Name: Loko Goodnews Ebi-patei Department: CIVIL ENGINEERING Matric number: CVE/22/067 Course code: GST 224 A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE ARAB SPRING WITH REFERENCES The Arab Spring was a series of pro- democracy uprisings and protests that took place across the Middle East and North Africa from late 2010 to 2012. The movement was characterized by widespread popular discontent with autocratic regimes, corruption, economic hardship, and lack of political freedoms.The Arab Spring began in Tunisia in December 2010 when a street vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi, set himself on fire in protest against police corruption and harassment. This event sparked nationwide protests and ultimately led to the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011. The success of the Tunisian revolution inspired similar movements in other Arab countries. In Egypt, mass protests erupted in January 2011, calling for an end to President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule. After 18 days of demonstrations, Mubarak stepped down in February 2011. In Libya, protests against Muammar Gaddafi's regime escalated into a full-fledged civil war, with NATO intervening to support the rebels. Gaddafi was eventually captured and killed inOctober 2011. Similar protests broke out in Yemen, Syria, and Bahrain, among other countries in the region. Each country experienced varying degrees of unrest, violence, and political change. The outcomes of the Arab Spring were mixed, with some countries experiencing regime change and others facing ongoing conflict and repression. Overall, the Arab Spring had a profound impact on the region, challenging entrenched authoritarian regimes and inspiring a new wave of political activism. It also highlighted the complexities and challenges of transitioning to democracy in the Arab world, as many countries continue to grapple with political instability, economic turmoil, and social unrest in the years following the uprisings.1. Tunisia - The Arab Spring began in Tunisia in December 2010 with the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi, sparking widespread protests against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. - Bouazizi's act of protest symbolized the frustrations of many Tunisians with high unemployment, corruption, and lack of political freedoms. - Ben Ali fled the country in January 2011, leading to the establishment of a transitional government and the country's first free elections. - For more information, you can refer to articles like "The Unfinished Revolution: Making Sense of the Tunisian Revolution" by Laryssa Chomiak and Anwar Mhajne. 2. Egypt- Following the success of the Tunisian revolution, mass protests erupted in Egypt in January 2011, with demonstrators calling for President Hosni Mubarak to step down. - After 18 days of protests in Tahrir Square and pressure from the international community, Mubarak resigned in February 2011. - Egypt held its first democratic elections in 2012, leading to the election of Mohamed Morsi as president. However, Morsi was later ousted by the military in 2013. - For further reading, you might find "Egypt on the Brink: From Nasser to Mubarak" by Tarek Osman to be helpful in understanding the context of the Egyptian revolution. 3. Libya- In Libya, protests against Muammar Gaddafi's regime in February 2011 quickly escalated into a full-fledged civil war. - NATO intervened to support the rebels, leading to Gaddafi's capture and killing in October 2011. - The aftermath of the Libyan revolution was marked by political instability and conflict, with competing factions vying for power. - To delve deeper into the Libyan revolution, you could read "The Libyan Revolution and its Aftermath" edited by Peter Cole and Brian McQuinn. A. Syria - Syria also experienced protests in 2011, demanding an end to President Bashar al- Assad's rule. - The Syrian uprising evolved into a brutal civil war, with international actorsbecoming involved and creating a complex and protracted conflict. - The Syrian civil war continues today, with devastating humanitarian consequences. - You can explore the Syrian conflict further in resources like "Syria: The Fall of the House of Assad" by David W. Lesch for a detailed analysis.