One revolution is followed by another in the Arab world, which means the end of dictators such as Mubarak and Ben Ali. 'We have to adjust our view of the Middle East and learn from these uprisings.'
Big bang
The Hivos Knowledge Programme closely follows the
developments in the Middle East. 'There is plenty of fascinating information on the website about the Arab revolutions, both
crucial moments and also profound
commentaries', explains Hivos employee Kawa Hassan. 'Democracy in the Arab world used to be unthinkable. It is truly unprecedented that the Arab people are bringing down dictators. The impossible has become possible: a political big bang is taking place forcing us to adjust our view of the region.'
The power of the people
These developments in the Middle East are important to everyone, all over the world. They shed new light on the power of ordinary people. Take for example the following articles, news items and commentaries:
The fall of the Arab Berlin Wall?
Join in the debate!
Discuss the implications of the revolutions. What are the
Paradoxes of Arab Refo-lutions
? Will there be a democracy and if so, what form of democracy? 'Feel free to comment on the articles. The Hivos Knowledge Programme is the ideal place for debates between various parts of the world', according to Hassan.
Newsletter
The English newsletter of the Hivos knowledge programme in Western Asia and the Middle East offers more in-depth articles on the ideas behind democratisation as well as the practical road to a democratic society. The third issue of this newsletter focuses entirely on the uprisings in the Middle East. The newsletter is published four times a year. If you would like to receive it, please send a message to
west.asia.newsletter@uva.nl.
