Arab spring update.

• Position: Brief article

It's been more than two years since a series of popular uprisings in the Middle East began toppling autocratic regimes in the region. Here's where things stand in a few key countries.

LIBYA

The killing of the U.S. ambassador in Benghazi last September showed how unstable the country remains despite having elected a new government after the overthrow of dictator Muammar al-Qaddafi.

SYRIA

What began as peaceful protests against President Assad in March 2011 has evolved into a full-fledged civil war. About 70,000 people have been killed and 1 million made refugees.

TUNISIA

In the nation where the Arab Spring began, the assassination of an opposition leader sparked clashes between demonstrators and police in February. The turmoil threatens the transition to democracy after the 2011 ouster of the autocratic president.

EGYPT

The rule of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi has been marked by chaos and instability. The once-mighty tourism industry has collapsed since the 2011 ouster of...