Jordan: Government Approves New Cabinet

As a response to the growing number of antigovernment protests, King Abdullah II approved a cabinet shuffle made by Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Saturday in an effort to appease the protesters.  The focal point for protesters was the interior minister Saad Hayel Srour because protesters believed he was the one who called for the use of "excessive force" by the police against protesters.  In addition, Srour had also allowed ...

Bahrain: National Dialogue Begins

On Saturday, dialogue between Bahrain's Sunni-led government and the majority Shia opposition began in an attempt to solve the increasing divide that began earlier this year as a result of the Shiite protests.  Bahrain's King Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa ordered the talks and said that "all options are on the table for the meeting." The meeting is also being attended by al-Wefaq, the main Shia opposition bloc.  The opposition ...

State Dept.: Limited Contact with Muslim Brotherhood

At a press conference held at the Hungarian National Assembly, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed questions about the Obama Administration's contact with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.  Clinton said that the Obama Administration is continuing limited contact with the Muslim Brotherhood "that has existed on and off for about five or six years."  According to Clinton, it is in the interest of the United States to engage with peaceful and nonviolent parties ...

Yemen: Revolutionary Vision of the Future

Tariq Aldoais, an activist in the Yemeni youth revolution and a doctor, heading the revolution's field hospital at Tahrir Square in Sana'a, wrote in the Guardian newspaper about the demands of the leading revolutionary committee. The demands are: to form an inclusive temporary presidential council of 5 - 7 people with integrity, experience, and competence to limit the transitional period to 9 months, dissolve the current constitution and government structure, guarantee the rights ...

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Bahraini King Announces Royal Investigation, Committee

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain issued a royal decree (text) today establishing a committee to investigate the"incidents that happened in the kingdom in February and March." The members of the committee are: (Chair) Professor Mahmoud ...

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Yemen: Economic Collapse Continues, U.N. Rights Investigation

The economic situation in Yemen is continuing to deteriorate, threatening a complete humanitarian crisis. Gasoline prices have quadrupled in recent weeks after militants attacked oil supply lines and refineries. A water crisis is developing as people are unable ...

Egypt: Local Councils Dissolved; Cook Talks Politics, Society

An Administrative Court in Cairo ordered the dissolution of local municipal councils elected under former President Hosni Mubarak. The dissolution of the councils was a major demand of the pro-democracy groups. Elections for these councils must take place within 60 days. Meanwhile, Steven Cook from the Council on Foreign Relations briefly described the overall confusion and lack of information surrounding the Egyptian elections. He also wrote about the polarized political ...

Situation Report and Policy Recommendations for Libya

According to a Situation Report on Libya released by the Libya Outreach Group on Friday, Colonel Moammar Gadhafi's forces are moving to the Western Mountains in an attempt to attack the Wazin border crossing, over 100 opposition fighters are receiving high-level military training in the Western Mountains, Gadhafi is considering fleeing Tripoli, the International Court is set to decide on Monday whether or not to issue an arrest warrest for ...

Clinton Promotes Democracy

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is planning to travel to Budapest, Hungary on June 29th to discuss democracy promotion in the region.  She will be supporting the Lantos Institute and it's dedication to democratic principles and the protection of individual and human rights.  In addition, she will travel to Vilnius, Lithuania on June 30th to participate in the Community of Democracies Sixth Ministerial, and will be joined by senior government ...

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Lebanon: International Implications of March 8 Goverment

Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA) has introduced a new bill to "prohibit U.S. foreign assistance to a Hezbollah-dependent Lebanese government," defined as a government where the terrorist organization is part of the majority coalition, such as the one recently ...

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Libya: Debating the Roles of the US, TNC

A piece in The National expresses concern over the rumored formation of a constitutional committee within Libya's Transitional National Council. The drafting of a document that would serve as the foundation for Libya's future national government is beyond the ...

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Morocco: King Mohammad VI Announces Major Changes

Moroccan King Mohammad VI announced the creation of a constitutional monarchy during a speech late Friday evening. The King will cede some powers, but will remain a key power broker. The King announced: - the Prime Minister will become the ...

Kuwaiti Emir Warns Against Chaos, Deputy PM Resigns

Kuwaiti emir Shaikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah warned against chaos in the emirate as parliament remained in turmoil. The warning came after 10 oppositoin MP's filed a "non-cooperation" motion on Tuesday in a bid to oust Prime Minister Shaikh Nasser Mohammed al-Ahmad al-Sabah, a nephew of the emir, over ties with Iran. The emir also urged opposition protesters to "safeguard the true Kuwaiti spirit," but noted that he had instructed the interior minister to ...

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Lebanon: High Wire Act for New Government

In Foreign Policy, Elias Muhanna describes how the recently announced government of Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Lebanon is attempting to hold together its long-fought-for coalition in the face international pressure. Muhanna argues that it is an "oversimplification" to ...

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Yemen: Le Monde Profile on Ali Ahmar

French daily Le Monde published (translation here) a profile on Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmar, leader of the first brigade who famously sided with Yemen's protest movement in March.  Ahmar, who is President Ali Abdellah Saleh's half-brother, is portrayed as ...

State Briefing Highlights Syria

State Department Spokesman Mark Toner reacted to escalating violence in Syria, including the use of helicopter gunships on protesters, saying "what continues to occur is absolutely revolting, and we condemn these barbaric acts in the strongest possible terms." He said that the U.S. still supports a Security Council resolution, but is not waiting on one to take diplomatic action against Syria, citing a variety of avenues available. His remarks fell ...

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Lebanon: New Government Formed

Following months of deadlock, Prime Minister Najib Mikati formed Monday a 30-member Cabinet with a majority of ministers from the Hezbollah-led March 8 coalition. United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams congratulated Mikati and "expressed hope that the new government ...

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