Why a widespread analogy is harmful to fragile post-Arab Spring states and civil societies.
This is a momentous occasion in Libyan history, yet read about Libya in the international media and you might find this hard to believe. Reports paint a picture of a country on the edge of the abyss, the new Iraq or Afghanistan.
The interpretation of Libya's elections of July 2012 as a victory for secularism is misleading. A more nuanced reading of the vote must accommodate the reality and potential of Islamism, says Alison Pargeter.
Libya’s transition has been aided by the fact that it has not had to dismantle the kind of ‘deep state’ that has made the transition in countries like Egypt so difficult. Consolidation will be more difficult.
It is testimony to Libya’s determination to make their revolution count that the elections went as smoothly as they did.
There is a unique opportunity for France to recast its policy towards a changing Arab world by focusing on the region's people and Palestinian rights. This would make Paris a global leader and benefit everyone, says Khaled Hroub.
Many Libyans are at a loss to know how to choose between different candidates based on photos and slogans alone, and are frustrated by the whole campaigning process.
I am deeply disturbed to find myself confronted with a widespread and flagrant disregard for the basic human rights of Libya’s illegal migrant workers.
While Libyans are quietly proving that they can forgive, forget and move forward together, the current political and military powers in Libya seem intent on proving the opposite to the rest of the world.
While Chinese petitioners and dissidents hold protest rallies every day in defiance of unaccountable officials, few of them question the necessity of upholding a strong executive authority. Thoughts on revolution and reform by a Chinese student in Cairo.
Obstructing your wife, sister or daughter from voting is utterly unacceptable and an infringement of her newly-found liberties. The NTC, NGOs and society must face this challenge together.
If voters are unable to make an informed decision, due to lack of information concerning the candidate, the process or the role those elected will play, then they will either not vote, or vote but without feeling responsible or accountable for the vote they cast.
