The Arab Spring movements have fundamentally altered the political landscape of the Middle East and North Africa. What started with the protest of cart owner Mohamed Bouazizi in Tunisia, coalesced into sweeping popular movements lead by the people or al-sha’ab that have since culminated in the toppling of regimes in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya and given rise to many nascent opposition groups within other Middle Eastern countries. Since the birth of these revolutionary movements, now almost two years ago, many countries remain in a critical period of transition. Yet, many countries have emerged from this process in different periods of transition.

As Spencer Parsons (’13) writes, the road ahead for these countries remains perilous and their future uncertain. However, this period of turbulence and greater political change could be exactly what these countries need to emerge stronger and more stable.

By Adam Waters (’15) Since August 16, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has claimed political asylum in Ecuador’s embassy in London. Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa claims that if Mr. Assange is allowed to be extradited to Sweden as part of an investigation into alleged sexual assault, he will almost certainly be sent to the United States [...]

The reports of October 20th all confirmed the latest and most important news to emerge from wartorn Libya since the beginning of the NATO intervention last February. After 42 years of iron-fisted rule and months on the run, former Colonel Muammar Gaddafi was dead at the hands of Libyan Rebels.

Did the dictator get what he deserved? Was justice served? How will his death impact the future of Libya? BHRR Co-Editors-in-Chief, Cameron and Spencer Parsons, debate.