The Middle-East is undoubtedly one of the most complex and unstable regions in the world. We must have wondered why this region has so much problems making it really unpredictable. There doesn’t go a year when we don’t hear any violent reports from this region. Dictatorship and monarchy has webbed this region making the residents and citizens speechless. The land of peaceful deserts and knowledge have been suppressing modernity and growth contradictory to the golden age. From the land of great rulers like Saladdin to the land of never-ending religion-based dictators, this region has surely transformed. Amid this persecution and injustice, the civilians got together and raised their voice against the black rule which emerged into the Arab Spring. In this article, we are going to dive into the same and build our foundation around it.

Quick insight: What is Arab Spring?

A series of anti-government protests and rebellions across Arab countries to overthrow the dictatorships in different Arab countries which were surrounded by corruption, autocracy, economic stagnation and discrimination. The movement was first started in Tunisia in 2010.

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Brief Description of the Country of Origin

Tunisia is an African country located in the Northern region of the African continent. It is a secular country with Muslims being more than 99% of the population with the total population of more than 12 million. With the capital Tunis, this country was founded in 1956 after gaining independence from the French rule. In the history, the land on which Tunisia stands today, has been ruled by the French, Ottoman, Hafsid, Fatimid, Romans and so on. The official currency is Tunisian Dinar (TND) and the official language is Arabic where Arabic and French are the two most-spoken languages in the country. It is officially a member of OIC (Organization of Islamic Corporation), which is a union of Muslim-majority countries engaged together to promote Islam, share economic benefits and make collective policies.

History & Timeline

In 1987, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the Tunisian Interior Minister (controlled the Tunisian Army and Tunisian Police Forces), overthrows the ruling government and replaces it by appointing himself as the President after succeeding his military coup. He established a constitutional democracy but it was widely reported as a dictatorship since he was in power since he won all of the Presidential Elections making him the President literally five times in a row which seems to be fishy.

Since 1987, the elections under his regime were widely reported as dishonest lacking transparency. There are reports of unwanted autocracy, dictatorship, political prisoning, lack of democracy, atrocities, hatred, discrimination, lack of freedom of speech, suppression of opposition political parties, corruption and economic setbacks.

The story begins with the main character named, Mohamed Bouazizi, locally known as ‘Basboosa’, a Tunisian street hawker (owned a street vendor selling fruits). He was a hard-working person who used to study and work both at the same time who started working at the age of 10. Due to job instability, he worked various jobs which included cleaning, construction work, sales and so on. At some point, he decided to quit his school and focus on jobs only so that he could offer a better life to his family by earning more and give easier opportunities for his sisters to study more securing better careers. With time, he became the sole breadwinner for his family. It is reported that he was considered to be kind and helping personality by the people in his area. While working as the Fruit Seller owning his own vendor, he had applied for the vendor permit but he never heard back from the authorities.

🔴Le printemps arabe a commencé en Tunisie après le suicide par immolation de Mohamed Bouazizi pour dénoncer le désespoir de toute une jeunesse. Le président Kaïs Saïed est devenu raciste par lâcheté, pour avoir échoué. Il detourne donc l'attention en ciblant les migrants noirs. pic.twitter.com/Sxxo3ptdl5

— Amir Nourdine Elbachir (@amir_nourdine) February 25, 2023

On December 17, 2010, Bouazizi reaches his location of work and finds out that someone else has been setting up his vendor. Amid this, he went to the authorities and complained about it but got backlashes, hatred and insults from the officers. The police confiscated his cart leaving him jobless and business loss. Being completely heartbroken, he tried his best to contact the seniors officers including the Tunisian Municipal Inspector, Faida Hamdi, who allegedly slapped and humiliated Bouazizi publicly for his income-status and family background. Bouazizi went away for a while only to come back and commit suicide. In response to the humiliation and business loss, he pours gasoline over his body and lighting himself up in front of the officers and bystanders (the crowd). People tried to save him but nothing worked to save the burning human. Bouazizi’s cousin, Ali Bouazizi, managed to record the entire scenario and posting it on Facebook. The power of social media didn’t stop the spread of such horrific video exposing the persecution of Tunisians under the dictatorship of the Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, despite the restricted television content.

On December 28, 2010, the Tunisian President, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, visited Bouazizi who was hospitalized in Ben Arous Burn and Trauma Centre located in the capital city, Tunis. It was majorly regarded as a political move to save his regime while he had neither had any mercy for the victim nor he was willing to improve the system.

Since then, massive riots, protests and strikes broke out across the country where majority of the population which majorly included students, lawyers and unemployed citizens showed their unrest against the regime. Various rebel groups also erupted.

On January 4, 2011, unfortunately, Bouazizi passed away failing to recover from the massive burn. In response to this, the country was gradually growing to a civil war where the population was after the ruler to make him resign. Tear gas, mass arrests, propaganda interviews, curfews and heavy patrolling ordered by Zine, didn’t stop this massive revolution, named, ‘Arab Spring’.

