The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Malala Yousufzai, a 13-year-old girl from the tribal area of Swat, has been awarded Pakistan’s first ever Peace Award for Youth for her bravery in reporting the details of a bloody Taliban insurgency in the region. Yousufzai wrote anonymous diaries for the BBC that related how the Taliban were blowing up schools for girls and engaging in killings and beheadings.  In the absence of media reports, Yousufzai’s was the only voice the world was hearing from Swat.

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With the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, citizens are increasingly worried about the government’s ability to run the country — particularly to create jobs and provide basic services and security. Compounding the problem, Iraqis feel increasingly disconnected from their leaders, with limited opportunities to meet with elected officials and share their frustrations and grievances.

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