Arab uprisings: an update

A brief survey of developments in the Arab world since the uprisings that began in 2011 (background and earlier developments can be found in a collection of briefings – see the last section: further reading). Two of the three countries that have had elections since the uprisings – Tunisia and Egypt – have seen mainstream and more radical Islamists dominating. In Libya, the third of the three, a pragmatic and relatively secular politician who had been former Prime Minister during the rebellion did well. It is still early to know what these new governments will do but, as with many of the countries in the region, pressing economic problems may be the most important thing. Meanwhile, after a dramatic few weeks, many are now convinced that the Assad regime in Syria cannot survive but that its death will be slow and painful.