Democratic Reforms in Gulf and Arab Nations

A look at the region's government reform.

The Arab Spring at a Glance - This weekend marked two U.S. Navy SEAL raids in Somalia and Libya in pursuit of two terror group leaders from al Qaeda and Al-Shabaab. The leaders were said to be responsible for two separate attacks in Kenya and South Africa.  As both terror groups have gained more attention, since the Arab Spring erupted in December 2010, the Associated Press takes a look at democratic reform efforts in Arab and Gulf nations.--Dominique Zonyéé(Photos from left: AP, AP Photo/Mohamed Sheikh Nor, File)
Saudi Arabia - Saudi women were allowed this year for the first time in the Shura Council, an advisory body, and women will for the first time be allowed to vote and run in municipal elections planned for 2015. But the House of Saud runs the country.(Photo: REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl)
United Arab Emirates - The United Arab Emirates expanded the powers of its elected assembly, the Federal National Council, but it still has very limited authority and the candidates and electorate are hand-picked by the ruling families. (Photo: REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine)Oman - Oman responded to the protests with some reforms such as elections for local councils that have no direct powers but will serve in an advisory role. But all key decisions still rest with Sultan Qaboos bin Said. (photo: REUTERS/Adrees Latif)

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The Arab Spring at a Glance - This weekend marked two U.S. Navy SEAL raids in Somalia and Libya in pursuit of two terror group leaders from al Qaeda and Al-Shabaab. The leaders were said to be responsible for two separate attacks in Kenya and South Africa.  As both terror groups have gained more attention, since the Arab Spring erupted in December 2010, the Associated Press takes a look at democratic reform efforts in Arab and Gulf nations.--Dominique Zonyéé(Photos from left: AP, AP Photo/Mohamed Sheikh Nor, File)

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