Egypt is realizing that democracy is not an easily procured fruit, especially in a nation where political movements have been suppressed for decades and peoples’ sentiments can be easily swayed either way.

Genuine negotiation efforts, timely discussions, and broader participation of groups asserting rights based on identity are necessary to help break the impasse in Nepali politics on the issue of federalism.

Nepal’s Constituent Assembly did have some positive achievements, the most important among these being the integration of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of the UCPN-M, although it failed to fulfil its other main task of finalising a constitution.

The only way out for King Abdullah seems to be to commit himself to truly representative democracy and all-inclusive development.

Rulers of Gulf states should initiate reforms to accommodate the voices and aspirations of different sections of their societies.

The people’s movement, in bringing down the former President Hosni Mubarak, has once again showed the power of peaceful protest and ideas. There are many lessons to be learnt from the transformative developments.

The peace process was deadlocked, with extreme polarization within and among the political parties on various issues.

The outcome of the elections in Myanmar is awaited anxiously by the international community but not much change is expected.