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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Arab Spring

Series of anti-government protests in the Arab world
Series of anti-government protests in the Arab world

The Arab Spring was a series of protests and uprisings in the early 2010s that spread across the Arab world. It led to regime changes, civil wars, and ongoing conflicts in countries like Syria, Libya, Yemen, and Lebanon.

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1993
Barakat's prediction of Arab popular revolution

In his 1993 sociological study of Arab societies, culture, and state, Halim Barakat confidently predicted that the first Arab popular revolution would take place in Egypt or Tunisia.

2008
April 6 Youth Movement Organized by Ahmed Mahed

The April 6 Youth Movement, led by Ahmed Mahed in 2008, aimed to coordinate a nationwide labor strike, laying the groundwork for future activism during the Arab Spring.

2010-12-17
Self-immolation of Jobless Graduate Bouazizi

A jobless graduate named Bouazizi died after setting himself on fire in Tunisia when police prevented him from operating his cart. This event sparked protests among young Tunisians after WikiLeaks revealed US criticism of the government.

2010-12-18
Tunisian Revolution Protests

The protests in Tunisia began on December 18, 2010, in Sidi Bouzid, following Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation in protest of police corruption and ill treatment.

2010-12-29
President Ben Ali's Television Address

After 10 days of demonstrations in Tunisia, President Ben Ali appears on television promising action on job creation and declaring a firm stance on protesters.

2011
Arab Spring Uprisings

The Arab Spring uprisings highlighted the urgent need to address the aspirations of the youth for economic and social empowerment, amidst challenges such as the Yemen war, Daesh terrorism, and Iranian aggression.

2011-01-04
Death of Mohamed Bouazizi

Mohamed Bouazizi died on January 4, 2011, sparking protests against the cost of living and the country’s authoritarian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

2011-01-06
Origin of the term Arab Spring

The term 'Arab Spring' was first used in a 6 January 2011 article by political scientist Marc Lynch for Foreign Policy magazine, although it was contested by protestors who referred to their actions as 'uprising', 'awakening', and 'renaissance'.

2011-01-09
Clashes with Security Forces in Tunisia

Eleven people died in clashes with security forces in Tunisia as protesters set fire to cars in various cities. The security forces responded violently to the protests.

2011-01-14
President Ben Ali Flees Tunisia

Facing mounting protests, President Ben Ali of Tunisia flees to Saudi Arabia, bowing to the pressure from the demonstrations.

2011-01-17
Formation of Interim Unity Government in Tunisia

Tunisia's Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi announces the formation of an interim unity government that includes members from the previous administration. However, protesters reject this move and continue to demonstrate.

2011-01-21
Minor Protests in Saudi Arabia

Official protests in Saudi Arabia began on March 11, 2011, following minor protests that started on January 21, 2011.

2011-01-25
Egypt's January 25 Revolution

Inspired by the ouster of Ben Ali in Tunisia, young Egyptians organized protests through social media, leading to massive demonstrations across Egypt on January 25. The government attempted to control the protests with concessions and violence, but the military's refusal to use force against protesters ultimately led to President Hosni Mubarak stepping down on February 11.

2011-02-04
Bahrainis express solidarity with Egyptian protesters

Several hundred Bahrainis gathered in front of the Egyptian embassy in Manama to show support for anti-government protesters in Egypt.

2011-02-11
Overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak

On February 11, 2011, President Hosni Mubarak was effectively overthrown by the Egyptian Revolution after facing widespread protests and pressure to step down.

2011-02-14
Protests Begin in Bahrain

Protests in Bahrain started on 14 February 2011, initially aimed at achieving greater political freedom and respect for human rights. The protests escalated following a pre-dawn raid by police on 17 February, leading to calls for the end of the monarchy.

2011-02-15
Protests in Bahrain's 'Tahrir Square'

On February 15, protesters took over the Pearl Square roundabout in the capital of Bahrain, demanding a constitutional monarchy among other reforms.

2011-02-17
Police Raid at Pearl Roundabout in Bahrain

On 17 February, police raided the Pearl Roundabout in Manama, Bahrain, resulting in the death of four protesters who were demonstrating.

2011-02-19
Protests Erupt in Kuwait

Protests erupted in Kuwait on 19 February, reflecting the wave of unrest and calls for political change in the region during the Arab Spring.

2011-02-25
Uprising Spreads Across the Middle East

On February 25, 2011, protests spread across the Middle East as the uprising in Libya reached the capital, Tripoli, sparking demonstrations in other countries.

2011-02-26
Sultan Qaboos' Economic Concessions in Oman

Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman announced economic concessions on 26 February in response to the growing demands and protests in the country.

