Arab Spring

2010–2011 Middle East and North Africa protests
File:Millionmarchtahrirsquare.jpg Tahrir Square in Egypt – "March of the Millions"
Date	December 18, 2010 – ongoing
Casualties
Death(s)	Over 1,250 (self-immolations included)

The 2010–2011 Middle East and North Africa protests are an unprecedented revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protests which have been taking place in the Middle East and North Africa since December 2010. To date Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Yemen have all seen major protests, and minor incidents have occurred in Iraq, Kuwait, Mauritania, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan and Syria. The protests have shared extensive use of techniques of civil resistance in sustained campaigns involving strikes, demonstrations, marches, and rallies, as well as the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter to organise, communicate, and raise awareness in the face of attempts at state repression. Some of these events, notably the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, which have ended in regime change, have been called revolutions.

Numerous factors have led to the protests, including accusations of government corruption, dictatorship, human rights violations, lack of jobs, and extreme poverty, coupled with a large percentage of youth within the population. Increasing food prices and rates of famine globally have also been a major reason, involving threats to food security worldwide and prices approaching levels seen during the 2007–2008 world food price crisis.

The protests began on 18 December, 2010 in Tunisia, following Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation in protest at police corruption and ill-treatment. Due to similar hardships in the region and ultimately successful protests in Tunisia, a chain of unrest was started which was followed by protests in Algeria, Jordan, Egypt and Yemen, and to a lesser degree in other, mostly Arab, states. In many cases the climactic days have been termed "day of rage" or some variation thereof.

To date, two heads of state have been overthrown—Tunisia's on January 14 and Egypt's on February 11. Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution led President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to flee to Saudi Arabia. In Egypt, massive protests began on January 25, and after 18 days of protests, President Mubarak, who had ruled Egypt for 30 years, resigned on February 11. Around the same time, Jordan's King Abdullah named a new prime minister and the president of Yemen, Ali Abdullah Saleh, announced that he would not seek another term in office in 2013, after what would then be 35 years of rule. During ongoing demonstrations aimed at ousting Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir announced he would not seek reelection in 2015.

Both the volatility of the protests and their profound geopolitical implications have drawn great attention and concern from around the world. The possibility has been raised of the protesters being nominated for the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize.

Overview

Country	Date started	Type(s) of protests	Reaction	Death toll
Tunisia	December 18, 2010	Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation; major demonstrations; strikes; riots; nationwide protest; attacks to ruling party offices and police stations	• Announcement by president Ben Ali he won't seek another term in 2014 (Jan 13).  • Sacking of Government and announcement of early legislative elections in six months (Jan 14)  • Ousting of regime: President and family flee the country (Jan 14)  • Formation of Government of "national unity" by Prime Minister Ghannouchi (Jan 17)  • Disbanding of ruling party's leadership (Jan 20), party's removal from Government (Jan 27) and suspension of activities (Feb 6)	219
Algeria	December 28, 2010	Self-immolations; major demonstrations; riots; road-blockings	Promise by president Bouteflika to end the 19-year-old state of emergency in the "very near future" (Feb 3); promise by Prime Minister Ouyahia to lift it by the end of the month (Feb 16).	8
Libya	January 13, 2011	Country-wide protests; major demonstrations started in Benghazi and moved to other cities; riots; attacks to police stations and official buildings; clashes between protesters and Government supporters; general uprising in Cyrenaica and Tripoli; defection of military units; major fighting with loyal troops and foreign mercenaries	• Announcement by Government of housing fund (Jan 27)  • "Liberation" of Benghazi, Tubruq, Derna, and Al Bayda, in Cyrenaica, amid massive violence and repression (Feb 20)	600+
Jordan	January 14, 2011	Minor protests and demonstrations	Announcement by King Abdullah II of sacking of Prime Minister and a new government.	0
Mauritania	January 17, 2011	Self-immolation		1
Sudan	January 17, 2011	Minor protests	President Bashir announces he won't seek another term in 2015 (Feb 21)	1
Oman	January 17, 2011	Minor protests	Sultan Qaboos announces a hike in the minimum monthly salary for private sector workers from 140 rials ($365) to 200 rials ($520).	0
Yemen	January 18, 2011	Internal government dissent against President; major demonstrations; riots; clashes between protesters and government supporters	President Saleh announces he won't seek another term in 2013 (Feb 2)	13
Saudi Arabia	January 21, 2011	Self-immolation; Demonstration	Police halted the demonstrations about 15 minutes after they began. Between 30 and 50 people were arrested.	4
Egypt	January 25, 2011	Self-immolations; major demonstrations; riots; strikes; civil disobedience; nationwide protest and uprising; attacks to offices and police stations; clashes between protesters and Government supporters; occupation of main public spaces	• Prime Minister and cabinet are sacked (Jan 29); new cabinet takes over (Jan 31)  • President Mubarak announces he won't seek another term in September 2011 (Feb 1)  • Top officials of ruling party resign en masse (Feb 5)  • Government and some political parties agree on a constitutional reform committee (Feb 6)  • Mubarak "delegates powers" to vice president Suleiman (Feb 10)  • Ruling party's general secretary resigns; President Mubarak steps down, power being taken over by the Armed Forces Supreme Council (AFSC) (Feb 11)  • The AFSC announces the suspension of the constitution, dissolution of both houses of parliament and a general election in six months (Feb 13)	365
Syria	January 26, 2011	Self-immolation, minor protests	President Bashar al-Assad publicly promised government reforms (Jan 31)	3
Djibouti	January 28, 2011	Major protests; occupation of main public spaces		2
Morocco	January 30, 2011	Self-immolation; major protests; attacks to properties		5
Iraq	February 10, 2011	Self-immolation; protests across Iraq in several cities, including Kurdistan	Prime Minister Maliki announces he will not run for a 3rd term (Feb 5)	6
Somalia	February 13, 2011	Minor protests		5
Bahrain	February 14, 2011	Major demonstrations; riots; strikes; nationwide protest; civil disobedience; occupation of main public spaces	King Hamad gives out cash (1,000 dinars, US$2,652) to every family.	12
Iran	February 14, 2011	Major protests		4
Kuwait	February 18, 2011	Major protests; clashes between riot police and "bidoons" (residents without identification documents or without nationality who seek citizenship); asthmatic protestor dies secondary to an asthma attack induced by tear gas; another dies from wounds inflicted by police		2
Total death toll:	+1,250

