The assorted political crises in Egypt, Tunisia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria and other Arab states show very clearly why credible constitutions are such important documents. They provide a set of ground rules for the practice of politics and nonviolent power contestation, and they also reflect a fundamental national consensus on the nature, role and identity of the state, and the rights of citizens. These two elements of orderly contestation and genuine citizenship are missing in most Arab countries, which is why the region sees so many countries in the throes of political tensions or outright warfare.
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