Elections

Pakistan Through the Lens of Iraq

Marvin G. Weinbaum and Edward P. Joseph — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:14:04 -0400

"There is no military solution in Iraq, only a political one." General David Petraeus's aphorism is about the only thing on which war proponents and opponents agree. The question is why so few American policy makers hold the same view about Pakistan.

Cautious Optimism: Chances for Cypriot Reconciliation

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 17:29:14 -0500

Reunification of Cyprus tops the agenda of newly elected president of Greek Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, and his pledges to open dialogue with the Turkish Cypriots have cast a hopeful ray of light onto what has long been a dismal situation. Christofias’ election is fraught with irony; he is a Soviet-trained member of the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL), a Greek-Cypriot Communist party, which enjoys close relations with Russia. Cyprus is now the first European Union member with a Communist party in control of the presidency.

Pakistan at a Crossroad

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:39:52 -0500

Over the next several years, Pakistan will either become the nation that the clear majority of its people want – a modern democracy based on constitutional law – or, it will implode under extreme pressures and fall under autocratic rule by Islamist extremists. The general elections on February 18 are an important but not the only step in determining that outcome.

Pakistan's Best Chance

Wendy J. Chamberlin and Marvin Weinbaum — Thu, 3 Jan 2008 10:29:58 -0500

Rarely in situations of such volatility as Pakistan faces today is the objective so clear. Pakistan needs stability. The greatest threat to the country derives from internal terrorism, lawlessness and fractured regional politics.

A Call for Early Elections in Iraq

Dr. Louay Bahry — Wed, 3 Oct 2007 13:19:38 -0400

“Dysfunctional” is the word reportedly used by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to describe his own government. Today, this description can be used to refer not only to his cabinet but to the parliament and judiciary. The result has been an ever more serious deadlock on the question of national reconciliation between Shi’a and Sunnis that prevents the formation of a functional government and parliament, where ministers regularly attend cabinet meetings and deputies appear at parliamentary sessions.

The Uncivil War in Gaza

Edward S. Walker, Jr. — Sat, 19 May 2007 13:00:00 -0400

The Palestinians appear to be in an “uncivil war” even as President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert are working toward serious dialog on peace. In my experience you can make book on it that when there are any signs of progress toward a peaceful resolution of the issue through a two state solution, Hamas, probably acting on instructions from their leaders in Damascus, will raise the temperature of violence to entice the Israelis into violent response and thus end this dangerous talk of peace.

Turkish Elections Shed Light on Internal Ruptures

John Calabrese — Sat, 19 May 2007 13:00:00 -0400

The political crisis over the election of the next president has crystallized key issues facing Turkey. Behind the tactical battles waged over the election is a larger struggle over the relationship between religion and the state. At stake is nothing less than the essential character and future direction of Turkish democracy.

ANATOMY OF THE POLITICAL CRISIS

Solving the Saudi Succession Puzzle

Thomas W. Lippman — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 -0500

If there is one thing the ruling princes of Saudi Arabia have shown they are good at, it is self-preservation. They demonstrated their skill once again last month with an adroit political maneuver that drew little media notice in this country because of the carnage in Iraq, but could have long term significance for the the Gulf region and for the United States.

Kuwaiti Elections: New Voices

Jennifer McElhinny — Fri, 9 Jun 2006 12:00:00 -0400

http://66.223.107.101/articles/doc529.html

Kuwait is in the midst of a political transformation. The past month has showcased the first youth movement demanding political reform and more backbone from their political representatives. Parliament has been dissolved. The new election, now set for the end of June, will reveal more registered women voters than men and promises to further the reform process. Eligible Kuwaiti female voters outnumber Kuwaiti men four to three.

Delayed Democracy in Qatar?

Louay Bahry — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 12:00:00 -0400

http://66.223.107.101/articles/doc511.html

Parliamentary elections in Qatar have been postponed until 2007. This is the third delay since 1995 but it should not be a surprise. It follows the strategy of Qatar’s ruler, Hamid bin Khalifa Al-Thani, to transform Qatar without political and social shocks into a vibrant regional and international economic and financial center. Qatar hopes the transformation will help it compete with neighboring Dubai, which is famous for its wealth, economic development, and political stability.