Government, business, and civil society representatives will gather at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Nairobi, Kenya next week to discuss the future of the global digital space. The gathering takes place against the backdrop of growing restrictions by repressive regimes on online freedoms. The U.S. and European governments have undertaken significant initiatives to [READ MORE]

“If we get things right, we could be Turkey in 10 years. If we get them wrong, we could be Pakistan in 18 months,” Egypt’s largest private investor recently  told the Economist.  

But the Arab world chose the worst possible year to push for democracy, a Washington conference heard today, although decision-makers can learn vital lessons from earlier transitions. [READ MORE]

Fighting erupted in Yemen’s capital today as President Ali Abdullah Saleh returned from a three-month absence in neighboring Saudi Arabia. His reappearance prompted speculation on the prospects for transition in the Arab world’s poorest state following eight months of pro-democracy protests against his 33-year rule.

“This is an ominous sign, returning at a time like this probably signals he intends [READ MORE]

Cuban dissidents are expected to launch pro-democracy protests this weekend, but the island’s Communist authorities, wary of an ‘Arab Spring’ effect, are expected to suppress the demonstrations.

The celebrated Ladies in White (above) are planning to march on Saturday, the feast day of the Virgin of Mercedes, the patron saint of prisoners, [READ MORE]

The Obama administration should pressure Bahrain’s government to initiate democratic reforms and uphold human rights standards, writes Thomas W. Lippman, “by sending a high-level official to Bahrain to raise concerns both publicly and privately, exploring options for moving the Fifth Fleet, and conducting a thorough investigation into the dismissal of Bahraini workers.”

“The unrest that erupted in [READ MORE]

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s recent announcement of a package of reforms to create a “functional and inclusive democracy” has elicited both hope and skepticism from analysts and activists.

The ruling coalition suffered a major reputational blow this summer after violently suppressing a pro-democratic rally it had previously sanctioned.

The 58-year-old politician is trying [READ MORE]

Do the “illiberal moderates” of the Arab world’s Islamist parties like Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood and Tunisia’s al-Nahda constitute the region’s vital swing constituency?

“If Washington limits its approval and support to the Middle East’s liberal, democratic groups, it will often be left out in the cold,” writes George Washington University’s Amitai Etzioni:

U.S. interests and those of people [READ MORE]

This Sunday sees the premier broadcast of a new TV show from one of Latin America’s  most respected analysts.

Moises Naim will present an overview of the world and the times in which we live, MiamiDiario reports: What is happening in the world and how does it affect [READ MORE]

Is Burma’s President Thein Sein serious about initiating a transition from military rule to democracy? If so, do these efforts merit the support and engagement of the international community?

Contrary to reports that Burma is approaching failed state status, pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi (left) believes change may [READ MORE]

Paul Berman is impressed by the support for Arab democrats by “one of most productive agencies” in US foreign policy history. While many observers are expressing concern at the trajectory of the Arab Spring, a more strategic and historically-informed perspective gives cause for optimism, he writes, [READ MORE]

Jailed Egyptian blogger Maikel Nabil Sanad (right) is in critical condition after going on a hunger strike on August 23, the World Movement for Democracy reports. Sanad was arrested by the Egyptian military on March 28 for “denouncing human rights violations and the [READ MORE]

At least nine people were killed in renewed violence in Yemen today amid fears that pro-democracy demonstrators have been eclipsed by the armed factions of tribal warlords.

“Eight months after the first protesters began calling for revolution in Yemen, the beleaguered country has entered a new round [READ MORE]

The United States will support nations transitioning to democracy, President Barack Obama told the UN General Assembly today, even as some observers claimed that Washington’s opposition to the Palestinian UN bid for statehood put the US “directly in the path of the Arab democracy movement.”

Heralding “a time of transformation” in which “more individuals [READ MORE]

The Group of Eight industrialized democracies have committed $80 billion to support democratic transitions in the Arab world, but analysts are questioning whether the aid will facilitate genuine reform or be squandered by the region’s crony capitalist regimes.

“There is a potential contradiction in that the economic model that these countries need, and that [READ MORE]

US President Barack Obama said that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (above) “has shown great leadership on a range of issues and promoting democracy,” after meeting him this week.

Turkey may be better placed to advance Arab democracy in a region where earlier US and Western initiatives lacked conviction and credibility, writes Owen [READ MORE]