AP Photo

After a series of recent visits to Arab countries with different political governance systems – Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates – I realized that they reflect power structures defined by monarchical rule in Jordan and UAE, republicanism-turned-security state in Egypt, and consensual electoral tribalism in Lebanon. These countries also offer insights into a new pattern in the exercise of power in most Arab countries. 

Assorted centers of power and identity that have existed in our region for many years include royal families, security agencies, tribal forces, the private sector, political ideologies, military resistance...