Arab Spring

The Arab Spring was a time of widespread protests and uprisings across the Arab world, starting in Tunisia in 2010 and spreading to other countries including Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Syria, and Bahrain. The protests were driven by a range of factors, including widespread corruption, economic stagnation, and lack of political freedom and human rights. The Arab Spring was characterized by sustained street demonstrations, civil wars, and the overthrow of several leaders, including Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in Tunisia, Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, and Ali Abdullah Saleh in Yemen. The slogan “the people want to bring down the regime” became a rallying cry for demonstrators across the Arab world, reflecting their desire for political change and reforms. The Arab Spring continues to have a significant impact on the region, with ongoing challenges to political stability and reforms in many countries.

The term “Arab Spring” was first used to describe the events in the Arab world by journalist Marc Lynch in December 2010, and it was inspired by the “Prague Spring” of 1968 when similar protests took place in the Czech Republic and other Eastern European countries against the communist regime. The term was intended to reflect the idea of a new era of political awakening and change in the Arab world, after years of authoritarian rule. The Arab Spring was driven by several factors, including widespread economic hardship, high levels of youth unemployment, and a lack of political freedom and human rights. However, the use of the term has been subject to criticism, with some, like Joseph Massad on Al Jazeera, saying that the term was “part of a US strategy of controlling the movement’s aims and goals” and directing it towards Western-style liberal democracy. In light of the electoral success of Islamist parties in some countries, some American pundits coined the terms Islamist Spring and Islamist Winter.

The Arab Spring led to regime change in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, and it sparked civil wars in Syria and Yemen, as well as protests and reforms in other countries such as Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, and Morocco. The effects of the Arab Spring are still being felt in the region, with ongoing conflicts and challenges to political stability and reforms. Some have compared the Arab Spring movements to the Revolutions of 1989 that swept through Eastern Europe and the Second World in terms of scale and significance. However, others have pointed out key differences between the two movements, such as the desired outcomes, the effectiveness of civil resistance, and the organizational role of Internet-based technologies in the Arab revolutions.

The Arab Spring is also sometimes referred to as the “Jasmine Revolution,” about the non-violent protests that took place in Tunisia and inspired similar uprisings across the Arab world. The name “Jasmine Revolution” was inspired by the country’s national flower, the jasmine, which symbolizes purity and resistance. The name was used to highlight the peaceful and nonviolent nature of the protests, which were characterized by widespread demonstrations, civil disobedience, and strikes, as well as the use of social media and other forms of communication to organize and spread information about the protests. The term “Jasmine Revolution” was widely used in the media to describe the events in Tunisia, and it soon became associated with the broader wave of uprisings and protests that took place in the Arab world during the Arab Spring.

Events in Arab Spring

The initial wave of protests and revolutions in the Arab world began to fade by mid-2012 as many demonstrations were met with violent responses from authorities, pro-government militias, counter-demonstrators, and militaries. In some cases, protesters responded to these attacks with violence. The situation in many countries escalated into large-scale conflicts, such as the Syrian Civil War, the rise of the extremist group ISIS in Iraq, the Egyptian Crisis and subsequent unrest, the Libyan Civil War, and the Yemeni Crisis and civil war. Research has shown that regimes that lacked major oil wealth and hereditary succession arrangements were more likely to experience regime change during the Arab Spring.

After the initial response to the Arab Spring, a power struggle continued as leadership changed and regimes were held accountable, leading to power vacuums across the Arab world. This power struggle resulted in a contentious battle between the consolidation of power by religious elites and the growing support for democracy in many Muslim-majority states. The early hopes for ending corruption, increasing political participation, and achieving more significant economic equity quickly faded as a result of counter-revolutionary moves by foreign state actors in Yemen, regional and international military interventions in Bahrain and Yemen, and the destructive civil wars in Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen. These developments have had a lasting impact on the region and continue to shape the political landscape of the Arab world.

