Arab Spring concurrent incidents

{{main|2010–12 Algerian protests}}

File:Emeute à Blida khazrouna.jpg

On 29 December, protests began in Algiers over the lack of housing, quickly escalating to violent confrontations with the police. At least 53 people were reported injured and another 29 arrested.{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2010/12/2010123012345588575.html|title=Scores hurt in Algeria protests|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=14 January 2012|date=30 December 2010}} From 12 to 19 January, a wave of self-immolation attempts swept the country, beginning with Mohamed Aouichia, who set himself on fire in Bordj Menaiel in protest at his family's housing. On 13 January, Mohsen Bouterfif set himself on fire after a meeting with the mayor of Boukhadra in Tebessa, who had been unable to offer Bouterfif a job and a house. Bouterfif reportedly died a few days later, and about 100 youths protested his death, resulting in the mayor's dismissal by the provincial governor. At least ten other self-immolation attempts were reported that week.{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,741545-2,00.html|title=Arab Rulers Fear Spread of Democracy Fever|date=25 January 2011|access-date=14 January 2012|work=Der Spiegel|first1=Clemens|last1=Höges|first2=Bernhard|last2=Zand|first3=Helene|last3=Zuber}} On 22 January, the RCD party organised a demonstration for democracy in Algiers, and though illegal under the State of Emergency enacted in 1992, it was attended by about 300 people. The demonstration was suppressed by police, with 42 reported injuries. On 29 January, at least ten thousand people marched in the northeastern city of Béjaïa.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iZS5LUIm9s22lV2sYXu1rKSYWhzQ?docId=CNG.4f79fd54def547db7a5c9f08426c8b87.d51|title=Thousands in Algeria protest march: organisers|agency=Agence France-Presse|access-date=23 February 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110130022354/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iZS5LUIm9s22lV2sYXu1rKSYWhzQ?docId=CNG.4f79fd54def547db7a5c9f08426c8b87.d51| archive-date= 30 January 2011 | url-status= dead}}

In an apparent bid to stave off unrest, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced on 3 February that the 19-year state of emergency would be lifted,Algeria:President Bouteflika's second term Holm, Ulla Mediterranean politics, March 2005, vol.10 issue pg117-122.6p a promise fulfilled on 22 February, when Algeria's cabinet adopted an order to lift the state of emergency.{{cite news |last=Ersan |first=Inal |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-22/algeria-government-approves-lifting-of-state-of-emergency-1-.html|title=Algeria Government Approves Lifting of State of Emergency|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=23 February 2011 |date=22 February 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110223023914/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-22/algeria-government-approves-lifting-of-state-of-emergency-1-.html| archive-date= 23 February 2011| url-status= live}}{{cite news|title=Algeria repeals emergency law|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/02/2011223686267301.html|date=23 February 2011|access-date=23 February 2011}} Bouteflika said on 15 April that he would seek revisions to the country's constitution as part of a broad push for democratic reforms.{{cite news |title=Algeria Leader Vows to 'Reinforce' Democracy |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=16 April 2011 |first=Benoît |last=Faucon |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703327404576194363244985344|access-date=15 April 2011}}

In January 2012, protests flared up again in the southern city of Laghouat, over housing and treatment of the elderly by police. The police used tear gas to disperse the protesters.{{cite news|title=10 injured, several arrested in Algeria protests |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ic2rj6WFjN-Y4BuxjoEoECmPaBRg?docId=CNG.4e49b326c0b56a603281add8e86b2b2d.631 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=13 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525115056/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ic2rj6WFjN-Y4BuxjoEoECmPaBRg?docId=CNG.4e49b326c0b56a603281add8e86b2b2d.631 |archive-date=25 May 2012 }}{{cite news|title=Anger at squalid housing unleashes Algeria protest|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-algeria-housing-protests-idUSTRE80B12A20120112|work=Reuters|access-date=13 January 2012|date=12 January 2012}}

Algeria's major Islamist parties announced a coalition ahead of parliamentary elections. A leader of the Movement of Society for Peace called for more opposition parties to join the alliance "to give the best possible chance for the Arab Spring to happen in Algeria as well".{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20120226/ml-algeria-elections/|agency=The Huffington Post/The Associated Press|date=26 February 2012|access-date=26 February 2012|title=Algerian Islamists agree on alliance ahead of vote|first=Aomar|last=Ouali}}

{{main|2011 Israeli border demonstrations}}

File:Free Palestine rally in Cairo.jpg]]

