Social mobilization in the Arab world and democratization

The so called Arab Spring produced a new political scenario where traditional parties mixed with new associations that fought together to expel the ancient regimes governing Arab countries. The use of new technologies in most Arab countries meant that youth managed to break through well established hierarchies that used to block any attempt from civil society to claim rights such as freedom of expression, citizen rights and basic economic demands.  However, the irony behind the Arab mobilization is that although civil society burst out at first with enthusiasm and anger, trying through collective action, to get rid of presidents that had long before lost legitimacy, the aftermath of protests faced them with a dilemma. Democratically celebrated elections in Tunis and Egypt ended up with victory on the side of conservative Islamic groups that still hesitate between announcing their true ideology, at times very distant from democratic values from a Western perspective- and manipulating the press as not to appear too radical and intolerant. The Islamist trend sweeping across the MENA region is rising doubts, especially in the West. Sunni Orthodox groups, whether in Morocco or Tunis, have to prove their readiness to accept modernity and adjust not just their rhetoric but also their political policies, to issues perceived as controversial in Western countries. Mainly; respect of human rights, including those of religious minorities, gender issues and more specifically women rights. Hence, the current wave of new parties and politicians with a Hanbali background points to a progressive process of  “saudization” of politics in the Arab world where Wahabbi ideals are gaining momentum and followers. There is growing concern about how parties clinging to Sharia law will achieve justice and economic progress without sacrificing individual freedom and rights in the name of God.