2011-03-01
Anti-Government Rally by Opposition Groups

Tens of thousands of protesters participate in an anti-government rally organized by seven opposition groups.

2011-03-03
Resignation of Ahmed Shafik in Egypt

Former Prime Minister of Egypt, Ahmed Shafik, resigned on 3 March following widespread protests, signaling a shift in the country's political landscape.

2011-03-06
Start of protests in Syria

In March 6, 2011, protests began in Syria after teenagers tagged their school wall with a message against President Bashar al-Assad, eventually leading to a civil war and the rise of ISIL.

2011-03-13
Sultan Qaboos' Promise for Lawmaking Powers in Oman

On 13 March, Sultan Qaboos pledged to grant lawmaking powers to Oman's elected legislature, a significant development in response to the demands of protesters.

2011-03-14
Saudi Arabia Deploys Troops to Bahrain

Saudi Arabia sends troops and armored vehicles to Bahrain to assist in suppressing the unrest.

2011-03-15
Start of Protests in Syria

Protests in Syria began on 26 January 2011 after a police officer assaulted a man in public. The demonstrations escalated in March with thousands gathering in various cities, demanding political reforms and the release of arrested children.

2011-03-16
Protesters' Camp Cleared in Bahrain

On 16 March 2011, armed soldiers and riot police cleared the protesters' camp in the Pearl Roundabout in Bahrain, resulting in casualties on both sides.

2011-03-18
Demolition of the Pearl Monument

The Pearl Monument, a symbol of the protest movement in Bahrain, is demolished.

2011-03-24
Protest camp set up in Amman, Jordan

On March 24, 2011, approximately 500 protesters establish a camp in the main square of Amman, the capital of Jordan.

2011-03-27
Al Wefaq Accepts Kuwaiti Mediation Offer

The opposition party Al Wefaq agrees to participate in talks mediated by Kuwait to address the ongoing crisis.

2011-03-29
Bahraini Foreign Minister Denies Kuwaiti Involvement

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Khalid ibn Ahmad Al Khalifah refutes claims of Kuwaiti involvement in the mediation efforts.

2011-04-05
Facebook Users in the Arab World Surpass 27.7 Million

As of April 5, 2011, the number of Facebook users in the Arab world exceeded 27.7 million, showcasing the significant role of social media in the Arab Spring protests.

2011-04-09
Anti-Government Demonstrations in Syria

Anti-government protests escalate across Syria, resulting in at least 22 deaths in Deraa.

2011-04-25
Deployment of Tanks in Syria

Tanks are deployed in Syria for the first time amidst the ongoing unrest.

2011-04-28
Resignation of Baath Party Members in Syria

Hundreds of governing Baath party members resign in protest as the government's crackdown on protesters intensifies, resulting in hundreds of deaths.

2011-06-03
Assassination attempt on President of Yemen Ali Abdullah Saleh

On 3 June, President of Yemen Ali Abdullah Saleh was injured in a failed assassination attempt, leading to his Vice President, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Al-Hadi, becoming the Acting President temporarily.

2011-06-04
Security Forces Crackdown in Syria

Security forces in Syria kill at least 100 protesters in a violent crackdown over two days.

2011-06-13
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali Sentenced to Prison

On 13 June, the former Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was sentenced to prison by a Tunisian court.

2011-06-26
Protests in Al-Erada Square, Kuwait

On 26 June, thousands of Kuwaitis rallied in Al-Erada Square to protest against a court ruling that dissolved the opposition-dominated parliament.

2011-08-23
Overthrow of Libyan Leader Muammar Gaddafi

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown on August 23, 2011, after the National Transitional Council (NTC) took control of Bab al-Azizia.

2011-09-25
King Abdullah Announces Reforms in Saudi Arabia

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia introduces cautious reforms, granting women the right to vote and run for election starting from 2015.

2011-10-07
Renewed protests led by former Prime Minister in Jordan

October 7, 2011, witnesses renewed protests in Jordan as former Prime Minister Ahmad Obeidat leads around 2,000 individuals in a march outside the Grand Husseini Mosque in central Amman, with additional demonstrations in various cities.

2011-10-20
End of Muammar Gaddafi's Regime in Libya

In late August, anti-Gaddafi fighters captured Tripoli, leading to the scattering of Gaddafi's government. The capture of Sirte in October, where Gaddafi declared the new capital, marked the end of his 42-year rule, culminating in his death.

2011-10-23
End of 2011 Libyan Civil War Declared by NTC

The National Transitional Council (NTC) officially declared an end to the 2011 Libyan Civil War.

2011-11-19
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Captured in Nigeria

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Muammar Gaddafi, was captured in Nigeria after hiding.