Palestinians used Facebook to call for mass protests throughout the region on 15 May 2011, the 63rd annual commemoration of the Palestinian exodus, locally known as Nakba Day.{{cite web|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/ME18Ak03.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520150314/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/ME18Ak03.html |url-status=unfit |archive-date=20 May 2011 |title=Persistence will pay off for Palestinians |work=A Times|date=18 May 2011 |access-date=28 October 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4069686,00.html |title=Syrian infiltrator recounts journey to TA |work=Ynetnews |date=18 May 2011 |access-date=28 October 2011}} A page calling for a "Third Palestinian Intifada" to begin on 15 May garnered more than 350,000 "likes" before being taken down by Facebook managers at the end of March after complaints from the Israeli government that the page encouraged violence.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/03/29/palestinian.facebook/index.html?_s=PM:WORLD |title=Facebook page supporting Palestinian intifada pulled down |publisher=CNN |date=29 March 2011 |access-date=28 October 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624035859/http://articles.cnn.com/2011-03-29/world/palestinian.facebook_1_facebook-page-social-media-website-incites-violence?_s=PM%3AWORLD |archive-date=24 June 2011 }} The page called for mass marches to Palestine from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan to commemorate the Nakba and demand the right of return for all Palestinian refugees.{{cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/11737/Egypt/Politics-/Egyptians-call-for-a-march-to-Palestine-on-Nakba-d.aspx |title=Egyptians to mark Nakba with a march to the Palestinian territories |work=Ahram |access-date=28 October 2011}} Palestinians from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank attempted to reach and cross the Israeli border. However, they were all stopped and 12 were killed in clashes with Israeli security forces. Lebanese security forces also made efforts, including the use of live fire according to some reports, to stop protesters from approaching the Israeli border. Almost 300 people were injured, including 13 Israeli soldiers. There were also clashes across East Jerusalem.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gWLjqfZSgSgzuHcdLnAJNk-hadZw?docId=CNG.421c21ab9ad021fabff976d31e605a35.471 |title=Bloodshed along Israel borders kills 12 on Nakba Day |first=Jack |last=Guez |location=Majdal Shams |date=14 May 2011 |access-date=14 January 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518144347/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gWLjqfZSgSgzuHcdLnAJNk-hadZw?docId=CNG.421c21ab9ad021fabff976d31e605a35.471 |archive-date=18 May 2011 }}

On 5 June 23 Syrian demonstrators were killed and over a hundred injured by Israeli troops after attempting to enter the Israeli-held part of the Golan Heights.{{cite news|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/news/international/middle_east/view/20110606syria_blocks_new_border_protest_toll_rises_to_23/srvc=home&position=recent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811173839/http://www.bostonherald.com/news/international/middle_east/view/20110606syria_blocks_new_border_protest_toll_rises_to_23/srvc%3Dhome%26position%3Drecent |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 August 2011 |title=Syria blocks new protest at Israeli border |work=Boston Herald |date=6 June 2011 |access-date=6 June 2011 }}{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16005791 |title='Israeli Forces Kill 23 Protesters' On Border |publisher=Sky News|access-date=14 January 2012|date=6 June 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0606/mideast.html |title=Golan Heights death toll disputed |work=RTÉ News |date=7 June 2011 |access-date=28 October 2011}} "Anyone who tries to cross the border will be killed," Israeli soldiers warned through megaphones as people waving Palestinian flags streamed towards the frontier. When protesters tried to cut the razor wire several meters short of the frontier fence, Israeli troops opened fire. Several people were seen being carried away on stretchers.{{cite news |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/israeli-troops-kill-14-including-12yearold-boy-as-protesters-bid-for-border-16008341.html |title=Israeli troops kill 14, including 12-year-old boy, as protesters bid for border |first=Catrina |last=Stewart |work=Belfast Telegraph|date=6 June 2011 |access-date=6 June 2011}} In the aftermath, thousands began a sit-in near the frontier,{{cite news |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2011/Jun-06/Lebanons-Arabic-press-digest---June-6-2011.ashx#axzz1OWuqz6Ct |title=Press Digest |work=Lebanon Daily Star |date=6 June 2011 |access-date=6 June 2011}} resulting in Syrian security forces creating a security buffer zone to prevent more demonstrators from approaching the border. Lebanese President Michel Sleiman accused Israel of genocide over the incident,{{cite news|url=http://www.sauditelegraph.com/news/newsfull.php?newid=511474 |title=Israel committed genocide: Sleiman |work=Saudi Telegraph |date=6 June 2011 |access-date=7 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727171904/http://www.sauditelegraph.com/news/newsfull.php?newid=511474 |archive-date=27 July 2011 }} UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Navanethem Pillay condemned the Israel Defense Forces' use of force against unarmed, civilian protesters,{{cite news |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=38642&Cr=syria&Cr1= |title=Condemning killing of Golan Heights protesters, UN rights chief calls for inquiries |publisher=United Nations News Centre |date=7 June 2011 |access-date=7 June 2011}} and the Syrian Social Nationalist Party called for an international response to the incident, calling it a "massacre".{{cite news |url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=278659 |title=SSNP condemns Israeli 'massacre' in Golan |work=NOW Lebanon |date=5 June 2011 |access-date=6 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607021559/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=278659 |archive-date=7 June 2011 |url-status=dead}} An Israeli military spokeswoman called the violence "an attempt to divert international attention from the bloodbath going on in Syria." Michael Weiss, a spokesperson for Just Journalism, claimed that he had received leaked Syrian state documents showing that the Syrian government organized the Nakba Day protests to draw attention away from the uprising in Syria proper.{{cite news|last=Weiss|first=Michael|title=Breaking: Syrian state documents 'show Assad orchestrated Nakba Day raids on Golan Heights'|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/michaelweiss/100092061/breaking-syrian-state-documents-show-assad-orchestrated-nakba-day-raids-on-golan-heights/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617060909/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/michaelweiss/100092061/breaking-syrian-state-documents-show-assad-orchestrated-nakba-day-raids-on-golan-heights/|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 June 2011|access-date=27 January 2012|date=13 June 2011|work=The Telegraph|location=London}} US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said the U.S. believes President Bashar al-Assad's government was actively supporting the Palestinian protests near the Israeli border.{{full citation needed|date=January 2012}}{{cite news|title=Article |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/misaacm/syria-government-israeli-border_n_872745_92484551.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103040027/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/misaacm/syria-government-israeli-border_n_872745_92484551.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=Huffington Post }}

