Ten years on, traces from the Arab Spring continue to reverberate around the Middle East and North Africa. This issue of Manara Magazine gathers a range of voices from across the region in policy, journalism, and academia who were at the cutting edge of the events of the last decade to reflect upon the past, explain the present, and draw lessons for the future.
The issues that sparked the Arab Spring remain relevant. Therefore, much of this issue is dedicated to examining the key themes of the past decade in relation to the current political, economic, and social dynamics in the region.
Our writers return to the initial moments of the uprisings and what followed immediately thereafter (The Arab Spring: Past, Present, and Future, Paul Salem). Yet, the events that began ten years ago continue to unfold; the issues that sparked the Arab Spring remain relevant. Therefore, much of this issue is dedicated to examining the key themes of the past decade in relation to the current political, economic, and social dynamics in the region, from Syria (Assad the Survivor: How the Syrian President Held Out, by David Lesch) to Libya (New Government, New Dawn?, by Alison Pargeter). Moreover, our writers look to the future (Another turbulent decade in prospect for the Middle East and North Africa, by David Butter): examining the lessons that can be drawn from the past and considering what the next decade holds.
With its ancient history, ten years may seem like a drop in the ocean for the Middle East and North Africa. Yet, the past decade has been a tumultuous and pivotal one, which demands pause, inquiry, and analysis. We hope that this issue of Manara provides just that.
Sincerely,
Naman Habtom
Managing Editor
Jemima Baar
Senior Editor
Patrik Kurath
Deputy Editor
