The Arab Human Development Report Series aims at building human development in the Arab world. 2003 Report surveys the most salient trends that influenced the process of human development in 2002-2003 and provides a thorough analysis of one of the major challenges the Region faces: its growing knowledge gap. The Report evaluates the current production of knowledge, examines the sociological context of knowledge acquisition, and highlights the landmarks necessary to establish a knowledge-based society in the Arab countries.

With its emphasis on the primacy of change, this study arrives at a particularly auspicious moment, as the Middle East continues to be convulsed by the greatest upheavals in generations, which have come to be known as the Arab Spring. Originally prepared as the tenth-anniversary volume of the UNDP's Arab Human Development Report, Arab Human Development in the Twenty-first Century places empowerment at the center of human development in the Arab world, viewing it not only from the vantage point of a more equitable distribution of economic resources but also of fundamental legal, educational, and political reform. The ten chapters in this book follow closely this political economy framework. They look back at what Arab countries have achieved since the early 2000s and forward to what remains to be done to reach full development. Supported by a wealth of statistical material, they cover the rule of law, the evolution of media, the persistence of corruption, the draining of resources through armed conflict, the dominance and increase of poverty, the environment, and religious education. The concluding chapter attempts an inventory of the world literature and different experiences on democratic transition to explore where the region could be heading. This critical and timely study is indispensable reading to development specialists and to Middle East scholars and students alike, as well as to anyone with an interest in the future trajectory of the region.

Tackling the issue in a systematic, scientific manner, this book also examines Islamic online communications, online censorship, and Internet use by the civic society as an alternative channel for its mostly oppressed voices.

Provides the final report of the 9/ll Comission detailing their findings on the Septebmer 11 terrorist attacks.

This is the third in a series of development reports which focus on the Arab world, based on the collective work of an independent group of scholars, policymakers and practitioners in the region. The 2004 report examines issues of freedom and human rights, good governance and political reform within Arab societies; considers the challenges and constraints involved in moves towards democratic reforms; and sets out a broad strategic vision for future progress. The report finds that despite some improvements in the human rights situation in some Arab countries, the overall picture in the region is grave and deteriorating. Key priorities for urgent action to reform governance practices are identified, including: the abolition of 'states of emergency' by governments in the region; ending all forms of discrimination against minority groups; and guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary.