Bashar Al-Assad Sentenced To Death

 

Former Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has been sentenced to death. This was done in absentia seeing as Assad now resides in Russia. The circumstances surrounding this verdict are questionable. The ruling could be a deterrent for stopping him from ever returning to Syria. The government is a combination of terrorist organizations and armed groups. This is not a legitimate government and was not elected by the citizens of Syria. The charges against him include premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary detention, and crimes against humanity. The presence of foreign human rights groups generates suspicion. Other countries or NGOs could be influencing the trial. The trial itself is questionable considering President Ahmed al-Sharaa is guilty of war crimes by the HTS. The Syrian Civil War saw atrocities committed by various armed factions. Syria still is operating under an authoritarian model of government this time under Islamism. Russia refuses to extradite Assad, because they provided him asylum. The only reason they recognize the al-Sharaa government is to preserve their military bases. Bashar Al-Assad would not have a fair trial. His execution would be more of warning to those who still support the Baath Party or any other political opposition. Elections or democratic government is not coming to Syria. Assad would be used as test for normalizing show trials.      

Hosni Mubarak Passes Away

A chapter in Egyptian history was closed with the death of former president Hosni Mubarak. He ruled for thirty years and was deposed by the 2011 Egyptian revolution. The Arab Spring swept across the Middle East resulting in the fall in longtime leaders. It is questionable, whether this revolution was genuine. Most observers note that it appears that the 2011 uprisings were regime changes. So far, countries of the Middle East and North Africa have reverted back to authoritarian systems. Mubarak did not face serious jail time for possible crimes or the deaths of protesters in during the Arab Spring. This demonstrated that the military still holds more power in Egyptian government. The Mubarak presidency went to many lengths to suppress the Muslim Brotherhood and  used it as an excuse to stifle dissent. Another coup in 2013, brought an end to the democratically elected government. The reason Mubarak did not share such a gruesome end like his colleagues from neighboring  states was that the West favored his rule. The military establishment protected him and made sure his sentencing was reduced. Hosni Mubarak was released from prison in 2017 despite public outrage. The charges against him were for corruption and murder, which he was sentenced to life. That was overturned and he continued to live a peaceful live. Although Mubarak is gone the authoritarian structure he built is still intact. Egypt still has a long way to go to creating a government that meets the needs of every citizen. President Abdel Fattah Sisi continues to model himself on a Mubarak style form of administration, leaving little hope for reform.     

Sultan Siad Qaboos Passed Away

Oman lost their longest serving monarch . Previously, Sultan Qaboos  left the country for medical treatment. It has not been confirmed, but it was suggested he was suffering from cancer. His death marks the end of  some of the region's longest serving rulers. Since 1970, he led Oman  through a region that was constantly in conflict. The war of attrition wit Israel, the Lebanese Civil War, the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and the 2003 Iraq War were events that he witness during his political career. The question remains who will be his successor ? The sultan never married or had children. This may result in a crisis of succession. Oman unlike its neighbors was able to avoid the turbulence of the Arab Spring. The reason for Sultan's Qaboos' popularity was that he used oil revenue to develop the country. Modernization and a neutral foreign policy characterized his reign. There were problems in regards to press freedom and the silencing of political dissent. Oman acted as a mediator between both Iran and the United States in 2013 . This was helpful in launching  the Iran nuclear agreement in 2015. Oman is critical in reducing tensions between Iran and the US. With current conflagrations, the next sultan will have to be skilled in diplomacy. If the successor is not able to handle escalating tensions between the US, Iran, and Saudi Arabia then Oman's security may be at risk. The death of Sultan Siad Qaboos marks the end of an era in Omani history.    

The Tunisian Elections (2014)

It was 2014 when Tunisia declared its first truly free and fair election. President Zine El Abidine  Ben Ali had been removed from office due what would be know as the Arab Spring uprisings that swept across North Africa and the Middle East. This video from five years ago reports on the polls by Euronews. Beji Caid Essebsi became Tunisia's next president, but his association with the former administration drew criticism. He served as parliament speaker under the Ben Ali administration and some feared that the authoritarian tendencies would reemerge. Like most North African countries the new political transitions did not bring about more freedoms or improved living standards. Moncef Marzouk of the Congress of the Republic party ran against him claiming human rights would be under threat. Beji Caid Essebsi 's rule was not long when he passed  away at the age of 92 in 2019. The concern about electing older leaders is that their health may effect their capacity to govern. Sudden deaths could put the country in turmoil and peaceful transitions may not be possible. The Nidaa Tounes party has to figure out its political vision without their leader. Tunisia faces a bigger challenge of being next to two countries Libya and Algeria which are also dealing with political crisis and insurrection. Essebi's legacy is already being mythologized for the sake of make it seem as if the 2011 revolution promoted progress. It is too early to make such a proclamation, however the next administration will have to confront security and economic problems.