IT WAS a year ago Saturday that fruit vendor Mohamed Bouazizi set himself aflame in the Tunisian town of Sidi Bouzid, improbably providing the spark for what has become a regional revolution. The Arab Spring acquired its name in part because early commentators likened it to the upheavals that brought an end to dictatorship in other parts of the world — including the former Soviet bloc, East Asia and Latin America. It seemed logical that Middle Eastern states would, at last, follow the same path that led in other places from dictatorship and economic stagnation to free elections, free markets and integration into a global economy. Read full article > >

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Editorial Board:
Keeping the Arab Spring alive

With a spring that brought news of international conflict, ongoing U.S. wars and the death of Osama bin Laden, the road to Memorial Day 2011 seems particularly hard-fought. The holiday meant for honoring fallen U.S. service members will be met with a parade and concert , at 8 p.m. Sunday and 2 p.m. Monday, respectively, on the Capitol’s West Lawn. (Watch for coverage and photos on PostLocal .) As tourists spill in and temperatures rise, other places in the District will be gearing up for celebrations to greet the unofficial start to summer. Read full article > >

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Memorial Day: Recipes, travel tips and things to do