Democracy Lab Weekly Brief, November 26, 2012

Mohamed El Dahshan laments the fate of Gaza. David Keyes contends that the rhetoric of Hamas is fueling conflict with Israel and also suppressing Palestinian democracy.

Ben Bland argues that Vietnam’s economic miracle is losing steam, and makes the case for why the Communist Party is to blame.

Gamze Coskun explains why Turkey’s rhetoric about promoting democracy in the Middle East lags behind its capabilities.

Karen Coates reports on why Cambodians would like to see Obama defend their human rights. 

Juan Nagel explains why Venezuelans vote the way they do.

Min Zin offers a few helpful tips to President Obama in his dealings with Burma.

And now for this week’s recommended reads:

Seamus Martov explains why conflict and cronyism in Burma are hurting tigers as well as people.

The United States Institute of Peace presents a valuable new report on the politics of security sector reform in Egypt.

Morten Jerven argues that bad statistics are misleading us about the health of African economies.

The Cairo Review of Global Affairs offers an interview with former U.S. Ambassador, Ryan Crocker on the Iran and Syria crisis and what we can learn from Iraq and Afghanistan.

At The Monkey Cage, James Fearon wonders why it’s so easy to seize power in certain African states.

The FT’s Jonathan Kay shares his thoughts on the motives behind rent-seeking.

Aidan Hartley tells the story of a successful London restaurateur who returned to his home in Somalia to show the flag against the Islamists of Al-Shabaab.

The International Crisis Group presents a paper detailing possible paths out of the crisis that Egyptian politicians now find themselves in.