Self-immolation

Since Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation in Tunisia sparked an uprising that led to the ouster of Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, a number of self-immolation protests have taken place in other Arab countries. In Algeria, Mohsen Bouterfif set himself on fire after a meeting with a town mayor failed in helping him find employment and housing on 13 January 2011. He later died of his wounds. Another Algerian man attempted but failed to burn himself. In Egypt, Abdou Abdel-Moneim Jaafar, a 49-year-old restaurant owner, set himself alight in front of the Egyptian Parliament. In Saudi Arabia, an unidentified 65-year-old man died on 21 January 2011, after setting himself on fire in the town of Samtah, Jizan.

Additional self-immolation incidents

	Name	Residence	Date of self-immolation	Date of death	Ref(s)
1	Mohsen Bouterfif	Boukhadra	13 January 2011	16 January 2011
2	Aouichia Mohammad	Bordj Menaïel	15 January 2011	—
3	Boubacar Boyden	Jijel	15 January 2011	—
4	Mamier Lotfi	El Oued	16 January 2011	—
5	Senouci Touat	Mostaganem	16 January 2011	—
6	Yacoub Ould Dahoud	Tidjikja	17 January 2011	22 January 2011
7	Abdou Abdel-Moneim Jaafar	El-Qanater	17 January 2011	—
8	Mohammed Farouk Hassan	Cairo	18 January 2011	—
9	Ahmed Hashim al-Sayyed	Alexandria	18 January 2011	18 January 2011
10	Mohammed Ashour Sorour	Cairo	18 January 2011	—
11	unknown 65-year-old male	Samtah	21 January 2011	21 January 2011
12	/ Mohamed Lamine Ould Salek Ould Said Mahmoudi	Smara	21 January 2011
13	Hasan Ali Akleh	Al-Hasakah	26 January 2011	26 January 2011
14	unknown	Medjana	28 January 2011	29 January 2011
15	unknown	Tangier	30 January 2011
16	unknown	Tangier	30 January 2011
17	unknown	Tangier	30 January 2011
18	unknown	Tangier	30 January 2011
19	unknown	unknown	unknown
20	unknown	unknown	unknown
21	Abdulmunir Abdullah	Mosul	13 February 2011	13 February 2011
22	Oumar Bocoum	Dakar	18 February 2011	20 February 2011

"—" denotes that the individual has so far survived.

Countries

Algeria

7 January protests in Algeria.

Main article: 2010–2011 Algerian protests

On 29 December, clashes with police occurred in Algiers, Algeria, over protests about the lack of housing. At least 53 people were reported to have been injured and another 29 were arrested. In total, three demonstrators were killed, more than 800 people were wounded, and at least 1,100 were arrested.

From 12–19 January, a wave of self-immolation attempts swept the country, beginning with Mohamed Aouichia, who set himself on fire in Bordj Menaiel in protest at his family's housing. On 13 January, Mohsen Bouterfif set himself on fire after a meeting with the mayor of Boukhadra in Tebessa who was unable to offer Bouterfif a job and a house. Bouterfif was reported to have died a few days later; about 100 youths protested his death, causing the provincial governor to sack the mayor. At least ten other self-immolation attempts were reported that week. On 22 January the RCD party organised a demonstration for democracy in Algiers attended by about 300 people, illegal under the State of Emergency in force since 1992; it was suppressed by the police, with 42 injuries. On 29 January, at least ten thousand people marched in the northeastern city of Bejaia.