The succeeding and ongoing conflicts that followed the Arab Spring have been referred to by some as the “Arab Winter“. Only the uprising in Tunisia, led by Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, has resulted in a transition to constitutional democratic governance as of May 2018. However, recent uprisings in Sudan, led by Omar al-Bashir, and Algeria, show that the conditions that sparked the Arab Spring have not faded and political movements against authoritarianism and exploitation are still ongoing. In 2019, multiple uprisings and protest movements in Algeria, Sudan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Egypt, among others, have been seen as a continuation of the Arab Spring. These events demonstrate that the desire for political change and greater freedom remains strong in the region, and the impact of the Arab Spring continues to be felt across the Arab world.

The impact of the Arab Spring is still being felt across the region, as multiple conflicts continue to cause political instability and economic hardship. The Syrian Civil War, which began in response to the Arab Spring, has caused massive political instability and economic hardship in Syria, with the Syrian pound reaching new lows. In Libya, a major civil war recently concluded, but with Western powers and Russia sending in proxy fighters, the country continues to be affected by political instability. The civil war in Yemen continues to affect the country, causing a widespread humanitarian crisis. In Lebanon, a major banking crisis is threatening the country’s economy, as well as that of neighbouring Syria, causing widespread social and economic hardship. These ongoing conflicts demonstrate that the aftermath of the Arab Spring continues to shape the region, and the impact of the Arab Spring continues to be felt across the Arab world.

The Tunisian Revolution

The Tunisian Revolution was a series of events that took place in 2010-2011, leading to the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on 14 January 2011. The revolution was triggered by the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi in Sidi Bouzid and was fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with high unemployment, food inflation, corruption, lack of political freedom, and poor living conditions. The protests escalated into violent street demonstrations and resulted in scores of deaths and injuries, primarily due to the actions of the police and security forces.

Following Ben Ali’s departure, a state of emergency was declared and a caretaker coalition government was formed, which included members of Ben Ali’s party, the Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD), and opposition figures from other ministries. After continued protests, Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi resigned and was replaced by Beji Caid Essebsi, who became Prime Minister.

In October 2011, Tunisians voted in the first post-revolution election to elect representatives to a 217-member constituent assembly responsible for drafting a new constitution. The leading Islamist party, Ennahda, won 37% of the vote and elected 42 women to the Constituent Assembly. In January 2014, a new constitution was adopted, which is considered progressive and increases human rights, gender equality, and government responsibilities to the people.

Tunisia held its first parliamentary elections in October 2014 and its presidential election in November 2014, which marked the end of the country’s transition to a democratic state. These elections saw a decline in Ennahda’s popularity and a rise in the secular Nidaa Tounes party, which became the first party in the country.

Yemini Crisis

The Yemeni Revolution started in mid-January 2011 and was a series of protests and demonstrations against the government of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The protests were sparked by various factors, including Saleh’s support of Al-Qaeda in South Yemen, the marginalization of the Southern people, the exploitation of Southern natural resources, government proposals to modify the constitution, unemployment and economic conditions, and corruption. Demonstrations took place in many towns across the country, with a major protest of over 16,000 people taking place in Sana’a on 27 January 2011. On 3 February, a “Day of Rage” was called for by human rights activist Tawakel Karman, and over 20,000 protesters demonstrated against the government in Sana’a. The protests continued over the following months, particularly in the major cities, despite clashes with government supporters. On 3 June, an assassination attempt on President Saleh left him and several other high-ranking officials injured, and he was evacuated to Saudi Arabia for treatment. He eventually ceded power to Vice President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. On 23 September, Saleh returned to Yemen, and under pressure from the Gulf Cooperation Council, he agreed to step down and sign the GCC initiative on 23 November. A presidential election was held on 21 February 2012, and Hadi won 99.8% of the vote and became the new President. However, the replacement government was overthrown by Houthi rebels on 22 January 2015, leading to the Yemeni Civil War and the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen.

