It began on December 17th, in the streets of Tunisia, where a self-immolation turned to be the ultimate catalyst for a widespread revolution throughout Arabia. The wave of revolutions began with the Tunisian uprising (now known as the Jasmine Revolution) in December 18th, and has spread into other various sovereigns within Northern Africa and the Middle East. Some protests are mild and peaceful, while others are extremely violent. All of which are in opposition to their corrupt governments and unfair regimes. Here is a brief summary of the countries involved in this widespread revolution.
- Tunisia: Began on December 18th with major street protests. 219 killed. The government was ousted
- Algeria: Began on December 28th with major street protests. 5 killed.
- Libya: Began on Jan 13th with country-wide protests over housing and corruption.
- Jordan: Began on Jan. 14th with minor protests. Led to a change of cabinet.
- Mauritania: Began on Jan. 17th.
- Sudan: Began on Jan. 17th with minor protests
- Oman: Began on Jan 17th with minor protests
- Yemen: Began on Jan 18th with major street demonstrations. President has thus far announced that he will not seek another term.
- Saudi Arabia: Began on Jan. 21st with street demonstrations
- Egypt: Began on Jan. 25th as a major national protest and uprising. Thus far there has been a change of cabinet and the President has announced that he will not seek another term.
- Syria: Began on Jan. 26th
- Morocco: Began on Jan. 30th
- Djibouti: Began on Feb 1st.
The Tunisian "Jasmine" Revolution was started over unemployment, food inflation, corruption, freedom of speech, and poor living conditions. On January 15th, the Tunisian people successfully ousted their President Zine El Abidine en Ali, and established a new government. This revolution has also inspired a wave of similar protests throughout the Arab World, most notably in Egypt.
On January 25th, massive protests began in Cairo, Egypt, focusing on legal and political issues such as police brutality, state of emergency laws, lack of free elections, lack of free speech, corruption, unemployment, food price inflation, and low minimum wages. What has become known as the Lotus Revolution, the protesters are calling for an end to President Mubarak's regime, and an entirely new government. This insurgency is by far the most critical situation of the entire Arabian Revolution, pertaining not only to reform in Egypt, yet to overall global interests. As of now, the city of Cairo has been labeled a "War-Zone" with strong opposition against the demonstrators. President Mubarak has fought the insurgency with strict regulations of curfew, banning of the internet, and militia forces to quell the chaos. The Egyptian military has also been involved, yet are doing their best to avoid armed confrontation, and seek a peaceful solution. Mubarak has still refused to step down, however has made several cabinet changes as well as announced that he will not seek reelection in September. The situation continues to spiral out of control, and is without question one of the most significant revolutions in the Middle East, since perhaps the Iran Revolution of 1979. The outcome has still to be decided, yet my prediction is that these Egyptians will not stop until Mubarak steps down, and a transitional government is put into effect.
It began on December 17th, in the streets of Tunisia, where a self-immolation turned to be the ultimate catalyst for a widespread revolution throughout Arabia. The wave of revolutions began with the Tunisian uprising (now known as the Jasmine Revolution) in December 18th, and has spread into other various sovereigns within Northern Africa and the Middle East. Some protests are mild and peaceful, while others are extremely violent. All of which are in opposition to their corrupt governments and unfair regimes. Here is a brief summary of the countries involved in this widespread revolution.
On January 25th, massive protests began in Cairo, Egypt, focusing on legal and political issues such as police brutality, state of emergency laws, lack of free elections, lack of free speech, corruption, unemployment, food price inflation, and low minimum wages. What has become known as the Lotus Revolution, the protesters are calling for an end to President Mubarak's regime, and an entirely new government. This insurgency is by far the most critical situation of the entire Arabian Revolution, pertaining not only to reform in Egypt, yet to overall global interests. As of now, the city of Cairo has been labeled a "War-Zone" with strong opposition against the demonstrators. President Mubarak has fought the insurgency with strict regulations of curfew, banning of the internet, and militia forces to quell the chaos. The Egyptian military has also been involved, yet are doing their best to avoid armed confrontation, and seek a peaceful solution. Mubarak has still refused to step down, however has made several cabinet changes as well as announced that he will not seek reelection in September. The situation continues to spiral out of control, and is without question one of the most significant revolutions in the Middle East, since perhaps the Iran Revolution of 1979. The outcome has still to be decided, yet my prediction is that these Egyptians will not stop until Mubarak steps down, and a transitional government is put into effect.
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