CIAO Search Results

Author: Mona Yacoubian, Scott Lasensky
Publication Date: 12-2005
Content Type: Policy Brief
Institution: United States Institute of Peace
Abstract: This USIPeace Briefing , written by Scott Lasensky and Mona Yacoubian of the Institute's Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention, is based on discussions at a recent seminar. The views expressed do not reflect those of the Institute, which does not take policy positions. Syria is facing unprecedented pressure from the international community on issues ranging from Syrian meddling in Lebanon to its support for terrorist groups. The United Nations investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri will release its second report in mid- December 2005. The current crisis has increased speculation about prospects for political change in Syria. The opacity of Syrian politics means there are more questions than answers. Nonetheless, a number of key indicators suggest a changing political environment, in a country where political development has essentially been frozen for thirty-five years.
Topic: Development, Economics, Politics
Political Geography: Middle East, Syria

Author: Courtney Rusin
Publication Date: 12-2005
Content Type: Policy Brief
Institution: United States Institute of Peace
Abstract: Iraq will elect a new parliament on December 15th. The new government—whatever its composition—will then be in a race to build a democratic order before the insurgency creates enough chaos to break it down. Whether or not the government succeeds depends on how political events of the past two years have set the stage for the December elections—and on the prospects of creating a national narrative that encompasses all of Iraq's main political and ethno-sectarian groups.
Topic: Democratization, Development, Politics
Political Geography: Iraq, Middle East

Author: Dorina Bekoe
Publication Date: 12-2005
Content Type: Policy Brief
Institution: United States Institute of Peace
Abstract: The Niger Delta, an area of dense mangrove rainforest in the southern tip of Nigeria, comprises nine of Nigeria's thirty-six states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers. The region's oil accounts for approximately 90 percent of the value of Nigeria's exports, but the Niger Delta remains one of Nigeria's least developed regions.
Topic: Development, Economics, Peace Studies
Political Geography: Africa, Nigeria

Publication Date: 11-2005
Content Type: Policy Brief
Institution: United States Institute of Peace
Abstract: Following the successes of the peaceful revolutions in Georgia and Ukraine, experts are examining these movements for insights into future prospects for nonviolent civic resistance. They hope to find lessons in these successes that might hold significance for nonviolent political change in other non-democratic countries.
Topic: Development, Government, Peace Studies
Political Geography: Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Georgia