Bahraini Uprising

The 2011 Bahraini uprising was a significant event in the country’s recent history, marked by widespread protests and a brutal crackdown by the government. The protests were sparked by frustration among the majority Shiite population with being ruled by the Sunni government, but they were also inspired by similar demonstrations taking place in Tunisia and Egypt at the time. Initially peaceful, the protests became violent when security forces carried out a pre-dawn raid on a protest camp in the capital city of Manama, killing several protesters. This led to an escalation in tensions, with the government declaring a state of emergency and calling in GCC forces to help restore order. The police response was widely criticized as brutal, with reports of widespread human rights violations, including midnight house raids, beatings, and the denial of medical care. The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry later found that the government had committed systematic human rights violations, including the torture of prisoners. The situation in Bahrain has remained largely unchanged in the years since the 2011 uprising, with the regime continuing to suppress all forms of dissent and target critics, including human rights defenders, journalists, and political groups. The Saudi government forces suppressed protests in the country and also helped the Bahraini authorities suppress the demonstrations there. This was part of the larger crackdown on dissent and protests in the Arab world during the Arab Spring. Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist, author, and commentator who strongly criticised the Saudi government. He was well known for his coverage of the Arab Spring and for speaking out against the government. In 2018, he was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. His murder was widely condemned and sparked international outrage, with many pointing to the Saudi government’s involvement in the killing. The incident brought attention to the suppression of dissent and freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia.

The Egyptian Revolution

The 2011 Egyptian revolution began on January 25th, 2011 and lasted for 18 days. The protests were inspired by the uprising in Tunisia and the government attempted to shut down the internet to prevent protesters from organizing through social media. On February 10th, President Hosni Mubarak ceded all power to Vice President Omar Suleiman but later announced he would remain as president until the end of his term. However, the protests continued and eventually led to Mubarak’s resignation and transfer of power to the Armed Forces of Egypt. The military dissolved the parliament and suspended the constitution, and appointed Essam Sharaf as Prime Minister. Despite the initial success of the uprising, the country continued to experience violent protests and concern about the slow pace of reforms and the military’s grip on power. Hosni Mubarak and his former interior minister were sentenced to life in prison for failing to stop the killings during the revolution. Mohamed Morsi was sworn in as Egypt’s first democratically elected president but was later overthrown by the military in 2013. In 2020, the Egyptian government increased its executions by more than twofold, resulting in the execution of 60 people, including human rights activists. Western countries have overlooked these human rights abuses and Egypt remains at its lowest point for human rights, even 10 years after the Arab Spring.

Syrian Civil War

The Syrian civil war began as a series of anti-government protests that started on 26 January 2011, after a police officer assaulted a man in Damascus. The arrest of the man led to calls for his release and later, a “day of rage” was set for 4-5 February. However, it was uneventful. The first city to protest against the Ba’athist government was Daraa, where 15 children were arrested for writing slogans against the government. Soon protests erupted over their arrest and abuse.

Thousands of protesters gathered in cities such as Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Deir ez-Zor and al-Hasakah on 15 March, with Suhair Atassi becoming an unofficial spokesperson for the “Syrian revolution”. On 18 April 2011, around 100,000 protesters gathered in the central square of Homs, calling for the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad. Protests continued through July 2011, leading to harsh security clampdowns and military operations in several districts, particularly in the north.

On 31 July 2011, the Syrian army tanks stormed several cities, including Hama, Deir Ez-Zour, Abu Kamal and Herak, leading to the highest death toll of the uprising with 136 people killed. On 5 August 2011, during an anti-government demonstration called “God is with us”, the Syrian security forces shot the protesters from inside the ambulances, killing 11 people. These events escalated into the Syrian Civil War, a conflict that continues to this day.

