For far too long in history, women have been perceived as chattel, disposable and expendable. This past year we witnessed uprisings in the Middle East during their Arab Spring. Women often fought along side men to oust oppressive regimes. In Bahrain, however, women are still at risk of torture and rape. Yemen women played activists roles in toppling President Saleh, yet still fight vigorously to keep demands for their rights. Libyan women face a multitude of challenges in the face of change so that they may have access to education …

Over the last year or so the world has witnessed a truly remarkable movement within many countries in the Middle East.  It has been a concerted effort by popular uprisings of common citizens to rid themselves of long-standing despots and dictators.  The struggle for freedom is far from over, as bloody conflicts and government back assassinations continue in places like Syria, Yemen and Bahrain. Although the ultimate outcomes of these rebellions will change the relationships between nations within the region, and perhaps relationships with Western nations, they will not profoundly affect …

The results of the so-called “Arab Spring” have permanently changed the landscape of Middle-Eastern politics, and it’s not over yet.  There is little doubt that  popular uprisings  will continue in Syria and Yemen, and will undoubtedly spread to other places, such as Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.   Each of the uprisings have resulted from different sets of circumstances, although all of them have been fueled  primarily by unemployed (or underemployed) youth, who have effectively used technology to communicate with one another and to coordinate their efforts.  Without modern computer and communications …