Consumed with their test of wills, they are unable to make well informed and nuanced decisions in their dealings with outsiders.

Kifaya s action is especially bold in the midst of a government crackdown to prepare the way for the succession of Mubarak s son, Gamal.

The remaining questions concern policy implementation and institutional development issues that will be clarified in the course of 2013, as China s new leaders formalize and communicate their reform priorities.

That the ruling Democratic Party of Japan now seems trapped in a power struggle between Prime Minister Naoto Kan and party power broker Ichiro Ozawa suggests that serious economic reform is not at the top of the DPJ agenda.

More importantly for the international community, this internal struggle keeps Iran s leaders from realistically appraising their foreign and nuclear policies. Consumed with their test of wills, they are unable to make well informed and nuanced decisions in their dealings with outsiders.

Kifaya s action is especially bold in the midst of a government crackdown to prepare the way for the succession of Mubarak s son, Gamal. For example, a recent law mandates punishment for anyone who spreads rumors that Gamal is to be the next president.