Libyan Civil war

The 2011 Libyan Civil War was a conflict that arose from anti-government protests that began on February 15th, 2011 in the North African country of Libya. The protests initially took place in Benghazi, the second-largest city in the country, and quickly spread to the capital city of Tripoli. The death toll rose rapidly, leading to international condemnation and calls for the government’s dismantlement. In response, the opposition set up an interim government in Benghazi to challenge the rule of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Despite initial opposition success, government forces managed to take back much of the Mediterranean coast, leading to the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 on March 17th. The resolution authorized a no-fly zone over Libya and “all necessary measures” to protect civilians, leading to military intervention by France, the United States, and the United Kingdom. A coalition of 27 states from Europe and the Middle East soon joined the intervention, leading to the capture of Tripoli by anti-Gaddafi forces in late August. This marked the end of Gaddafi’s 42 years of power, as he and several top government officials regrouped in Sirte and declared it the new capital of Libya.

However, Gaddafi was killed in October, and the civil war continued after his death. The conflict was characterized by four major fronts of combat, including the Nafusa Mountains, the Tripolitanian coast, the Gulf of Sidra, and the southern Libyan Desert. Despite the fall of Sirte and the death of Gaddafi, the war persisted for several years, leading to a continuation of violence and instability in the country.

Uprise in UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, the Arab Spring sparked a sudden demand for democratic reforms, but the government response was one of repression of human rights, including unlawful detentions and torture, which effectively quelled opposition and silenced dissenters. Despite this, a group of 133 peaceful political activists, including academics and members of the social organization, Islah, signed a petition calling for democratic reforms and submitted it to the Emirati monarch rulers in 2011.

The petition demanded elections, more legislative powers for the Federal National Council and an independent judiciary. In response, the authorities arrested 94 of the signatories, who were journalists, government officials, judges, lawyers, teachers, and student activists. They were detained in secret detention facilities and subjected to enforced disappearances and torture for a year until their trial began in March 2013.

The trial, which was widely regarded as unfair, ended on 2 July 2013, and 69 of the defendants were convicted based on evidence obtained through forced confessions and received harsh prison sentences of up to 15 years. The case became known as “UAE-94” and led to further restrictions on freedom of speech in the country. To this day, many of these prisoners remain in arbitrary detention, with some held incommunicado and denied their rights.

In addition to the arrests of the signatories of the 2011 petition, the UAE authorities also arrested five prominent human rights defenders and government critics who did not sign the petition. All of them were pardoned the next day but have faced several other forms of government harassment and intimidation. One of the prominent activists, Ahmed Mansoor, reported being beaten twice and having his passport confiscated. Most human rights activists have been targeted by the UAE government’s intimidation tactics for years.

The authorities also exiled a local man to Thailand for speaking out against the government. Despite these events, the UAE remains opposed to free speech, and the government continues to restrict the rights of its citizens and silence dissent.

Major Causes

Economic factors, such as high food prices, played a role in the Arab Spring as well. The Food Price Index, which tracks the prices of key food items such as oils, cereals, dairy, meat, and sugar, increased dramatically in the lead-up to the Arab Spring. Additionally, the prices of fertilizers, such as DAP, potassium chloride, phosphorite, triple superphosphate, and urea, also rose, making it more difficult for farmers to produce crops. The combination of these factors created an environment in which the lower and middle classes were struggling to make ends meet, and the youth, in particular, were dissatisfied with the lack of opportunities and the state of the economy.

In addition, the widespread use of social media and communication technology, such as Facebook and Twitter, facilitated the spread of information and coordinated actions among protesters, as well as helped to expose human rights abuses committed by governments. The widespread availability of videos of police brutality and corruption on YouTube and other platforms also galvanized public opinion against the ruling regimes. The 2008 global financial crisis and the subsequent austerity measures implemented by governments further exacerbated the already high levels of economic hardship and inequality. The high price of necessities, such as food and fuel, was a major factor that drove protests in many Arab countries, as it made it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to make ends meet. The prices of food staples, such as wheat, corn, and rice, as well as those of dairy products, meat, sugar, and other food items, all rose sharply in the months leading up to the Arab Spring. The price of fertilizers, such as DAP, potassium chloride, phosphorite, triple superphosphate, and urea, also increased, making it more difficult for farmers to produce crops and feed their families.

