Topic: Zine El Abidine Ben Ali

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Salafis 101: 5 key facts

Salafi Muslims are often associated with militant Islam and violent groups such as Al Qaeda, though most Salafis disavow violent jihad. Repressed for decades by secular dictators such as Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and Zine Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia, Salafis may find new breathing room now that the Arab Spring has ousted such leaders. Here are five facts to help you understand them.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 04/28
How Syria and other countries use emergency rule to quash dissent

The concept of emergency rule has been at the forefront of much of the Mideast unrest. Meant to help a country in times of danger, emergency law has sometimes been turned into a political tool.
People-powered democratic revolts - do they last?

Analyzing a selection of political revolutions - successful and not - around the globe since World War II
Countries in the Middle East where the 'winds of change' are blowing

Those who said that 'winds of change' were blowing through the Middle East were right. The past two months have seen a series of stunning political shifts across the region and are now reverberating along the North African coast, through the Gulf, and up into the Levant. Here is a look at where those 'winds of change' are taking us.

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Tunisia debate turns personal: 'Pray more and turn down that Metallica'

Tensions between Tunisia's secularists and newly empowered Islamists are playing between brothers and sisters, mothers and daughters, as the country drafts a new constitution.
Arab leaders stay away from Baghdad summit

The turnout in Iraq by regional leaders wasn't very high for Thursday's meeting. But those who did show up appealed to the Syrian government to stop the violence.
Zimbabwe activists sentenced for watching Arab Spring video

Found guilty for conspiracy to commit violence, six Zimbabwe activists are given fines and community service. Opposition members see beginning of crackdown ahead of elections.
President Hadi takes power as Yemen's first new leader in three decades

President Hadi took oath of office in Yemen Saturday, calling for 'democratic dialogue' and vowing to fight Al Qaeda militants. A deadly car bomb attack in the south underscored ongoing instability.
After Yemen election, life after Saleh begins

Yemen began a new era without Ali Abdullah Saleh on Wednesday after Tuesday's uncontested election ousted the leader by the 'Arab Spring' uprisings.
After the revolution, arts bloom in Tunisia

As Tunisia's 'Jasmine Revolution' turns one, musicians find new venues, funds, and teachers -- along with official support.
After Egypt, Tunisia, Libya overthrows, Arab upheaval begins to settle

Egypt quietly moves into another phase of voting, while the monarchs in Morocco and Jordan have stabilized their rule through reforms.
Arab Spring justice – but a free pass for Yemen's Saleh

Under a plan backed by Obama and Saudi Arabia, Yemen's interim cabinet agreed Sunday to amnesty for President Ali Abdullah Saleh in return for him stepping down. But democracy can't take root without rule of law.
One year after Tunisian revolt began, little has changed, residents say

The self-immolation of vegetable seller Mohammed al-Bouazizi on Dec. 17, 2010, did much to set off the Arab uprisings; but Tunisians in his town say the regime has changed in name only.
Burqa ban: Canada prohibits Muslim veil in citizenship ceremonies (VIDEO)

Canada's ban follows those of France, Tunisia, Turkey, and Syria, and is meant to ensure that those taking the oath of citizenship are actually reciting the oath.
Global News Blog
Good Reads: China faces unrest as economy slows

The rest of the world was hoping China's booming economy would pull everyone else out of economic slowdown, but now even China appears to be slowing down. 
Tunisia election results: Islamists are major power, but all is not lost for secularists

With the Islamist Al Nahda party emerging as the dominant power, Tunisia's election results have disappointed secularists. Rather than withdraw in defeat, they must reflect on their missteps and use the new democracy to fight for individual freedoms and more regulations on political financing.
Can Islamists share power with secularists? Tunisia is about to find out.

Two secular parties look set to join Tunisia's dominant Islamist Al Nahda party in an alliance that would collectively represent as much as 60 percent of the vote in Sunday's election.
Sharia law to be main source of legislation in Libya

Sharia law is set to guide Libyan legislation, but the transitional government insists it will be moderate.
Unlikely kingmaker emerges in Tunisia's election

Tunisia's election appears to be giving a strong vote to the moderate Islamist party Ennahda. But the much smaller and secular Ettakatol party may determine who forms the majority in the constituent assembly.
Tunisia election: Smiles, pride as historic day goes smoothly

Tunisians turned out in droves to vote in the Arab Spring's first democratic election today. Early indications were that voting went smoothly throughout most of the country.
Tunisia elections face unexpected obstacle: youth apathy

The fervor of Tunisia's youth-led revolution, which sparked subsequent uprisings in the region, has been surprisingly absent ahead of Tunisia's elections this weekend.
How Qaddafi killing affirms Arab Spring principles

The death of Muammar Qaddafi was made possible when his last supporters, the civilians of Sirte, fled the city. Freedom for Arabs comes in small steps for freedom – such as Sunday's elections in Tunisia.
Global News Blog
Good Reads: Back to Tahrir Square, Syrians get violent, and Occupy Wall Street

It's the autumn of discontent, with Egyptian activists worried about a military comeback, Syrian protesters taking up arms, and the Occupy Wall Street movement in the US and Europe.
Why dictators now face civilian revolt, from Syria to Swaziland

Protests in a growing number of countries show that citizens have more tools at their disposal to throw their dictators off balance, if not out of power.
Regime change in Syria and Iran will come only if people unite as in Libya

The citizenry in Iran and Syria must take up their own collective responsibility and shake off fear to depose their dictators, as the people did in Libya. Democracy promotion from outside simply isn't practical or effective.
Why Mubarak's trial may not bring Egypt full justice [VIDEO]

Egyptians have pushed hard for a speedy trial of ousted President Hosni Mubarak, who appeared in a Cairo courthouse today. But key aspects of transitional justice are being overlooked.
Backchannels
Julian Assange: The man who came to dinner, the man who saved Egypt

The WikiLeaks boss appears to take credit for the Egyptian revolution in a fundraising ad. He also reflects on his time in Miss Egypt's home.
Backchannels
Democracy protesters sexually assaulted, beaten in Iraq

The takeaway for Iraq's leaders: the authoritarian tactics seem to be working.
Backchannels
Swift justice in Tunisia

Or should that be swift 'justice?'