To the Point
Syria, Egypt and Fading Hope of a Post-Arab Spring Democracy
Three years ago, it appeared that Mideast dictatorships might be replaced by democracy. Now, they’ve found ways to use the electoral process to maintain or attain power.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenJust three years ago, it appeared that dictatorships in the Middle East might become relics of the political past, replaced by democracy. Now, strongmen in Syria, Egypt and elsewhere have found ways to use the electoral process to maintain power or attain it. We look at America's options. Also, President Obama unveils strict new rules on carbon emissions, and mixed reactions to recovery of an America POW in return for five Taliban detainees at Guantánamo Bay.
Banner image: Egyptian Minister of Defense General Abdul Fatah Khalil al-Sisi bids farewell to US Secretary of State John Kerry after a meeting in Cairo, Egypt on November 3, 2013. Photo courtesy of the US Department of State
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3 storiesObama Unveils Strict New Rules on Carbon Emissions
President Obama today asked Democrats to "please go on offense" in support of the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA is demanding that power plants cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2005 levels in the next 16 years. At a press conference this morning, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy lauded the plan.
Read the story8 minWhatever Happened to the "Arab Spring?"
Three years ago, it appeared that anti-government uprisings might lead to the spread of democracy in the Middle East. Now it appears that the democratic process is being used to sustain the power of dictatorships.
Read the story34 minFlurry of Questions about Bergdahl Release
On Saturday, President Obama announced the return of the only American soldier known to be held prisoner in Afghanistan. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl was traded for five Taliban detainees at Guantanamo Bay. But the deal is not going down well with some of Bergdahl's former comrades — or with everybody in Congress.
Read the story9 min
