Civil society is supposed to be composed of self-organizing groups, movements, and individuals, relatively autonomous from the state, operating as an integral part of political liberalization. Such civil society is vibrant in articulating values and enhancing civic engagement. However, Arab governments control and manipulate these groups, by allowing them only marginal autonomy while retaining surveillance of their operations.
The attempts to stifle civil society can have unintended consequences. Many desperate people are ignorant, afraid, and vengeful. Sometimes they just want attention and will do anything to get it. Denied the opportunity to deliberate in the civic sphere, some actors resort to violence.
