Egyptian presidential debate, a step toward democracy

Egypt’s top two presidential candidates faced off last night in the first presidential debate in the nation’s history, giving Egyptians a chance to watch a contest that would have been unthinkable under former president Hosni Mubarak. (more…)

Russians bury democracy as Putin returns as president

Russian demonstrators carried a black coffin bearing the word ‘democracy’ through the city of Vladivostok on Sunday at the start of protests against Vladimir Putin on the eve of his return to the presidency for another six years. (more…)

Aoun slams Jumblatt, Suleiman, Arabs, US; calls Syria a democracy

Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun launched another attack against Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt during a ceremony on Saturday marking the seventh anniversary of his return from exile in France.
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Egypt Lifts Travel Ban on US Pro-Democracy Workers

Egypt lifted a travel ban Wednesday on seven Americans charged with fomenting unrest by working for illegally funded pro-democracy groups, signaling an end to the worst crisis in Egypt-U.S. relations in 30 years.

The clash put $1.5 billion in annual American aid to Egypt at risk and sparked intense behind-the-scenes negotiations between the two countries to find a way out. (more…)

Egypt assures U.S. no more raids on democracy groups

Egyptian officials have assured the United States they will halt raids on pro-democracy and human rights groups and return property seized in a crackdown that strained ties with Washington, U.S. officials said on Friday. (more…)

Russians vote in election test for Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin’s ruling party could see its vast parliamentary majority cut back in elections that began Sunday in the icy tundra and sparsely-populated swathes of Russia’s far east.

At polling stations from the Arctic to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, the election will indicate the scope of fatigue with Putin’s 12-year rule just three months before he asks voters to endorse his return to the Kremlin as president. (more…)

U.N. urges ‘immediate’ world ‘measures’ to protect Syrians

A top U.N. official deplored the “devastatingly remorseless toll of human lives” in Syria on Friday and exhorted the world community “to take immediate measures” to protect citizens.
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Syrian poll finds optimism for future, but little support for Assad

Syrians have little confidence that President Bashar al-Assad’s regime can solve the country’s current problems, although they are optimistic about the future, a poll conducted by Pepperdine University shows.

The survey, which was conducted in conjunction with the Democracy Council of California, also found that eight out of 10 Syrians questioned want al-Assad’s regime to leave power (more…)

Syrian protesters call for foreign help

President Bashar al-Assad’s opponents have appealed for foreign help to stop the killing of civilians by regime forces after six months of pro-democracy protests. (more…)

For Turkish military, a telling change of tactics

ISTANBUL — Turkey awoke to a new era Saturday, one in which military generals irked by their government’s behavior don’t stage a coup or throw a tantrum — they seek early retirement. (more…)