The Middle East is about to change. No, the dysfunctional political systems are not about to become more free or fair or democratic. National economies are not going to improve

Arab democratic practices and institutions are alive and kicking, but there continues to be a deep and chronic gap between the phenomenon of citizens who vote, and the policies of

Egypt's ruling regime has announced the suspension of 12 satellite channels, renowned for their religious themes and warned 20 other channels concerning their alleged incitement to religious hatred, unlicensed medical

A certain Arab country recently held parliamentary elections. The vote was reasonably free and fair. Turnout was 67 percent, and the opposition won a near majority of the seats --

Deep resentment was expressed by The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information condemning the successive decisions restricting media freedoms in Egypt prior to the forthcoming public elections.

New restrictions and regulations have been enforced by Egypt's National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) in an attempt to increase control over the SMS messaging services available by mobile phone companies

The Muslim Brotherhood has announced names of candidates fielded in Egypt 's upcoming parliamentary elections. During press conferences the MB in the constituencies of Gharbeya and Qalyubiya have named 10

Security forces in the Damietta governorate raid Islamist bookstores arresting a number of workers and employees.

Many analysts remain skeptical of a Senate draft resolution currently in the works to urge Egyptian government "to take all steps necessary to ensure that upcoming elections are free, fair,

Attempting to head off a massive boycott of its upcoming parliamentary elections by Islamists, the Jordanian government is reportedly pursuing legal action against anyone inciting against casting a ballot.