In conclusion, the Arab Spring was driven by a combination of factors, including political corruption, human rights violations, economic decline, and the refusal of young people to accept the status quo. The rise in food and fuel prices, along with the 2008 global financial crisis, only added to the already high levels of economic hardship and inequality. The widespread use of social media and communication technology played a crucial role in spreading information and coordinating protests. The widespread availability of videos of police brutality and corruption also galvanized public opinion against the ruling regimes.

The labour movement in Egypt was a significant force in the country for many years before the 2011 revolution. This was evidenced by the numerous labour actions that took place, with over 3,000 actions recorded since 2004. One of the most notable events was the attempted workers’ strike in 2008 at the al-Mahalla al-Kubra textile factories, just outside of Cairo. This demonstration was promoted by computer-literate working-class youth and their supporters, including middle-class college students. The promotion of the strike was facilitated by a Facebook page, which attracted tens of thousands of followers and provided a platform for sustained political action. The government attempted to break the strike through the use of infiltrators and riot police, but the dissidents formed the “6 April Committee” made up of young people and labour activists, which later became one of the major forces behind the anti-Mubarak demonstrations in Tahrir Square on January 25, 2011.

In January 2011, the death of an unemployed man in the Kabylie region set off a wave of protests across the country. Demonstrators took to the streets, calling for an end to corruption, unemployment, and the political status quo. The government responded with force, and a crackdown on the protest movement was launched. Despite this, the protests continued and gained momentum, inspiring similar movements across the region. On 19 February 2011, the largest demonstration in the country’s history took place in Algiers, with tens of thousands of protesters filling the streets to call for change.[80] The government attempted to placate the protesters by offering concessions and reforms, but these measures were seen as insufficient by the protest movement, which continued to grow and spread throughout the country.

The Gafsa protests were significant because they marked a new level of discontent with the government and the regime of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The protests began as a result of unemployment and corruption in the mining sector but quickly escalated into a larger movement calling for political change and an end to the authoritarian regime. The protests were met with violence from the government, but the persistence and determination of the protesters inspired similar movements throughout Tunisia and the wider Arab world. The events in Gafsa are often seen as one of the early sparks of the Arab Spring, and the success of the Tunisian revolution in overthrowing Ben Ali’s regime was a major turning point in the Arab Spring uprisings.

The Gdeim Izik protest camp was a significant event leading up to the Arab Spring in Western Sahara. The protests and subsequent violence highlight the frustration and discontent of the Sahrawi people towards the Moroccan government and their policies. The demonstration was one of the early examples of the larger wave of protests that swept across the Arab world during the Arab Spring.

In Western Sahara, the Arab Spring protests were fueled by a variety of issues including labour discrimination, unemployment, looting of resources, and human rights abuses. The Gdeim Izik protest camp was erected as a demonstration against these issues and had grown to contain between 12,000 and 20,000 inhabitants. However, the camp was destroyed by Moroccan security forces and its inhabitants were evicted, leading to widespread rioting and opposition from some young Sahrawi civilians. The aftermath of the protests was marked by violence against Sahrawis, and this was one of the factors that contributed to renewed protests months later when the Arab Spring began. The human rights abuses that the protesters were protesting against played a significant role in the events leading up to the Arab Spring in Western Sahara.

The events that followed Tunisian Mohamed Bouazizi’s self-immolation quickly spread throughout the country, with protests and demonstrations taking place in multiple cities and towns. On 14 January 2011, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled the country after 23 years in power, making Tunisia the first country in the Arab world to undergo a successful overthrow of its government as a result of the Arab Spring protests. The success of the Tunisian Revolution inspired other countries in the region, including Egypt, Libya, and Syria, to launch their uprisings to bring about political change.

Timeline

Timeline of Arab Spring events:

18 December 2010: Protests begin in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, following Mohamed Bouazizi’s self-immolation in protest of police corruption and ill-treatment.

14 January 2011: Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali flees to Saudi Arabia after the Tunisian Revolution protests.

