Meghan L. O'Sullivan argues, "...the [United states] should work with its Western and Arab allies to craft a coordinated strategy that, alongside sanctions, is aimed at turning the Syrian resistance into a viable alternative to Assad--and uses the prospect of military support as an incentive for doing so"

Steven A. Cook says that to avoid the traps of their history, Egyptians must be committed to a new constitution and an independent parliament.

Ed Husain says military options in Syria would do much more harm than good.

Ed Husain argues that it is impossible to tell whether Bashar al-Assad's time is running out, but containing--not fanning--the current conflict in Syria is in everybody's interests.

Isobel Coleman discusses the role of women in the Arab Spring.

Ed Husain argues that the current trajectory of the United States in the Middle East—of dancing around developments, leading from behind and expressing defeatist thinking—needs to stop.

John Campbell argues, "Only genuine reform of Nigeria's political economy can pull it back from the brink."

Elliott Abrams strikes back at critics who condemn both the Arab Spring and its supporters.

Joshua Kurlantzick says that despite the hopes raised by the Arab Spring, democracy is actually in retreat around the world, but there is a way to revive it.

Syria's regime appears increasingly isolated and erratic in response to civil unrest, posing a challenge to the Arab League to prevent a spread of conflict, says CFR's Robert M. Danin.

With Islamists apparently gaining the most seats in Egypt's parliament, CFR's Steven Cook spells out challenges in the transition process, including the writing of a new constitution.

The year 2011 was packed with unforeseen challenges for U.S. foreign policy. This guide lists a range of CFR materials on the year's most consequential developments and their implications, and expert forecasts on political and economic trends in 2012.

Isobel Coleman says the recent women's protest in Egypt may breathe life into a movement that desperately needs new energy.

The increasing resort to violence signals the likely fall of Syria's Bashar al-Assad and could trigger shifts in the regional balance of power away from Iran, says former senior U.S. Mideast adviser Dennis Ross.

Isobel Coleman argues that in Libya, Egypt, and elsewhere, overthrowing male dominance could be harder than overthrowing a dictator.

Steven A. Cook says Egypt is spinning out of control, and both the military junta and the protesters in the street are to blame.

David Remnick examines how effective the resistance to Putin's next presidency can be.

Joshua Kurlantzick reviews The River of Lost Footsteps and Where China Meets India by Thant Myint-U.

Ed Husain states that the Muslim Brotherhood is far removed from al-Qaeda and the supporters of violent jihad, and its rise in Egypt should not be feared.

TIME magazine honors the protesters of 2011, standing up to political systems across the world which they feel have grown dysfunctional and corrupt.