The Arab Spring
Political movementAbout
The Arab Spring was a revolutionary wave of protests and uprisings that swept across the Middle East and North Africa from 2010 to 2013. It began in Tunisia, sparked by the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi, and quickly spread to other countries, including Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Syria. The movement was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with authoritarian regimes, human rights abuses, corruption, economic hardship, and high unemployment. Protesters demanded democratic reforms and an end to political repression, often using social media to organize and communicate. The Arab Spring led to the ousting of several long-standing leaders, including Tunisia's Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Egypt's Hosni Mubarak, and Libya's Muammar Gaddafi. However, the outcomes varied significantly across countries. Tunisia transitioned to democracy, while Egypt experienced political turmoil. Libya and Syria descended into civil war. The movement also inspired protests in other countries, though with less profound changes. Despite its mixed results, the Arab Spring marked a significant shift in regional politics, highlighting the power of popular mobilization against entrenched regimes.