2011-11-21
Protests in Cairo's Tahrir Square

Protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square demanded a faster transition to a civilian government, leading to clashes with soldiers and casualties.

2012-02-27
Yemeni President Saleh Resigns

Ali Abdullah Saleh, the President of Yemen, resigned from office amidst widespread protests and unrest, a crucial moment in the Arab Spring.

2012-04-20
Protests in Cairo's Tahrir Square

On 20 April, many people protested in Cairo's Tahrir Square, demanding a quicker transfer of power to a new President.

2012-05-02
Resignation of Awn Al-Khasawneh in Jordan

On 2 May, Awn Al-Khasawneh resigned in Jordan, leading to the appointment of Fayez Tarawneh as the new Prime Minister by the King.

2012-05-23
Egyptian Presidential Election First Round

On 23 & 24 May, the Egyptian people voted in the first round of a presidential election, with Ahmed Shafik and Mohammed Morsi emerging as the winners.

2012-05-25
Houla Massacre in Syria

On 25 May, the Syrian government carried out a massacre in Houla, resulting in the tragic deaths of 108 people.

2012-06-02
Former President Mubarak sentenced to life in prison

Former President Mubarak was sentenced to life in prison by an Egyptian court.

2012-06-16
Mohammed Morsi Wins Egyptian Presidential Run-off Election

On 16 & 17 June, the Egyptian people voted in the 2nd round of a presidential run-off election, in which Mohammed Morsi received the most votes.

2012-06-24
Mohammed Morsi Wins Egypt's Presidential Runoff

On 24 June 2012, Egypt's election commission announced that Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi had won Egypt's presidential runoff. Morsi won by a narrow margin over Ahmed Shafiq.

2012-10-05
Protests erupt following dissolution of Parliament in Jordan

Thousands take to the streets on October 5, 2012, in Jordan after King Abdullah II dissolves Parliament and announces early elections.

2012-11-13
Protests against fuel price increase in Jordan

Nationwide protests erupted in Jordan in response to an increase in fuel prices and other basic goods announced by Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour.

2012-12-10
Arab uprisings: 10 key moments

BBC Middle East Editor Jeremy Bowden highlights 10 significant moments from the Arab uprisings.

2013-01-25
Protests against Mohamed Morsi in Egypt

Protests erupted all over Egypt on the second anniversary of the 2011 revolution, with thousands gathering in Tahrir Square. Violence ensued, resulting in the deaths of 6 civilians and 1 police officer, with 456 others injured.

2013-07-02
UAE-94 Trial and Convictions

On July 2, 2013, the trial of the UAE-94 case concluded, leading to the conviction of 69 men based on forced confessions. The defendants, including journalists and activists, received harsh prison sentences of up to 15 years.

2014-05-15
Tracking the wave of protests with statistics

RevolutionTrends.org archived data related to the wave of protests, providing statistical analysis.

2015
Russian Intervention in Syria

In 2015, Russia intervened in the Syrian conflict to support President Assad, altering the dynamics of the war and influencing the balance of power in the region.

2016
Economic Impact of Arab Spring

The Arab Spring had significant economic consequences in countries like Tunisia and Egypt, leading to budget deficits, increased unemployment rates, and a halt in tourism. The World Bank reported that unemployment remained high in 2016, affecting the region's economic stability.

2018-05
Tunisia's Transition to Democracy

Tunisia successfully transitioned to constitutional democratic governance, standing out as a positive outcome of the Arab Spring.

2019-01
Protests and Mass Mobilization in Sudan and Algeria

In the first quarter of 2019, protests and mass mobilization in Sudan and Algeria led to the toppling of heads of state. Scholar Marina Ottaway highlighted the dilemma faced by genuine grassroots movements in achieving their demands peacefully without violence and human rights violations.

2019-02
Protests in Algeria

In February 2019, protests in Algeria led to the toppling of the government of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

2019-04
Military Offensive in Libya Amidst Arab Spring Resurgence

In April 2019, military leader Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive to take Libya's capital city of Tripoli, with support from U.S. President Donald Trump. Scholar Marwan Kabalan highlighted the resurgence of military dictatorships in the region, aiming to counter the progress made during the Arab Spring.

2021-07
Amnesty International's Call to Release UAE-94 Prisoners

In July 2021, Amnesty International urged UAE authorities to release 60 prisoners of the UAE-94 case who had been detained for nine years after their arrest. These prisoners were held in incommunicado and denied their rights.

2022-06
Enactment of New Constitution in Tunisia

In June 2022, Tunisia implemented a new constitution with limited checks on presidential power, raising concerns about the stability of Tunisian democracy.

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Arab Spring
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