The transition in the new Arab world: a challenge for East and West. Welcome speech

The so-called "Arab spring" has focused on Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain and Syria, but has had an effect on other situations, such as the Palestinian unity effort, or the intensification of reform in other countries in the area. The common ground has been: fatigue of the population, regardless of ideological colour or form of State, in the absence or failure of reform will of their governments.