Synopses & Reviews
Post-revolution states often find that once dictators have been deposed, other problems arise, such as political polarization and the threat of civil war. A respected commentator on Middle Eastern politics, Ibrahim Fraihat examines three countries grappling with political transitions in the wake of the Arab Spring: Yemen, Libya, and Tunisia. Drawing on extensive research and interviews, Sharqieh argues that to attain enduring peace and stability, post-revolution states must engage in inclusive national reconciliation processes with the support of women, civil society, and tribes.
Review
andquot;Based on rigorous, on-the-ground research and conversations with hundreds of political actors, Ibrahim Sharqieh has produced a unique political guidebook to the critical processes that will preoccupy Arab countries for decades--reconciliations, new social contracts, and transitions to democracy--on their elusive path towards stable and legitimate statehood.andquot;--Rami G. Khouri, Senior Fellow, Issam Fares Institute, American University of Beirut, and Harvard University
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Review
andquot;Ibrahim Sharqiehand#39;s treatise on reconciliation provides a unique and timely addition to our growing literature.andnbsp;Few scholars have attempted this level of quality research on reconciliation in the context of the Middle East and North Africa with such capacity to combine strong theoretical framing linked to grounded, longitudinal, and realistic lens.andnbsp;This book provides a brilliant addition that addresses significant gaps in our knowledge and understanding.andnbsp;I highly recommend this book for regional specialists, scholars of peace and reconciliation studies, and practitioners engaged in seeking sustainable social change in one of the most challenging regions across our globe.andquot;--John Paul Lederach, author of Building Peace: Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies
Review
andquot;Ibrahim Sharqieh has written the most constructive and thoughtful book available on the Arab Spring and current conflict in the Middle East. It deserves to be read by politicians, scholars, and students trying to make sense of one of the most devastating situations on earth. He offers direction in a confusing and directionless world.andquot;--Charles Villa-Vicencio, former National Research Director in the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Synopsis
Post-revolution states often find that once a transition process begins, challenges can arise, such as political polarization and the threat of civil war. A respected commentator on Middle Eastern politics, Ibrahim Fraihat compares three countries grappling with political transitions in the wake of the Arab Spring: Yemen, Libya, and Tunisia.Fraihat argues that to attain enduring peace and stability, post-revolution states must engage in inclusive national reconciliation processes which include a national dialogue, a truth seeking effort, the reparation of victims past injuries, dealing with the former regime, and institutional reform. Women, civil society, and tribes, among other social forces, can support the transition process. Fraihat s research shows how some aspects of transitions have been politicized and that each country has taken a specific approach, raising or diminishing the chances of civil war or a healthy transition.
This book is based on the original field research Fraihat conducted over three years in Yemen, Libya, and Tunisia. It is the result of over 200 interviews with key figures including senior government officials, heads of political parties, revolutionary youth activists, former regime loyalists, representatives of women s and civil society organizations, military and militia commanders, tribal leaders, and members of displaced communities."
About the Author
Ibrahim Fraihat is senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and deputy director of the Brookings Doha Center in Doha, Qatar, where he lives.