The Handbook on International Standards for Media Law in the Arab World is believed to be a first. It has been published in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists. Toby Mendel, executive director at the Centre for Law and Democracy said, in a statement quoted by Kuna.com: 'An assessment like this of the media law regimes across the Arab world is long overdue. The Arab Spring has opened up new possibilities for democratic change, and we hope the Handbook will assist those advocating for reform in the region.'