On 3 February, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced that the 19-year state of emergency would be lifted in the very near future in an apparent bid to stave off unrest. On 5 February, a major "illegal" march was scheduled for the 12th of the month. On 11 February, nearly 2000 pro-democracy protesters clashed with police forces at the central May 1 square. The government had imposed a ban on all opposition rallies but protesters seemed deteremined to come out on the streets. Reports claim that the police have blocked all entry points into the capital and are arresting activists. Some feel that Algeria could be the next country after Egypt to see change, but analysts believe the government will silence the protests with its oil and gas wealth.

Bahrain

Main article: 2011 Bahraini protests

The 2011 Bahraini protests are a series of demonstrations in the Gulf country of Bahrain. The Bahraini protests were initially aimed at achieving greater political freedom and respect for human rights, without threatening the monarchy. The protests began in Bahrain on February 14 and were largely peaceful until a night raid on 17 February by police against protestors sleeping at Pearl Roundabout in Manama, in which police killed three protestors. Following the deadly 17 February night raid, the protestors' aims expanded to a call to end the monarchy. As of 18 February 2011, six people have been killed and hundreds injured. The death toll continues to rise as Bahraini police and military attempt to disperse protesting crowds using tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. Bahraini army tanks moved in to quash street protests and blocked the Pearl roundabout specifically (which protesters had planned to convert into Bahrain's Tahrir Square) apart from entries and exits into Manama. The hospital where the dead protesters and mourners have gathered is still very much untouched. After the violent crackdown, protesters started calling for overthrow of the Bahraini King and not just the Prime Minister. On February 18, government forces opened fire on protesters, mourners and news journalists. On February 19, protesters occupied Pearl Square after Bahrain's government orders troops and then police to withdraw. On Feb. 22, an estimated 100 thousand people, one fifth of the population of the country, marched.

Djibouti

Main article: 2011 Djiboutian protests

On 28 January, two to three thousand people protested peacefully to call for President Guelleh to step down.

Three hundred people protested peacefully against President Ismail Omar Guelleh in Djibouti City asking him not to run for another term and also for more liberty and for political and social reform, on 3 February.

On 5 February, police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a crowd of protesters.

On February 9, the President of the Djiboutian League of Human Rights was arrested.

On February 18, thousands rallied against the president, gathering at a stadium with the intention of staying there until their demands were met, but the demonstration escalated into clashes after dusk, as authorities used batons and tear gas against stone-throwing protesters. Officials from the Union for Democratic Change, an umbrella group of three opposition parties, gave speeches at the demonstration calling for Guelleh to step down. Guelleh has been in office since 1999, but his government has been in power for 34 years.

On February 19, clashes were reported to be intensifying. Anti-government protestors clashed with security forces 24 hours after hundreds of demonstrators demanding the president step down hurled stones at riot police who fired back with tear gas. At least one policeman was killed, and sources said one protester had also been killed.

Egypt

Celebrations in Tahrir Square after Omar Soliman's statement concerning Hosni Mubarak's resignation

Main article: 2011 Egyptian Revolution

See also: Supreme Council of the Armed Forces § Actions

Following the uprising in Tunisia, potential presidential candidate Mohamed ElBaradei warned of a "Tunisia-style explosion" in the country.

Protests in Egypt began on 25 January and ran for eighteen days. Starting at around midnight on 28 January, the Egyptian government almost entirely cut off the country from internet access. Later that day, as tens of thousands protested on the streets of Egypt's major cities, President Mubarak formally fired his government and appointed a new one. Mubarak also appointed the first Vice President in almost 30 years. On 2 February, pro-Mubarak activists armed and riding camels and horses began to attack protesters with Molotov cocktails. Many international journalists complained of harassment and one local journalist was killed in the protests.

On 11 February, Mubarak ceded all Presidential power to Vice President Omar Suleiman, but announced that he would remain as President, wanting to finish his term. However, protests continued the next day before which Suleiman announced that Mubarak had resigned from the presidency and transferred all power to the Armed Forces of Egypt. Immediately after, the now-ruling military dissolved the Egyptian Parliament, suspended the Constitution of Egypt, and promised to lift the thirty-year "emergency laws" of the country and to force free, open elections within the next six months, or by the end of the year.

States and ordinary citizens in places across the world either expressed solidarity with the protests or were cautious. A few states in the region were supportive of Mubarak holding on to power.

On 21 February, David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, became the first world leader to visit Egypt since Mubarak was ousted as the president 10 days previously. A news blackout was lifted as the prime minister landed in Cairo for a brief five-hour stopover hastily added at the start of a planned tour of the Middle East.

