In the run-up to last year’s presidential and parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe, hope was palpable in Harare. Civil society activists, journalists, and business leaders marveled at how political space had opened up in the wake of the coup that ousted longtime President Robert Mugabe. It was as if an entire country had opened up the windows to let in fresh air. However, these victories for Zimbabwe are ringing hollow because they occur against an alarming backdrop of state-sponsored violence and intimidation.

Ahead of national elections in Pakistan this week, allegations of pre-poll rigging, press intimidation, and the mainstreaming of militant groups are all cause for concern.

Welcome to “Women Around the World: This Week,” a series that highlights noteworthy news related to women and U.S. foreign policy. This week’s post covers October 2 to October 8. 

Puea Thai Party's Yingluck Shinawatra (C) poses for a photo with her coalition after a joint news conference in Bangkok July 4, 2011. (Adrees Latif/Courtesy Reuters) Thailand’s political denouement …

Thailand's Prime Minister-elect Yingluck Shinawatra (L) poses for photographers as she gives United States ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenney a bouquet of flowers ahead of U.S. Independence Day ce…