Research Library

Most recent reports on sexual harassment in Egypt draw a dim picture of women’s status not only in that country, but also in most parts of the region. A recent United Nations study revealed that 99.3 percent of Egyptian women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in the past year, primarily in the form of physical harassment. A recent public opinion survey showed that 85 percent of Egyptian women surveyed agree sexual harassment is the most urgent problem facing women and girls in transitional Egypt, despite the prevailing political and social instability in the country. Looking closely at these statistics, it is evident that sexual harassment is becoming not only a repugnant social phenomenon or political tool used by the regime to suppress women’s participation in the political and public spheres; it is also progressively becoming a barrier for women to play an active role in society and enjoy equal citizenship rights in their own country. Most importantly, harassment has become an impediment for both economic and social development in the country—a critical issue that requires immediate attention from policymakers, legislators, and society as a whole.

With the Yemeni government in a state of transition, the time is right to propose legislation that would protect young girls from the physical, emotional and economic harms of early marriage.

As the turmoil across the Middle East and North Africa enters its fourth year, the role of Gulf countries in influencing the processes of change in the region has evolved substantially. If Western organizations are to retain influence and relevance, international actors will need to absorb and accommodate the views of Gulf countries, and find new ways to develop deeper partnerships.

On Monday, three committees in Mexico’s senate — constitutional issues, energy and legislative studies — voted to bring an energy reform bill to the chamber’s floor for debate. The legislation would provide international oil companies the opportunity to participate in profit-sharing contracts and concession-like licenses for energy operations in Mexico, and it is expected to become law by the end of the legislative session Dec. 15.

The James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela, a great leader and humanitarian wholly committed to the creation of a multiracial, democratic South Africa.

The tainted legacy of uranium mining on the coastal plains of Texas.

Founding director Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian has joined eight former U.S. ambassadors to Israel and former under secretaries of state in urging Congress to support the interim agreement on Iran’s nuclear program.

Electronic health records do not eliminate delays in outpatient diagnosis and treatment.

A report on an Oct. 31, 2013, conference at Rice University's Baker Institute.