11 February 2011: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigns after 18 days of massive protests, ending his 30-year presidency.

23 August 2011: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is overthrown after the National Transitional Council (NTC) takes control of Bab al-Azizia.

20 October 2011: Gaddafi is killed in his hometown of Sirte after the NTC takes control of the city.

27 February 2012: Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh was formally replaced by his successor Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi as president.

Omar al-Bashir announces he will not seek reelection in 2015 (he ultimately retracted his announcement and ran anyway).

Nouri al-Maliki, the Iraqi Prime Minister, announced he will not seek another term in 2014.

Protests in Jordan led to King Abdullah’s sacking of four successive governments.

The popular unrest in Kuwait resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Nasser Al-Sabah’s cabinet. 

Tawakkol Karman of Yemen co-recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for her role in organizing peaceful protests.

“The Protester” named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year” in December 2011.

Samuel Aranda, a Spanish photographer, wins the 2011 World Press Photo Award for his image of a Yemeni woman holding an injured family member during the civil uprising in Yemen.

The Arab Winter

The aftermath of the Arab Spring, known as the Arab Winter, was marked by widespread violence, instability, and civil wars. The consequences varied across the Middle East and North Africa, with countries such as Tunisia and Egypt experiencing more successful transitions to democracy through free and fair elections, while other countries like Syria and Libya saw complete societal collapse. The variation in outcome can be attributed to factors such as the strength of a society’s formal and informal institutions, censorship and control over media, access to social media, and the support of military forces. The Arab Spring also brought about changes in regional power dynamics, with the reshaping of the geopolitical structure of the Middle East. To this day, countries affected by the Arab Spring continue to struggle with political conflict and division between those who prefer the status quo and those who want democratic change. Economic consequences such as unemployment and budget deficits have also been noted in the aftermath of the Arab Spring.

The Long Term Aftermath

The Aftermath of the Arab Spring: Sectarianism and the Collapse of State Systems

The Arab Spring, which began in 2011, brought about a wave of uprisings and protests throughout the Middle East and North Africa. While the initial goal of the Arab Spring was to overthrow authoritarian leaders and bring about greater political freedom, the long-term aftermath of these events has been much more complex. This essay will examine the trends in political Islam that have resulted from the Arab Spring and the role that sectarianism and the collapse of state systems have played in shaping the current landscape of the region.

One of the key trends that have emerged from the Arab Spring is the repression of the Muslim Brotherhood, both in Egypt and in several Gulf countries. This has resulted in a growing rift between countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and has cast a shadow over the future of the organization. At the same time, the rise of Islamist “state-building” has taken place in countries like Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen, where state failure has led to the creation of new norms of governance based on militia-based systems. This has led to increased sectarianism, primarily between Sunnis and Shias, as proxy wars and the escalation of the Iran-Saudi Arabia proxy conflict have fueled tensions.

In countries where Islamists did not succeed in transforming society, there has been a lack of “soul-searching” about what went wrong and a growing thirst for revenge. Meanwhile, in countries like Algeria and Jordan, where Islamists have chosen not to challenge the government, there has been increased caution and political learning. The experiences of Middle Eastern youth have been shaped by the events of the Arab Spring, providing impetus for new perspectives and responses to the constraints they face.

Contrary to popular belief, Hussein Agha and Robert Malley from The New Yorker argued that the divide in the post-Arab Spring Middle East is not driven by sectarianism, but rather by old-fashioned power struggles and the maltreatment of minorities. In their view, the struggles taking place in the region are primarily within the Sunni world and the use of sectarianism is a convenient cover for these underlying issues.

In conclusion, the long-term aftermath of the Arab Spring has been complex and far-reaching, with trends in political Islam, the rise of sectarianism, and the collapse of state systems all playing a significant role in shaping the current landscape of the region. Understanding these trends is crucial for anyone seeking to understand the current state of the Middle East and the challenges that it faces.

