May 31, 2012 Objectives: To develop an understanding of the Arab Spring Revolution. Question: What is a Revolution? Agenda: Notes…yeah!!!!

Arab Spring

The Arab Spring (or the Arab Revolutions) refers to the recent revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protests occurring in the Arab world.

A revolution (from the Latin revolutio, "a turn around") is a significant change that takes place in a relatively short period of time.

What kinds of revolutions have brought significant changes to humans and their earth? Political (examples- “American Revolution” and “Russian Revolution”) Social (examples- “Civil Rights Movement” and “Internet Revolution”) Economic (examples-“Scientific Revolution”, “Industrial Revolution” and “Green Revolution”)

Since December, 2010 there have been revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt; a civil war in Libya; civil uprisings in Bahrain, Syria, and Yemen; major protests in Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, and Oman.

The protests have shared characteristics of civil resistance (protests by the public) in sustained campaigns…

…involving strikes, demonstrations, marches and rallies.

Protesters were generally young people, who also used the social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, to organize, communicate, and raise awareness in the face of their governments’ attempts at censorship.

A major slogan of the demonstrators in the Arab world has been “Ash-sha`b yurid isqat an-nizam” …

("The people want to bring down the regime").

The largest, most organized demonstrations have often occurred on a “Day of Rage", usually Friday after the Muslim’s noon prayers.

Many demonstrations have met violent responses from government authorities, as well as from pro-government militias.

The series of protests and demonstrations across the Middle East and North Africa was sparked by the first protests that occurred in Tunisia which challenged police corruption.

With the success of the protests in Tunisia, a wave of unrest struck Algeria, Jordan, and Yemen, then spread to other countries.

In Egypt, President Hosni Mubarak resigned in February, 2011, after two weeks days of massive protests, ending his 30- year presidency.

Egyptian Revolution Territory of Great Britain during Imperialist Era President Mubarak- ruled Egypt for 30 years – Resigned Feb. 11 th, 2011 Country was governed by the military throughout his reign Revolution – 18 days of protest – High poverty rate – Low literacy of population – High unemployment

EGYPT UPDATE: Assumption of power by the Armed Forces; Dissolution of the Parliament; Prosecution of Mubarak and former ministers.

During this period of regional unrest, several leaders announced their intentions to step down at the end of their current terms, such as the Iraqi Prime Minister.

Protests in Jordan have also caused King Abdullah to form a new government with newly appointed officials…

Libyan leader Muammar al-Gadafi refused to step down, causing a civil war between his loyalists and rebels…

Libyan Revolution overthrow of the monarchy – Led by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, in power for 40 years Dictatorship- only 1 political party allowed August Gaddafi fled Tripoli – Captured in October and killed Revolution – National Transitional Council- revolution leaders and current government of Liyba – Most people live in overcrowded cities 1 in 5 people are farmers, but only 1% of the land is farmable – Government very controlling- little freedom

Algerian Revolution President of Algeria- Abdelaziz Bouteflika Pressured to change the Constitution and limit Presidential power Issues with the government and the people had been brewing for over 19 years Revolution – Triggered by high food prices, starvation – Small population (elite) controlled the government – Riots and protests occurred throughout the country In February, Bouteflika promised changes and freedom of the press.

Tunisia: Ousting of President Ben Ali Elections for a Constituent Assembly

Tunisia President of Tunisia- Zine al- Abidine Ben Ali, ruled Tunisia for over 25 years and forced from power Revolution – Protestor’s suicide (angry with the governments neglect for human welfare) – Over 300 citizens died during the revolution – Revolution goals- to end poverty, unfair treatment of citizens, gain human rights and political power for the people Musical influence- El General President and wife sentenced to 35 years in jail

YEMEN: The President is injured in an attack on his compound; he and his family, including his wife, leave for Saudi Arabia.

Yemen over 16,000 protestors took place in Sana'a, Yemen's capital, on 27 January On 2 February, Saleh announced he would not run for reelection in 2013 and that he would not pass power to his son. On 3 February, 20,000 people protested against the government in Sana'a Protests continued throughout the year, and over 52,000 people were killed. A presidential election was held in Yemen on 21 February With a report claims that it has 65 percent of its turnout, Hadi won 99.8% of the vote. Abd Rabbuh Mansur al-Hadi was taken the oath of office in Yemen's parliament on 25 February 2012.

SYRIA: Release of some political prisoners; Dismissal of Provincial Governors; Resignations from Parliament; Ongoing protests

OMAN: Dismissal of ministers; Granting of lawmaking powers to elected legislature

Morocco: Ongoing protests; Political concessions by King Mohammed VI; Voting on Constitutional reforms

The outside world has also become involved in the events of the Arab Spring…

In spring of 2011, a United Nations Security Council Resolution was adopted, authorizing a no-fly zone over Libya, and approved "all necessary measures" to protect civilians.

Two days later, France, the United States and the United Kingdom intervened in Libya with a bombing campaign against pro-Gaddafi forces. (A coalition of 27 states from Europe and the Middle East soon joined the intervention, too.)

Numerous factors led to the protests, but most focused on the overthrow of authoritarian (total power; the opposite of democracy/ representative government) leaders.

Some governments were dictatorships (rule by one man), while others were absolute monarchies (power held by a king/queen with total authority).

In all countries, there were accusations of human rights violations, government corruption, unemployment, extreme poverty…

and a large percentage of educated but dissatisfied youth within the population.

The catalysts for the revolts in Northern African and Persian Gulf countries have also been the concentration of wealth in the hands of autocrats (authoritarian leaders) in power for decades.

In recent decades rising living standards and literacy rates, as well as the increased availability of higher education, have created internet-savvy youth of these countries.

These young people studied in democratic nations, where they learned the value and fairness of representative government.

What ideals do Americans and citizens of these changing nations share?

Ideals from the American Declaration of Independence…

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”

“…that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

“…That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men,”

“…deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

Time will tell if the events of the Arab Spring will continue to influence and inspire other pro-democracy movements around the world.

Arab Spring

Final 5 What do you suppose are 3 of the main reasons for the revolutions in the Arab world?