On January 10, 2011, hardline curfews were implemented with indefinite closure of schools, universities and offices.

On January 14, 2011, Zine dissolves his government declaring a national emergency. Meanwhile, he escapes to Malta under Libyan protection. Mohamed Ghannouchi became the interim Prime Minister for the time-being. The entire country came under the military control for a resolution. With time, Zine surrendered his position and declared that he won’t be participating in the elections. This also promised free and fair elections in the country.

Expansion of Arab Spring begins

On January 25, 2011, the Arab Spring goes international (out of Tunisia) for the first time. Widespread protests broke out in Egypt’s Tahrir Square located in the capital of Cairo demanding political reforms with the end of the regime of Egyptian President, Hosini Mubarak.

In January, 2011, protests begin in Jordan, with citizens demanding political reforms, economic improvements, and an end to corruption. Demonstrations are inspired by the events in Tunisia and Egypt. Protesters call for the resignation of Prime Minister Samir Rifai and demand the dissolution of the parliament, as well as measures to address unemployment and high living costs.

In January, 2011, limited protests take place in the autonomous region of Puntland. The political situation in Somalia remains unstable due to ongoing conflicts and the presence of militant groups like Al-Shabaab. These protests are not as prominent as in other countries during the Arab Spring, largely because of the country’s fragmented state.

On January 27, 2011, protests begin in the Yemeni capital, Sana’a spreading across entire Yemen against the Yemeni President, Ali Abdullah Saleh for his alleged fake democratic rule where elections were altered and forged.

On February 6, 2011, Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD), led by Zine was officially dissolved.

On February 11, 2011, Arab Spring forces the Egyptian President, Hosini Mubarak to resign from the presidency after 18 days long protest.

Amid this resignation, Egyptian Field Marshal, Muhammad Hussein Tantawy takes over the reign by declaring himself the President of Egypt because of his successful military coup. He accused all the opposition leaders and groups/parties to be anti-democratic but ironically he himself captured the country with the miliary coup and was a pure dictator regardless of his acting to be democratic. The residents of Egypt actively protested against this new dictator too suppressed with the fact that the Arab Spring didn’t work for them, it rather gifted them an unnecessary military coup. Making Hosini Mubarak resign from his position, resulted in only a transfer of dictatorship from one person to the other.

On February 14, protests erupt in Iran, influenced by the broader Arab Spring movements. Demonstrators call for political reforms, greater freedoms, and an end to the authoritarian rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Iranian government responds with a harsh crackdown, including arrests, suppression of opposition leaders, and restrictions on media coverage.

On February 14, 2011, protests in the capital city of Bahrain, Manama, broke out calling for democracy over the monarchy of Al-Khalifa family.

On February 15, 2011, protests erupted across Libya, starting from Benghazi city. The protests were against the Libyan Prime Minister, Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi, who was criticized for conducting symbolic elections which held no value. The rule was nothing but pure dictatorship.

On February 17, 2011, the first significant protests linked to the Arab Spring in Saudi Arabia occurred in the city of Qatif, located in the Eastern Province. These demonstrations were primarily driven by the Shiite community, who called for the release of Shiite prisoners and demanded greater civil rights and political reforms. The protests were part of a broader call for an end to systemic discrimination against the Shiite minority in the predominantly Sunni kingdom.

In response to these demonstrations, the Saudi government quickly deployed security forces to quell the unrest. Additionally, the authorities announced a large economic package aimed at improving living conditions, creating jobs, and providing social welfare benefits. To prevent the spread of protests, the government also imposed bans on public demonstrations and increased surveillance. Activists were arrested, and the government clamped down on dissent, effectively preventing the escalation of a larger protest movement within the kingdom.

On February 19, protests begin in Kuwait, with participants demanding political reforms, an end to corruption, and greater political freedoms. The demonstrations are part of a broader movement within the Gulf states, where citizens express dissatisfaction with autocratic governance and lack of political representation.

On February 20, 2011, in Morocco, protests were part of the broader wave of the Arab Spring and were organized by the February 20 Movement, which called for political and economic reforms, greater democracy, and an end to corruption.

On February 25, protests in Mauritania call for political reforms and improved economic conditions. Protesters express frustration with President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz’s government, citing issues like unemployment, high living costs, and corruption. The protests are relatively small but significant in a country with limited political freedoms.

In February 2011, King Abdullah II responds to the growing unrest by dismissing Prime Minister Samir Rifai and appointing Marouf Bakhit as the new Prime Minister. The King also promises to implement political reforms, including amendments to the election law and measures to tackle corruption. The changes are aimed at appeasing protesters and preventing further escalation.

In February 2011, inspired by the Arab Spring, protests take place in Lebanon, with participants demanding political reforms, an end to corruption, and improved economic conditions. The protests are relatively small and face challenges due to Lebanon’s complex sectarian political system, which limits the potential for unified national movements.

