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Another year, another chance for spring

2014 will be a time for the Middle East to assess the promises and falterings of the Arab Spring and rebuild the confidence of the people to push forward together.
Anti-Mursi protesters celebrate in Tahrir square after the announcement of the removal from office of Egypt's deposed President Mohamed Mursi in Cairo, July 3, 2013. Mursi, toppled by the military on Wednesday, is being held by the authorities, a Muslim Brotherhood spokesman and a security official said on Thursday. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih (EGYPT - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTX11BTC

Reflecting on 2013, the overall Arab situation did not improve as expected. The proliferation of crises, civil wars and ongoing sectarian conflicts led most of the Arab people to a state of acute disappointment with the promise of the Arab Spring, but definitely not disillusionment.

This is why we can anticipate a measure of hopeful developments in the year 2014. In 2013, for example, the election of Pope Francis was inspirational and created an atmosphere conducive to a culture of peace and an opening for widespread reforms. The new president of Iran is determined to enable Iran to re-enter the international community, prioritizing the agreement that took place in Geneva last November. This step might contribute to regional reconciliation if the next round of negotiations between the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany are successful during the next six months.

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