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Back to To the Point

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.

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By Warren Olney • Jun 2, 2014 • 51m Listen

Just 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

More

  • Khatib's 'Taking to the Streets: The Transformation of Arab Activism'

  • Khatib on Assad's election as his 'security quest'

  • Baker on Syrians pondering their choice between casting a meaningless vote or boycotting the process

  • Lynch's 'The Arab Uprising: The Unfinished Revolutions of the New Middle East'

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Caitlin Shamberg

    KCRW

  • KCRW placeholder

    Mike Kessler

    freelance journalist

  • KCRW placeholder

    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

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