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authoritarianism

Brazil’s Referendum on Authoritarianism

Democracy on the Ballot in Brazil

The Brazilian political arena is defined today by long-established divisions and a much more assertive extreme-right with emboldened militaristic and antidemocratic leanings.

Yemen’s Great Enabler Departs

Yemen’s Great Enabler Departs

It took years until the Saudis realized that there was a problem with the announced goal of their operation in Yemen to restore the legitimate Hadi government to its place in the capital, Sanaa: Hadi himself had no intention of returning to anywhere in Yemen.

Libya and the Triumph of the Opportunists

Libya and the Triumph of the Opportunists

Political opportunists can thrive on the penchant of people to long for the old authoritarian system and forget its dark sides. Many Libyans increasingly look back at the stability of the Gadhafi years with some nostalgia, even if they fervently supported the 2011 revolution.

The Wandering Alawite

The Wandering Alawite

Syria's Alawite minority have always been painfully aware of the fragility of sectarian coexistence. Many of us preferred one dictator, Bashar al-Assad, to a Syria broken into multiple sectarian dictatorships. So, despite reservations, despite its repression, we still stuck by the regime.

As Iran’s Hard-liners Tighten Their Grip, Ordinary Iranians Resort to Humor

As Iran’s Hard-liners Tighten Their Grip, Ordinary Iranians Resort to Humor

One man showed up dressed as the blue Genie from “Aladdin” and declared his presidential candidacy. Another one, donning a face mask made from the Iranian flag, created massive chaos in the registration hall, then promised the bemused bureaucrats that he was running to “save Iran from the current chaos.”

The Death of the Palestinian Cause Has Been Greatly Exaggerated

The Death of the Palestinian Cause Has Been Greatly Exaggerated

Arabs are of course not of a single mind on any particular issue, nor is it possible to gauge public opinion under tyrannical regimes. But it is indicative of the fact that these authoritarians no longer see the pan-Arab Palestinian cause and supporting it as vital to their survival.

How a Human Rights Report Could Upend Sudan

How a Human Rights Report Could Upend Sudan

For years Nabil Adeeb provided legal representation to opponents of the old regime, earning him the respect of human rights activists. He now leads an inquiry into atrocities that threatens to destabilize his country.