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As Islamists stumble in Egypt and Tunisia, the Arab Spring turns wintery

As Islamists stumble in Egypt and Tunisia, the Arab Spring turns wintery
As Islamists stumble in Egypt and Tunisia, the Arab Spring turns wintery

Of all the states that rose against tyranny, Egypt and Tunisia have traveled the furthest on the road to democratic transformation. However, concerns about the Islamists’ fidelity to democracy continue to mount. This is particularly so in Egypt where the president seems susceptible to authoritarian proclivities and the Islamist elite show little inclination to compromise. In Tunisia, the prospects for democracy are relatively better as Ennahda, partners in the governing coalition, have little choice but to be flexible. It is rather ironic that democratic transformation is left in the hands of those professing fidelity to principles whose compatibility with democracy is contested.

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About the Author

Adeed Dawisha

Adeed Dawisha

Public Policy Scholar;
Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
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Middle East Program

The Wilson Center’s Middle East Program serves as a crucial resource for the policymaking community and beyond, providing analyses and research that helps inform US foreign policymaking, stimulates public debate, and expands knowledge about issues in the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.  Read more