Arab Summer: Second Arab Spring

The Arab world saw a resurgence of political activism and anti-government demonstrations in the 2018-2022 period. Dubbed the “Arab Spring 2.0”, “Second Arab Spring”, “New Arab Spring” and “Arab Summer”, these protests were a continuation of the pro-democracy uprisings that took place in the Arab world between 2010 and 2013.

The Arab protests spread across several countries including Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Sudan, Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, and Syria. The protests were not limited to political demands but also included demands for economic reforms and better living conditions. In the Gaza Strip, economic protests also took place.

The 2018-2022 Arab protests brought about significant changes in some countries. In Iraq, the deadliest incident of civil unrest since the fall of Saddam Hussein resulted in the replacement of the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, in Sudan, sustained civil disobedience led to the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in a military coup d’état, the Khartoum massacre, and the transfer of power from a military junta to a combined military-civilian Sovereignty Council that is legally committed to a 39-month transition to democracy.

In conclusion, the 2018-2022 Arab protests were a continuation of the Arab Spring and demonstrated the ongoing struggle for democracy, human rights, and economic justice in the Arab world. These protests served as a reminder that the Arab Spring is far from over and that the people of the Arab world will continue to demand change and progress in the future.

General Public Opinion of the Arab World

The opinion of the common Arab people on the Arab Spring is complex and varies widely. Some people appreciated the Arab Spring for allowing them to voice their grievances, demand reforms, and fight for greater political and social rights. They saw it as a moment of hope and empowerment that challenged the status quo and opened the door for change.

On the other hand, others had a negative view of the Arab Spring, as it led to a great deal of instability, violence, and economic hardship in many countries. The collapse of state systems, the rise of sectarianism and terrorism, and the rise of authoritarianism in some countries were all seen as negative consequences of the Arab Spring.

Overall, opinions on the Arab Spring are shaped by factors such as the specific experiences of people in different countries, their political and religious beliefs, and their level of education and socio-economic status. The appreciation of the Arab Spring by common Arab people is difficult to quantify with certainty, as it likely varies depending on the individual and their experiences. However, some surveys have attempted to gauge public opinion on the events of the Arab Spring.

A 2017 survey conducted by the Arab Barometer research network found that, on average, 39% of respondents across six Arab countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia) thought the Arab Spring had a positive impact on their countries, while 37% believed it had a negative impact. In Tunisia, which is often seen as the only country where the Arab Spring resulted in a successful transition to democracy, 55% of respondents said the events had a positive impact, while 28% said they had a negative impact. In contrast, in Egypt, where the Arab Spring was followed by a military coup and a crackdown on political opposition, only 29% said the events had a positive impact, while 53% said they had a negative impact.

It is important to note that these surveys capture only a snapshot of public opinion and may not accurately reflect the complexity of views and experiences among Arab people. Additionally, the events of the Arab Spring and their aftermath continue to unfold, so public opinion may change over time as new developments occur.

The Opinion of Western Countries

The Arab Spring, which was a series of pro-democracy protests and uprisings in several Arab countries that took place in 2010-2012, received mixed reactions from the Western world. Some Western nations, including the United States, saw the events of the Arab Spring as an opportunity for positive change in the Middle East and North Africa, as people demanded more political freedom and greater representation in their governments. Western leaders praised the courage of the protesters, who were willing to risk their lives for greater freedom, and expressed hope that the Arab Spring would bring about a new era of democracy and stability in the region.

However, other Western nations were more sceptical of the Arab Spring, viewing the events as a threat to their strategic interests in the Middle East and North Africa. Some Western countries expressed concern about the rise of Islamist political movements, such as the Muslim Brotherhood, in the wake of the Arab Spring, and were worried about the potential for increased extremism and instability in the region.

More recent research has shown that the Western reaction to the Arab Spring has been shaped by several factors, including the changing geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, the rise of extremist groups, and concerns about the economic implications of political instability in the region. A study published in 2016 by the Brookings Institution, for example, found that Western nations have been grappling with the complex and often conflicting priorities of promoting democracy, countering extremism, and maintaining their strategic interests in the region.

