Topic: Zine El Abidine Ben Ali

Opinion: US message to Arab world matters -- and Obama is sending the wrong one

The message the US projects abroad will resonate long after the final pass of the Super Bowl. The US must lend its full-throated support to the protesters of the Arab world. It matters – both for the future of the region, and the future of America. Sitting on the sidelines may cost us more than our regional standing; it may cost us our own ideals.

Why Tunisia's winds of change aren't blowing south to sub-Saharan Africa

The winds of change that swept aside Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali have swiftly blown east to test the long-serving leaders of Egypt, Yemen, and Jordan. Yet if these winds can blow east across North Africa to the Middle East, can't they also blow south to sub-Saharan Africa? Surely there are plenty of dictators in Africa's other countries who have outworn their welcome after 20-plus years in power? Perhaps, but different societies respond to the same conditions in very different ways, and the 53 countries of the African continent each has its own social structure and attitudes toward those in power. Here are four reasons why, despite the massive protests in North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa remains silent.

Egypt's Hosni Mubarak: following missteps of ousted Tunisian leader?

Egypt's Hosni Mubarak at first ignored protesters, and then responded with force. 'I don’t think Mubarak learned anything from the Tunisian case,' says one observer.

Hosni Mubarak names new cabinet, but his future is in military hands

The Egyptian military is now center stage in the battle between President Hosni Mubarak and the demonstrators demanding that he end his 30-year rule.

Cairo protesters: 'We’re staying here until Mubarak leaves.'

In Cairo's Tahrir Square Saturday, protesters said President Mubarak's appointment of a vice president and prime minister wasn't enough, and expressed confidence that momentum was on their side.

Egypt's crackdown on protesters evokes Iran's heavy hand in 2009 unrest

With more than 100 estimated dead so far as Egyptian protests resume for a fifth day, Egypt's 'zero tolerance' policy is reminiscent of Iran's force to quash unrest after Ahmadinejad's reelection.

Among France's Tunisians, elation and worry

France hosts Tunisia's largest expatriate community. Having long lived in political silence, Tunisians here are glued to Arabic TV and debating if greater democracy or regional strife will unfold.

Egyptians flood the streets, defying police and calling for regime change

Many Egyptian protesters came out for the first time, despite fears of violent confrontation as police cracked down hard, to call for the fall of Hosni Mubarak's regime.

Egypt's protests and Mubarak's future (video)

The 'regime' looks secure for now, but can President Hosni Mubarak -- or his son -- hold on?

Egypt protesters want freedom, but can they organize to get it?

Egypt's protests have managed to energize a broad swath of Egyptians, but it's unclear if protesters can harness that energy for political change. Security was tight in Cairo Wednesday.

A crackdown in Egypt, and Tunisia too

Energized by Tunisia, Egypt protesters surge onto streets in 'Day of Wrath'

Democracy protesters in Egypt took to the streets in Cairo and at least six other cities, calling for the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak.

Egypt protests and the demonstration effect of Tunisia

Shouts of 'Tunis' and 'down with Mubarak' at Egypt protests.

Tunisia's opposition defends unity government as pressure mounts

Protesters from Tunisia's interior – where the revolution started – arrived in the capital yesterday, significantly increasing the pressure on the week-old unity government.

Yemen releases jailed activists in the face of Tunisia-inspired protesters

Yemen today released nearly three dozen activists, including Towakil Karman, who had led Tunisia-inspired protests last week calling for President Saleh to step down.

Tunisia faces teacher strike, protests against new government

Many Tunisians protested Monday to show their disapproval of the interim government – which includes members of the government of former President Ben Ali – while teachers went on strike.

Fresh protests could bring down Tunisia's interim government

Members of the 'Liberation Caravan' say they will camp out in front of the prime minister’s office until the government accedes to their demands.

How revolt sparked to life in Tunisia

One of the most repressive Arab regimes, Tunisia was thought to be less prone to revolt than its neighbors. But economic, social, political, and demographic currents converged to create a combustible atmosphere.

'Liberation caravan' keeps pressure on Tunisia's old guard while Yemen sees copycat protests

While Tunisians demand departure of former president's allies in a 'liberation caravan', Yemeni activists launch copycat protests in Sanaa.

An embarrassed France backpedals from its support of Tunisia's Ben Ali

Before former President Ben Ali fled Tunisia amid the popular uprising, France offered its support to the troubled dictator. Now France is struggling to find new footing with its former colony.

Tunisia's old guard continues to wither as protesters demand clean slate

Tunisian protesters climbed atop the headquarters of the ruling RCD party and tore down its sign – a symbolic show of anger as the country's new government met for the first time today.

Tunisia ministers quit ruling party, political prisoners freed

Can members of the party that served ousted Tunisian President Zine El Abdine Ben Ali hang on?