Iran

Main article: 2011 Iranian protests

The 32nd anniversary of the Iranian Revolution was said to have had a low turnout on 11 February 2011. (The state-run Kayhan newspaper claimed a 50 million turnout, despite Iran having a population of only 75 million.) At the behest of Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, opposition leaders called for nationwide protest marches for 14 February. Rumours suggested that the protesters would include university students, lorry drivers and gold merchants from across the country under the umbrella opposition known as the Green movement in what was seen as an inspiration of events from Egypt and Tunisia. The Revolutionary Guard said it would forcefully confront protesters. Opposition activists and aides to Mousavi and Karroubi had been arrested in the days before the protests.

The opposition protesters used a similar tactic from the 2009 protests in which they chanted "Allahu Akbar" and "Death to the dictator" into the early morning hours. However, rather than using slogans praising Mousavi like in 2009, protestors have been widely chanting "Mubarak, Ben Ali, Now its time for Seyed Ali [Khamenei]". Reports from the demonstrations of 14 February describe clashes between protesters and security forces in Tehran, where 10,000 security forces had been deployed to prevent protesters from gathering at Azadi Square, where the marches, originating from Enghelab, Azadi and Vali-Asr streets, were expected to converge. Police reportedly fired tear gas and used pepper spray and batons to disperse protesters. Clashes were also reported in Isfahan. It was reported up to a third of a million protesters marched in Tehran alone on February 14.

Iraq

Main article: 2011 Iraqi protests

In an effort to prevent potential unrest, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced that he will not run for a third term in 2014. Nevertheless, hundreds of protesters gathered in several major Iraqi urban areas on 12 February (notably Baghdad and Karbala) demanding a more effective approach to the issue of national security and investigation into federal corruption cases, as well as government action towards making public services fair and accessible. In response, the government of Iraq subsidised electricity costs. Israel's Haaretz reported that a 31-year-old man in Mosul died after he self-immolated in protest against unemployment. Haaretz also reported a planned "Revolution of Iraqi Rage" to be held on 25 February near the Green Zone.

On February 16, up to 2,000 protesters took over a provincial council building in the city of Kut. The protesters demanded the provincial governor resign due to a lack of basic services such as electricity and water. Up to three people were reported killed and 30 injured.

Jordan

Main article: 2011 Jordanian protests

On 14 January, protests took place in Jordan's capital Amman, and at Ma'an, Al Karak, Salt and Irbid, and other cities. The protests, led by trade unionists and leftist parties, came after Friday prayers, and called for the government led by Prime Minister Samir Rifai to step down. They chanted anti-government slogans and called Rifai a "coward". One banner in the protest read "Jordan is not only for the rich. Bread is a red line. Beware of our starvation and fury," while protesters chanted "Down with Rifai's government. Unify yourselves because the government wants to eat your flesh. Raise fuel prices to fill your pocket with millions." Tawfiq al-Batoush, a former head of the Karak municipality, said: "We are protesting the policies of the government, high prices and repeated taxation that made the Jordanian people revolt." The Muslim Brotherhood and 14 trade unions said they would hold a sit-down protest outside parliament the next day to "denounce government economic policies". Parallels were drawn with the Tunisian protests.

The Jordanian government reversed a fuel price rise following the protest. Al Jazeera stated that protests are expected to continue for several weeks because of increasing food prices.

On 21 January, 5,000 people in Amman took part in the largest protest so far.

On 1 February, the Royal Palace announced that king Abdullah has sacked the government as a consequence of the street protests and has asked Marouf al-Bakhit, an ex-army general, to form a new Cabinet. King Abdullah told Bakhit his authority will be to "take quick, concrete and practical steps to launch a genuine political reform process". The reforms should put Jordan on the path "to strengthen democracy", and provide Jordanians with the "dignified life they deserve", the monarch said.

Kuwait

In a move seen by some as attempt to head off economic issues as a cause for unrest, Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah gave all "its citizens [1.12 million people] free food rations and a grant of $4,000 [1,000 dinars]." Officially the grant is in commemoration of "the 20th anniversary of Kuwait's liberation from occupying Iraqi forces and which also marks the 50th anniversary of the state's independence." The cost of the food is estimated at 230 million dinars ($818 million) and will be available from February 1, 2011, to March 31, 2012. Opposition groups called for protests on March 8, and dozens of stateless Arabs demonstrated in Kuwait on February 19.

Libya

Main article: 2011 Libyan protests

Anti-government protests in Libya started on February 13, 2011. By February 18, most of Benghazi, the country's second-largest city, was controlled by the opposition. At this stage, elite troops and mercenaries were sent by the government to retake the town, but they were repelled. At the time, it was estimated that at least 84 had been killed since the violence began. Protests had spread to the capital Tripoli by February 20, which led to a television address by Saif El Islam, who warned that the protestors that country may descend into civil war. The rising death toll, which currently numbers in the hundreds, has drawn international condemnation, with several Libyan diplomats resigning and calling for the regime to be dismantled.