In conclusion, the Western reaction to the Arab Spring has been complex and multifaceted, reflecting both a desire for positive change in the region and concerns about the potential for increased instability and extremism. While Western nations have been supportive of the aspirations of the protesters for greater political freedom and representation, they have also been cautious about the potential consequences of these events for their strategic interests and security. Ultimately, the Western reaction to the Arab Spring will continue to be shaped by a range of political, economic, and security considerations, and will likely remain a subject of debate and discussion for many years to come.

Major Consequences of the Arab Spring

1. Political instability: The Arab Spring resulted in the collapse of several authoritarian regimes, leading to a power vacuum and widespread political instability in countries such as Egypt, Libya, and Yemen.
2. Rise of Islamist groups: In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, Islamist groups, such as the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and the Islamist militias in Libya, gained significant political power and influence in many countries.
3. Civil wars and sectarian conflict: The Arab Spring has led to civil wars and sectarian conflict in several countries, particularly in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
4. Increased terrorism: The power vacuum and political instability caused by the Arab Spring have provided a breeding ground for terrorism and extremism, particularly for groups such as the Islamic State.
5. Economic decline: The Arab Spring has resulted in economic decline in several countries, particularly in Egypt and Tunisia, due to the uncertainty and instability caused by the political upheaval.
6. Human rights abuses: The Arab Spring has also been associated with human rights abuses, such as the use of excessive force by security forces and the persecution of opposition groups and minorities in several countries.
7. Refugee crisis: The civil wars and sectarian conflict resulting from the Arab Spring have also led to a massive refugee crisis, with millions of people displaced and seeking asylum in other countries.
8. Failure of democratization: Despite the initial aspirations of the Arab Spring, many countries have failed to transition to democracy and have instead descended into authoritarianism or military rule.

Concluding Remarks

The Arab Spring was a series of pro-democracy uprisings that took place across the Arab world in 2010 and 2011. The uprisings were sparked by widespread frustration with political corruption, economic inequality, and lack of political freedom in many Arab countries. The demonstrations and protests that took place during the Arab Spring resulted in the toppling of several long-standing dictators, including in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya.

However, the aftermath of the Arab Spring was complex and varied, with different countries experiencing different outcomes. In some countries like Tunisia, the transition to democracy was relatively smooth and successful, leading to the establishment of new democratic institutions. In other countries, such as Egypt and Libya, the transitions were more tumultuous, leading to further unrest and conflict.

Overall, the Arab Spring represented a turning point in the history of the Arab world and demonstrated the power of the people to demand change. While the outcomes of the Arab Spring are still being felt and debated, it is clear that it had a profound impact on the region and its people.

Purpose of the Discussion

The purpose of the discussion was to show some factors which are obvious and are directing the same series of protests in Pakistan against the PDM government. It removed the Imran Khan regime and occupied office without getting the mandate of the public. The question of whether there should be more Arab Spring-style revolutions is a complex and subjective one. On the one hand, the Arab Spring represented a call for greater freedom, democracy, and human rights, and many people in the affected countries felt that these were long overdue. The protests and demonstrations were a way for people to voice their frustration and demand change.

On the other hand, the aftermath of the Arab Spring has been marked by political instability, violence, and the rise of extremist groups in some countries. In some cases, the revolutions resulted in the overthrow of autocratic regimes, but they did not immediately lead to the establishment of stable, democratic governments.

Ultimately, the answer to whether there should be more Arab Spring-style revolutions depends on one’s perspective and values. Those who believe in the importance of freedom, democracy, and human rights might argue that more revolutions of this kind are necessary to bring about change in repressive societies. Others, however, might argue that the risks and challenges associated with these kinds of upheavals make them undesirable.

It’s important to consider the context of each country and to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of any actions aimed at bringing about change. Ultimately, the decision about whether to support or participate in a revolution should be based on a careful evaluation of the specific circumstances in each country and the impact that the revolution is likely to have on its people and its future.