Freedom in the World 2012 Report Issued By Freedom House

Freedom House released a special edition of its annual Freedom in the World Report 2012, which details the events and developments of the Arab Spring and the monumental impact the uprisings had across the world. In what Freedom House referred to as “the most significant challenge to authoritarian rule since the collapse of soviet communism,” the report confirms that the events of the Arab spring have reminded oppressive rulers that “ordinary people want freedom even in societies where such aspirations have been written off as futile.”

The report hailed Tunisia as a beacon of hope and model of revolution.  Tunisia serves as an example to the world as it successfully ousted long-time dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and within a year held credible, free elections. Freedom House touted Tunisia as “the most dramatic success story” as it “transformed from a showcase for Arab autocracy to an electoral democracy.”

Egypt emerged as the runner-up receiving an “upward trend arrow” of development “due to the development of a robust culture of popular protest, enhanced judicial independence, and an increase in political pluralism in connection with the ouster of long time president Hosni Mubarak.”

In contrast, Syria, Bahrain, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Israel all experienced relative declines. Syria and Bahrain responded to popular calls from freedom with violent repression, torture, arrests, suspension of basic civil liberties, and military operations. Israel saw a decline due to the passage of a controversial “Boycott law” which “allows civil lawsuits against Israeli individuals and groups that call for an economic, cultural, or academic boycott of the State of Israel or the West Bank Settlements.”

While “opportunities have been opened up by brave people in Tunis and Cairo”  the report also confirms that “much remains to be done” as these newly liberated countries decide on ”crucial issues such as minority rights, freedom of belief, and freedom of expression. Ultimately the “perceived success or failure of these efforts will either continue to inspire similar changes in the rest of the world, or bolster authoritarian calls for ‘stability’ at any price.”