Mauritania

On February 17 in Mauritania, Yacoub Ould Dahoud, a protester, burned himself near the Presidential Palace in opposition to the policies of Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.

Morocco

Main article: Jasmine Revolution in Morocco

, at least four Moroccans set themselves on fire on 30 January 2011 at a protest gathering in Tangier. Moroccan authorities have approved an anti-government protest being planned on the popular social networking site Facebook, a media report said. The media report said several Moroccan youth movements have announced on Facebook that they are planning to organise an Egypt-style anti-government protest 20 February, a move apparently welcomed by the government.

On 20 February, thousands of Moroccans rallied in the capital, Rabat, to demand that King Mohammed give up some of his powers, chanting slogans like: "Down with autocracy" and "The people want to change the constitution". They were heading towards parliament and police had not tried to halt them, although Moroccan Finance Minister Salaheddine Mezouar said people should not join the march. A separate protest was also under way in Casablanca and one was planned for Marrakesh. Acts of looting and major disorder were widespread in Tangier, Marrakesh, Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, Larache, Ksar-el-Kebir, Fez, Guelmim, Tétouan, Laayoune and Sefrou.

At least 37 000 people participated to the protests.

On 21 February, the interior minister announced that five bodies had been found in Al Hoceima, within a bank that had been destroyed by protestors who set it on fire during the 20 February protests. The government also accused "troublemakers" amongst the protesters for burning banks.

Oman

Main article: 2011 Oman protests

File:Oman Protest 18 Feb.jpg

An handful of Omanis peacefully protested against corruption, inflation and low wages whilst continuing to show support for the Sultan.

In the Gulf country of Oman, 200 protesters marched on 17 January demanding salary increases and lower costs of living. The protest shocked news reporters who have viewed Oman as a "politically stable and sleepy country." Renewed protests occurred on 18 February, inspired by the serious unrest in fellow Gulf state Bahrain. 350 people marched, demanding an end to corruption and better distribution of oil revenue. The protesters also carried signs with slogans of support for the Sultan.

On 20 February, protesters welcomed a move by the government to increase the minimum wage.

Saudi Arabia

Main article: 2011 Saudi Arabia protests

In Saudi Arabia, an unidentified 65-year-old man died on 21 January after setting himself on fire in the town of Samtah, Jizan. This was apparently the kingdom's first known case of self-immolation.

On 29 January, hundreds of protesters gathered in the city of Jeddah in a rare display of criticism against the city's poor infrastructure after deadly floods swept through the city, killing eleven people. Police stopped the demonstration about 15 minutes after it started. About 30 to 50 people were arrested. On the same day, an online campaign started on Facebook, making demands that included calling for Saudi Arabia to become a constitutional monarchy, and for "an end to corruption, an even distribution of wealth, and a serious solution for unemployment".

On 5 February, about 40 women wearing black clothes demonstrated in Riyadh, calling for the release of prisoners held without trial.

On 10 February, a Thomson Reuters report claimed that 10 intellectuals, human rights activists and lawyers came together to create the Umma Islamic Party – considered to be the first political party in Saudi Arabia since the 1990s – to demand the end of absolute monarchy in the country. On February 18 however, all ten members of the party were arrested and ordered to withdraw demands for political reform in exchange for their release.

Somalia

On 13 February, hundreds of youth marched in the long road between the KM4 and Banaadir junctions, in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, demonstrating against both the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), led by President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, and the Islamist insurgent group Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahedeen (HSM), led by Sheikh Ibrahim "al-Afghani", which controls much of the country. Protestors said they would continue until they overcame their leaders like in Egypt and Tunisia. At least 7 of the demonstration organizers were seized and taken into custody by the TFG.

On 15 February, forces loyal to the Transitional Federal Government fired at a protest, killing 4 and injuring 11 protestors. This was condemned by Hawiye clan elders in Mogadishu. TFG President Sharif Ahmed called on the "international community to help and support the TFG's governmental institutions to get the ability of handling the current unrest."

On 17 February, the TFG announced they had arrested 5 people, including 4 police officers, which they said, were responsible for the shooting. Meanwhile, Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed "Farmajo" held a press conference were he said that he was "very sorry for the civilian casualties" and he sent his condolences to their families.

Sudan

Main article: 2011 Sudan protests

On 30 January, police dispersed similarly inspired protests on the streets of Khartoum.

