Realignment of Opposition Forces in the Arab Middle East: Islamist or Liberal Democratic

Realignment of domestic opposition forces, and their capacity for maneuvering and redefining their status in the existing political and power structure, is considered one of the most important factors in political change in every society. Therefore, analysis of change in the status and performance of opposition forces can contribute to a better understanding of the possible changes in the political orientation of countries in both domestic and foreign domains. With this overall notion in mind, the present article intends to look into the situation in the Arab countries of the Middle East. In more specific terms, the article undertakes to study two major opposition forces in this area; namely Islamists and liberal democrats, and examines their attitudes and mutual relationships. Furthermore, the relationships between Arab governments and these opposition forces are studied. Based on the analysis of the history and current situation of each of these two forces, the authors proceed to examine their mutual relationships and also explore the future political outlook in these countries.