ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the first steps, opportunities, challenges and lessons of the early engagements with transitional justice in the wake of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) uprisings. Prior to the uprisings, regional experience with transitional justice was limited. Transitional justice tools can be used in divided societies to help establish new narratives, recognise victims across groups and promote trust among communities. Until 2011, Morocco and Iraq and to some extent Algeria were the only MENA countries that had attempted to deal with the past in this way. The small Gulf state of Bahrain has not experienced the change in government seen by other MENA countries, but it has been affected by the winds of change sweeping the region, with popular demonstrations early in 2011. Transitions in the MENA region began in very diverse circumstances tribal states, supposed democracies and acknowledged dictatorships.