Protests

On 30 January, protests took place in Khartoum and Al-Ubayyid. In Khartoum, police clashed with demonstrators in the town centre and at least two universities. Demonstrators had organized on online social networking sites since the Tunisian protests the month before. Hussein Khogali, editor in chief of the Al-Watan newspaper stated that his daughter had been arrested for organizing the protest via Facebook and opposition leader Mubarak al-Fadil's two sons were arrested while on their way to the main protest. Pro-government newspapers had warned that protests would cause chaos. Some protesters called for President Omar al-Bashir to step down. Activists said that dozens of people had been arrested. The protests came on the same day the preliminary results for the referendum indicated some 99% of South Sudanese voted to secede. One student died in hospital the same night from injuries received in the clashes. Students threw rocks at police officers while chanting "No to high prices, no to corruption" and "Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan together as one." Police officers arrested five and put down the protest.

In the Al-Ubayyid (el-Obeid) 30 January demonstration, about 500 people protested "against the government and demanding change" in the market. Police broke up the demonstration using tear gas.

On 1 February, about 200 students demonstrated in front of Al-Neelain University in Khartoum. Police stopped the demonstration.

Arrests and other repressions

On 17 January, security forces in Sudan arrested the head of the Popular Congress Party, Hassan al-Turabi, as well as five other members of the party, after he called for a similar protest to oust the ruling government over electoral fraud, stoking inflation and abrogating civil liberties at a time when Sudan was facing a secessionist referendum.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said journalists are facing increasing harassment. On 30 January, journalists were beaten by security forces and at least eight were detained. The following day, the distribution of several opposition newspapers was blocked by authorities.

In late January, the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies reported that more than 100 people had been detained on the first day of protests and that activists were being "taken from their homes and offices".

On 21 February, President Omar al-Bashir announced that he would not seek to run in the next presidential election in 2015.

Syria

Main article: 2011 Syrian protests

File:Syrian day of anger protest.jpg

A Syrian demonstrator holding the poster "Escape, we do not love you" on 5 February 2011

On 26 January 2011, Hasan Ali Akleh from Al-Hasakah poured gasoline and burned himself in the same way as Mohamed Bouazizi. According to eyewitnesses, the action was "a protest against the Syrian government". On 29 January 2011, news channel Al Arabiya reported that Internet connection was cut off, that was quickly denied by official sources. On 28 January 2011, a demonstration was held in Ar-Raqqah during the evening, in protest against the killing of two soldiers of Kurdish descent.

On 31 January 2011, the Wall Street Journal ran an exclusive interview with Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria, in which he said it's time to reform. In a comment on the protests in Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen, he said a "new era" is coming to the Middle East, and that Arab rulers would need to do more to accommodate their people's rising political and economic aspirations.

On 3 February another "Day of rage" was called for in Syria from 4–5 February on social media sites Facebook and Twitter. Protesters demand reform in the government, however most protests so far have remained outside of Syria and have been small.

The protests were expected to begin on 4 February 2011 as social media mobilised the people of Syria for rallies demanding freedom, human rights and the end to the state of emergency. Protests were also scheduled for 5 February in front of the parliament in Damascus and at Syrian embassies internationally. The planned protests had been named "Day of Rage." The only known action took place February 5, where hundreds of protesters in Al-Hasakah participated in a mass demonstration, calling for the President's departure. Syrian authorities have arrested dozens and the demonstration was triggered quickly. President Bashar al-Assad has declared that his state is immune from the kinds of mass protests taking place in Egypt. Al Jazeera also reported plans to increase security for the planned "days of rage." Days before the planned protests, Syrian authorities arrested several political activists, such as businessman Ghassan al-Najar, leader of the Islamic Democratic movement, the writer Ali al-Abdallah, Abbas Abbas, from Syrian Communist Party and several other political personalities of Kurdish backgrounds, such as Adnan Mustafa. Suhair Atassi, who runs the banned Jamal Atassi Forum, called for political reforms and the reinstatement of civil rights, as well as an end to the emergency law in place since 1963. However, no protests occurred on either date. Though internet services were said to have been curbed, Facebook and Youtube were reported to have been restored on 8 February. Suggestions were made that easing the ban could be a way to track activists. After the failure of attempts to a "day of rage," Al Jazeera called the country "a kingdom of silence" and identified key factors for stability within Syria as being strict security measures, the popularity of President Bashar al-Assad, and fears of potential sectarian violence in the aftermath of a government ouster (akin to neighbouring Iraq).

On February 14, blogger and student Tal al-Mallohi was sentenced to five years in prison for spying for the United States. Washington denied these allegations and asked for the release Tal immediately. February 15, under pressure from human rights organizations, the Syrian government released Ghassan al-Najjar, a "veteran Islamist activist" after he went on hunger strike following his arrest for calling for mass protests. February 16, regime critic and director of the Organisation for Democracy and Freedom in Syria (ODFS) Ribal al-Assad, the son of Rifaat al-Assad and cousin to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad held a press conference in London, where he made it clear that he "does not want to see a Syrian revolution, but a peaceful change of power".

