The Middle East Unrest and the New Development of Islamic Parties

Abstract: Islamism forces have risen rapidly after the unrest in the Middle East, and the Islamic parties based on them have initiated political participation one after another. Some moderate Islamic parties, such as the ones in Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco, have become the ruling parties in these countries through parliamentary elections. The Justice and Development Party (AKP), an old Islamic party in Turkey has played an important role in the unrest in the Middle East. Islamic parties have had significant changes in fields of ideology and political practices. Despite their various performances in facing complex situations both internally and externally, Islamic parties all face tough challenges. The Freedom and Justice Party in Egypt’s failure just after its one-year ruling marks the biggest setback of Islamic parties.