Report authors Mirette F. Mabrouk, deputy director for regional programs, and Stefanie A. Hausheer, assistant director, examine the progress in achieving the original demands of protestors and contend that local actors would embrace greater international support to help facilitate genuine transitions.
By examining six key themes—political polarization, constitution-drafting processes, transitional justice, economic progress, civil society freedoms, and the future of political Islam—the authors conclude that while the results so far have fallen short of expectations, there is still a strong indigenous commitment to democratic change and a barrier of fear has been irrevocably broken. Citizens in these countries remain firm in their demands for reform and popular pressure will continue to push future governments to realize the goals of the revolutions.
Image: Image Credit: Rowan El Shimi, Flickr