On February 17, a fight took place in central Damascus, between a shop owner and traffic police. Everything took a new turn when three police officers began attacking the man and beat him severely. Several people gathered around and blocked the road, while shouting "the Syrian people will not be pushed down". An eyewitness estimated the number to more than 1,500 demonstrators. Secret police officers arrived quickly to the scene along with several "big names" and finally Minister of the Interior who scared away the demonstrators. The minister took the shop owner in his car and promised to investigate what had happened. A couple of hours later, several video versions were posted on YouTube.

On February 19, several Syrian websites reported widespread anti-government graffiti across Damascus and other major cities. Syrian security police have arrested Fares Serawan days after the demonstration to his participation. On February 21, blogger Ahmad Abu al-Khair was reportedly arrested by Syrian security forces early Sunday morning. Security police have arrested dozens of Kurds near Damascus, and in preparation for a massive uprising, the al-Baath party sent 180 000 additional soldiers to support the security forces after a new wave of graffiti appeared with anti-regime messages. The security forces have gone into schools and questioned students and requested their email addresses.

Tunisia

Demonstrators in downtown Tunis on 14 January 2011

Main article: 2010–2011 Tunisian revolution

The 2010–2011 Tunisian revolution is a continuing series of street demonstrations taking place throughout Tunisia from December 2010 onwards. The demonstrations and riots were reported to have started over unemployment, food inflation, corruption, freedom of speech and poor living conditions. The protests were exacerbated by the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi that eventually led to the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who stepped down from the presidency and fled Tunisia on 14 January 2011 after 23 years in power.

Yemen

Main article: 2011 Yemeni protests

Protests occurred in many towns in both the north and south of Yemen starting in mid-January. Protesters initially protested against governmental proposals to modify the constitution of Yemen, unemployment and economic conditions and corruption. Their demands increased to calls for President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has been facing internal opposition from his closest advisors since 2009, to resign. A major demonstration of over 16,000 protestors took place in Sana'a on 27 January and human rights activist and politician Tawakel Karman called for a "Day of Rage" on 3 February. Xinhua News said that a million protesters were called for. In response to the planned protest, Ali Abdullah Saleh stated that he will not seek another presidential term in 2013. On 3 February, 20,000 people protested against the government in Sana'a, others protested in Aden, in a "Day of Rage" called for by Tawakel Karman, while soldiers, armed members of the General People's Congress and many protestors held a pro-government rally in Sana'a. Concurrent with the resignation of Egyptian president Mubarak, Yemenis again took to the streets protesting President Saleh on February 11 in what has been dubbed a "Friday of Rage". The protests continued the days following despite clashes with government advocates.

On February 19, Yemeni riot police shot dead one protester and injured at least five as thousands of protesters gathered in the capital Sanaa for a ninth day of protests .

Similar actions outside the region

Albania

Main article: 2011 Albanian opposition demonstrations

Although located in the Balkans region of Europe, the influence of the Tunisian uprising has spread to Albania. After a television broadcast showing Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta trying to influence the decision for awarding a contract to build a power station, protests against Sali Berisha's government, organised by the country's socialist party and attended by some 20,000 people in Tirana, turned violent and resulted in three deaths. The country's opposition parties vowed to continue the anti-government protests.

Edi Rama, the mayor of the Albania's capital, Tirana, and leader of the Socialist party, blamed Berisha for the deaths and said a day of mourning would be observed. "After we honour the dead in a show of freedom and justice, we assure Berisha that we will confront him with all the historical and civil responsibility we feel for getting rid of this intolerable regime of thieves." Berisha responded by calling for his supporters to organise a mass protest against the violence. "I call on Albanians to gather on [26 January] in Tirana to protest against the violence. It will be a big demonstration against violence. I warn Edi Rama and his followers, and violent groups of their supporters, that they will face the full force of the law if they dare touch the [government] institutions." He had earlier said that "Albania is not in a state of emergency and will not pass into a state of emergency. But scenarios of violence will not be tolerated." He also accused Rama of trying to foment an uprising like that of Tunisia.

Bolivia

On February 10, President Evo Morales canceled an appearance at a public event in Oruro due to fears over riots after protesters angry about rising food prices and Morales' style of government reportedly planted explosives there. Morales was said to be "on guard" in the wake of the Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings according to United Press International Protests against the president were also reported in several of the country's major cities.

People's Republic of China

Main article: 2011 Chinese protests

File:Voa beijing 230 20feb11.jpg

The largely silent crowd gathered in front of a McDonalds restaurant near Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

There were calls made via social networks such as Twitter to begin a "Jasmine Revolution" in China. Chinese authorities arrested activists, increased the normal police presence, disabled some cell phone text messaging services and deleted Internet postings about protests planned for 14:00 on 20 February in Beijing, Shanghai and 11 other cities. On the day of the protests, the police turned out en masse to all of the potential protest locations in various cities around the country. Small crowds, including a large number of foreign journalists, gathered at the planned site in Beijing and Shanghai but did not chant slogans or hold signs. CPC General Secretary and President Hu Jintao responded by calling top leaders into a "study session" to root out and tackle social issues before they "become threats to stability". In a speech at the Central Party School, Hu called out for tighter restrictions to the internet.

