Political Reform

Over the next two days, Egyptians will elect their president for the first time. Cairo is covered in campaign posters and preparations are under way. But many wonder what the election will actually mean. After nearly 18 months of street clashes, political uncertainty and a deteriorating economy, many believe the election will mark the end of a tumultuous transition. "Once the president is elected, he will clean up our streets and take care of the economy", Sharif, a taxi driver, said. "A new Egypt will be born."

USIP’s top program staff visited the Institute’s Kabul office in early May to meet with key leaders and discuss the transition in Afghanistan in 2014, a week before the 2012 NATO Summit in Chicago May 20-21. USIP’s Shahmahmood Miakhel, country director in Kabul, Andrew Wilder, director of Afghanistan and Pakistan programs and Scott Smith, deputy director of Afghanistan programs, met with Maj. Gen. Sean MacFarland, the deputy chief of staff for operations for ISAF in Afghanistan. The group discussed the myriad issues that Afghanistan, ISAF and the international community face as the 2014 transition looms

There are a variety of contexts in which the empowerment of women in Pakistan can be considered, but none is more critical than law: How women’s legal rights are framed is fundamental to considering how best to advance women’s empowerment. After situating women’s legal rights in Pakistan, this Special Report reviews key features of recent legislation affecting women’s rights, explores the controversies surrounding this legislation, and elaborates on ongoing challenges to develop further legislation, particularly in light of opposition from Islamist groups.

USIP reports from Kabul, Afghanistan on the urgent need to focus on the country's upcoming political transition and elections in 2014.

The Strategic Economic Needs and Security Exercise (SENSE), originally developed by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA), is a computer-facilitated simulation that focuses on negotiations and decision-making in a post-conflict environment.

USIP’s Steven Heydemann looks ahead to Syria’s parliamentary elections scheduled for May 7.

As peacekeeping evolves to encompass a broader humanitarian approach and mandates for protection of civilians, women are increasingly deployed in all peacekeeping domains—police, military, and civilian. They have made a positive impact on peacekeeping environments by supporting the role of women in building peace and by protecting women's rights.