Assad forms committee to change Syria’s constitution

President Bashar al-Assad formed a committee on Saturday to draft a new constitution within four months, the official news agency said, following a series of new laws that gave Syrians more freedom on paper after months of popular unrest. (more…)

Egypt: constitutional amendments in 10 days, referendum in 2 months

The military leaders now governing Egypt have told a coalition of young opposition leaders that they plan to convene a panel of distinguished jurists to submit a package of constitutional amendments within 10 days for approval in a national referendum within two months, setting a breakneck schedule for the transition to civilian role. (more…)

Mr. Mikati Must Form A Single Colour Cabinet

By Ghassan Karam
A team must be cohesive if it wishes to succeed. Its members must all share an understanding and a commitment to the goal so that they can execute the plays flawlessly. Unless they can communicate and cooperate selflessly then their efforts will not be in harmony and will result in missed plays and [...]

Turkey set to vote on changing the constitution

The people of Turkey are set to vote in a referendum on changing the nation’s constitution.

The government wants to make a number of alterations that would bring the constitution more in line with the European Union’s standards. (more…)

Suleiman calls for abolishing political sectarianism in Lebanon

President Michel Suleiman addressed the nation on the eve of Lebanon’s 66th anniversary of independence saying: “To encourage vast participation in political life, a national committee should be established and charged with abolishing political sectarianism.”

Twenty years later, little has changed

By Maurice Obeid
Twenty years ago this month, on November 4 1989, the civil war ended with the ratification of the Taif Accord.