In February 2011, small protests and petitions emerge in the UAE, calling for political reforms, including greater representation and freedoms. The government responds swiftly by arresting activists and cracking down on dissent. The UAE remains one of the most tightly controlled states in the region, with strict limitations on political expression.

In February-March 2011, protests erupt in Oman, primarily in the cities of Sohar and Muscat. Demonstrators demand political reforms, job opportunities, and measures to combat corruption. The protests are notable for being relatively peaceful compared to other Arab Spring movements. Sultan Qaboos bin Said responds by reshuffling the cabinet, promising to create more jobs, and increasing social welfare benefits.

On March 9, 2011, King Mohammed VI addresses the nation, announcing a series of constitutional reforms in response to protests demanding political and economic changes. The reforms include strengthening the powers of the parliament and prime minister, enhancing judicial independence, and guaranteeing more rights and freedoms to citizens. The announcement is aimed at defusing the growing unrest and addressing the demands of the February 20 Movement.

On March 14, 2011, Saudi Arabia and GCC troops assist Bahraini King, Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, to keep up his reign by taking control of the country and suppressing the rebels.

On March 15, 2011, protests erupted in the city Daraa spreading across entire Syria with the demand of end for the rule of the Syrian President, Bashar Al-Assad who has been in power since 2000. It immediately resulted Syrian Civil War. His regime is still supported by Russia but opposed by NATO (which includes Canada, USA, UK etc.).

On March 15, 2011, thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip take to the streets, calling for an end to the political division between Fatah and Hamas. The protesters, part of the “March 15 Youth Movement,” demand national unity and democratic reforms. The demonstrations are peaceful but highlight the frustration of many Palestinians with the ongoing political stalemate and lack of progress towards peace and reconciliation.

On March 19, 2011, NATO intervened in the situation of Libya with their airstrikes attacking Libyan Army who was under the dictatorship of Gaddafi.

In March 2011, in response to the protests, Sultan Qaboos bin Said announces several measures to appease the demonstrators. He reshuffles the cabinet, appoints new ministers, and pledges to create more public sector jobs. Additionally, he increases social welfare benefits and promises to implement reforms to address corruption and improve governance. Despite these concessions, some protests continue as citizens seek deeper changes.

In June, 2011, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz announces limited political reforms in response to ongoing protests. These reforms include promises to improve governance, address economic grievances, and increase transparency in government operations. However, many protesters and opposition groups view the reforms as insufficient and continue to demand more substantial changes.

On July 1, 2011, a new Moroccan constitution is approved in a national referendum. The constitutional reforms are presented as a response to the February 20 Movement’s demands for political and economic changes. The new constitution grants more powers to the elected parliament and prime minister, strengthens the judiciary, and enshrines human rights protections. While the reforms are seen as a positive step, some activists argue that they do not go far enough in limiting the powers of the monarchy.

On October 20, 2011, the Libyan Prime Minister, Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi got captured and killed by the rebel group, National Transitional Council (NTA) who was ultimately the opposition (interim government).

On October 23, 2011, Presidential Elections in Tunisia were held across the country making a historic move showcasing a free and fair election process. Various political parties such as Ennahda Party, Congress for Republic (CPR), Democratic Progressive Party (PDP) etc. took part where Ennahda Party (an Islamist party) came in power winning 37% of the seats. Moncef Marzouki, from Congress for Republic party (a secular party) became the President and Hamadi Jebali, from Ennahda Party (an Islamist party) became the Prime Minister.

Due to this movement, Tunisia gained its independence from the dictatorship and headed towards full democracy solving various societal and governmental problems. The elections were free and fair with less corruption and discrimination.

On November 23, 2011, Yemeni President, Saleh agrees to transfer power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, in a deal brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

In December, 2011, amid ongoing protests and political tensions, Kuwait’s Emir dissolves the parliament. This leads to new elections, which see the opposition gaining significant representation. The government’s actions are seen as an attempt to quell unrest and address the demands for political reforms and an end to corruption. However, the political situation remains contentious, with continued calls for more comprehensive reforms.

Between January 2012 and 2013, Iraq experiences continued protests, particularly among Sunni communities. Demonstrators demand an end to sectarian discrimination, better public services, and political reforms. The protests are fueled by grievances over corruption, unemployment, and the marginalization of Sunnis in the political process. The Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, responds with a combination of concessions and crackdowns, but tensions remain high.

In 2013, Saudi Arabia maintains tight control over political expression and dissent. While there are limited protests, particularly in the Eastern Province, the government responds with increased welfare spending and security measures to prevent the spread of unrest. The Saudi leadership focuses on economic reforms and development projects, but political concessions remain minimal.

In 2013, the UAE continues to restrict political activities and crack down on dissent. Activists and opposition figures face arrests and trials, with the government justifying its actions as necessary for maintaining stability and security. The UAE’s leadership promotes a vision of economic development and modernization, while keeping tight control over political freedoms.

On December 4, 2017, the former Yemeni President, Ali Abdullah Saleh, gets killed by Houthi rebels (Shia extremists who are often reported to have Iranian support).