Gabon

On January 29, riot police in Gabon fired tear gas to break up a protest by around 5,000 opposition supporters, where according to witnesses, up to 20 people were wounded. It was the second such protest since opposition leader Andre Mba Obame declared himself president on January 25 and urged people to take inspiration from Tunisia's uprising. Obame subsequently hid out in the local United Nations Development Programme office, while President Bongo shut down TV stations and allegedly kidnapped members of the opposition. The UN is accusing Gabon's police of invading and beating students within the university. Although initial protests overwhelmingly consisted of opposition loyalists, the unrest appears to be developing into a wider social conflict, with students leading the protests.

Serbia

On 5 February, 55,000 protesters gathered in the capital city of Belgrade for a rally called by the opposition Serbian Progressive Party. Party leader Tomislav Nikolić warned the government to bring forward an election scheduled for 2012 to within 2 months or to face a civil disobedience campaign. Protesters were concerned over economic woes as a result of high prices, low salaries and a stagnant economy.

Kazakhstan

On January 31, Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev decided to scrap a referendum which would have handed him a third decade in power by skipping elections due in 2012 and 2017. Nazarbayev supported the Constitutional Council's ruling that such a referendum would be unconstitutional and called an early election to be held on 3 April 2011.

Uganda

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner on 11 Febuary amidst opposition denunciations. Kizza Besigye, the chairman of the opposition coalition finished second with 26.01% of the vote. Besigye warned that Uganda was ripe for an Egypt-style revolt after Museveni's more than two decades in power.

Zimbabwe

Dozens of political activists in Zimbabwe were arrested 21 February for allegedly plotting protests. Those arrested were caught watching video footage of revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt.

Preemptive actions

Palestinian territories

West Bank

Haaretz suggested that an announcement by the Palestinian Authority on 1 February to hold municipal elections in July is in reaction to the anti-government protests in Egypt. PA municipal, legislative and presidential elections were last held in 2004–2005, 2006, and 2005, respectively, leaving the president and members of parliament in office after their elected terms had ended. Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad admitted that the protests had changed his mind about elections, which he had previously seen as divisive, and views the short-term unrest as a trend toward long-term 'positive change' in the Arab world's politics. An aide to President Mahmoud Abbas said that the Palestinians will hold a election by September, however the move was immediately condemned by Hamas who said they would boycott the election.

On 14 February, the Palestinian Authority's Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and his Cabinet submitted its resignations to President Abbas amid pan-Arab calls for reform. Abbas tasked him with forming a new government after consultations with other factions, institutions and civil society groups. The reshuffle was long demanded by Fayyad and some in Abbas's Fatah faction.

International reaction

United Kingdom

Foreign Secretary William Hague has called for affected governments to refrain from the use of force against protesters and for greater democratic reforms in those countries. On 21 February, Prime Minister David Cameron, became the first world leader to visit Egypt since Mubarak was ousted as the president 10 days previously. A news blackout was lifted as the prime minister landed in Cairo for a brief five-hour stopover hastily added at the start of a planned tour of the Middle East.

World economy

As many of the world's major oil producing countries are in the Middle East, the unrest has sent oil prices higher. The International Monetary Fund accordingly revised its forecast for 2011 oil prices to reflect a higher price, and also reported that food prices could rise. Additionally, concerns about Egypt's Suez Canal have raised shipping and oil prices.

See also

• Jasmine Revolution
• Tunisia Effect
• Revolutionary wave
• Arab Revolt: uprising by Arabs against the Ottoman Empire during World War I (1916–1918)
• Revolutions of 1989: began with protests in Poland and eventually led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union
• Revolutions of 1848: Series of popular rebellions beginning with the French Revolution of 1848, then spreading throughout Europe.
• 2007–2008 world food price crisis
• People Power Revolution
• List of modern conflicts in the Middle East

Further reading

• Gardner, David (2009). Last Chance: The Middle East in the Balance. London: I.B. Tauris. ISBN 9781848850415.
• Hamzawy, Amr; Ottaway, Marina (2011). "Protest Movements and Political Change in the Arab World" (PDF). Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Policy Outlook. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

External links

• Template:BOTW
• Middle East at Aljazeera English
• Middle East protests at BBC News
• Arab and Middle East protests live blog at The Guardian
• Middle East Protests at The Lede blog at The New York Times
• Unrest in the Arab World topic at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• Arab Revolution Video Blog
• Issue Guide: Arab World Protests, Council on Foreign Relations, February 16, 2011
• Middle East in Revolt, collected news and commentary at Time magazine
• The Shoe Thrower's index, An index of unrest in the Arab world, The Economist, February 9, 2011