — as the military’s iron grip on institutions drives opposition forces towards, and not away, from each other

By Andrea Teti and Gennaro Gervasio

/ 19 Jun 2012

Gulf union or merger? Assessing calls for a Saudi and Bahrain-led Gulf Union

The push for a Gulf Union is not the first step in a regional alliance, but the beginning of a merger between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to fend off the chance that Shi’a political mobilisation will destroy vital Saudi interests.

By Michael Stephens

/ 12 May 2012

Interview with Galal Maktari, founder of the Independent Yemen Group

Filippo Dionigi met Galal Maktari, founder member of the newly established Independent Yemen Group, to discuss with him the events taking place in Yemen during the last two dramatic years, and the non-violence that has given way to factionalism.

By Filippo Dionigi

/ 1 Apr 2012

Tunisia: free speech double standards

In Tunisia, the flag of freedom of expression has often been waved when politically convenient and forgotten when it isn’t.

By Amna Guellali

/ 6 Mar 2012

Jassim Buhejji, a life for Bahrain

The Bahraini activist Jassim Buhejji was a quiet figure who nonetheless played a formative role in sustaining the best of his country's political traditions. Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi reflects on his legacy and pays tribute.

By Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi

/ 28 Feb 2012

Islamists bring religion down to earth: the end of religious idealism

The movement was in disarray until the historical revolution offered it a second life - a revolution that they did not plan and certainly did not start.

By Ahmed E. Souaiaia

/ 23 Feb 2012

The socio-economic foundations of Bahrain’s political crisis

A study of income inequality in Bahrain highlights the failure of the Government to extend its aid to those who need it most.

By Hasan Tariq Al Hasan

/ 20 Feb 2012

Democracy and its definitions: a talk by Donatella Della Porta

Presenting the data gathered through an extensive, cross-national research project carried out in different European countries, Della Porta argued that the idea of democracy proposed by contemporary social movements is radically different from the logic of representation and delegation proposed by

By Veronica Barassi

/ 17 Feb 2012

Palestine's deal, and an emerging paradigm

The leading Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas, signed a declaration in Doha on 5 February 2012 that committed them to work together. It promises to be a significant moment for Israel and the west too, says Yossi Alpher.

By Yossi Alpher

/ 16 Feb 2012

Yemen after Saleh: between uncertainties and divisions

After nearly nine months of protests, more than 900 deaths and approximately 25,000 wounded, the President of Yemen Ali Abdullah Saleh has transferred power to his deputy, Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi.

By Maria Serra

/ 6 Feb 2012

Who are the 40%?

The Islamist win in Egypt confirms a trend. Religious absolutism is now out of the equation: people are empowered to determine their political leaders and their institutions.

By Ahmed E. Souaiaia

/ 25 Jan 2012

Tunisia: the power of example

The pioneering role of Tunisia in the Arab awakening is being sustained a year on as it negotiates its democratic transition, says Vidar Helgesen.

By Vidar Helgesen

/ 19 Jan 2012