{{main|2011 Djiboutian protests}}

In Djibouti, protests began on 28 January 2011, when demonstrations began with about three hundred people protesting peacefully against President Ismail Omar Guelleh in Djibouti City, urging him to not run for another term; the protesters further asked for more liberty as well as for political and social reform. Protests soon increased, however, as thousands rallied against the president, many vowing to remain at the site until their demands were met. On 18 February, an estimated 30,000 Dijiboutians protested in central Djibouti City against the president, maintaining that the constitutional change of the previous year, which allowed him a third term, was illegal. The demonstration escalated into clashes with the police, and at least two persons were killed and many injured when police used live ammunition and teargas against the protesters.{{cite web|url=http://www.afrol.com/articles/37449 |title=Mass arrests stopped further Djibouti protests |publisher=Afrol.com |date=27 February 2011 |access-date=6 March 2011}} On 19 and 24 February, protest leaders were arrested and after they failed to turn up on 24 February, opposition leader Bourhan Mohammed Ali stated he feared the protests had lost momentum. The last protest was planned for 11 March, but security forces stopped the protest and detained 4 opposition leaders. No protests or planned protests have occurred since.

{{main|2011 Khuzestan protests}}

{{See also|2011–12 Iranian protests}}

In Iranian Khuzestan, according to Saudi Al Arabiya,{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/04/18/145845.html |title=Fifteen dead in Iran's Ahwaz |work=Al Arabiya|date=18 April 2011 |access-date=2012-06-19}} Lebanese Yalibnan, the Guardian,{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/18/iranian-sunni-protesters-killed | location=London | work=The Guardian | title=Iranian Sunni protesters killed in clashes with security forces | date=18 April 2011}} there were large scale protests, declared as "Day of Rage" by Ahvaz Arab minority,{{cite web|url=http://www.yalibnan.com/2011/04/16/iranseveral-arabs-killed-during-day-of-rage-in-ahwaz/ |title=Iran:Several Arabs killed during "day of rage in Ahwaz" |location=Lebanon |publisher=Ya Libnan |access-date=2012-06-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604234546/http://www.yalibnan.com/2011/04/16/iranseveral-arabs-killed-during-day-of-rage-in-ahwaz/ |archive-date=4 June 2012 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/iran-arab-minority-protest-deaths-must-be-investigated-2011-04-19 |title=Iran Arab minority protest deaths must be investigated |publisher=Amnesty International|date=19 April 2011 |access-date=2012-06-19}} in the city of Ahvaz – capital of the Khuzestan province, and the nearby town of Hamidieh. The protests marked six years since the violent 2005 Ahvaz unrest. The protesters were "demanding more rights and humanitarian benefits", as well as independence. The Revolutionary Guard Corps used tear gas to disperse the demonstrations, while using live bullets in some neighborhoods. Al-Arabiya reported that when the protests began, the city was blockaded by Iranian security forces, who "broke up demonstrations by force" and that "15 people from Ahwaz have been killed and dozens have been wounded". The Guardian puts the casualty rate at 12 dead Arabic-speaking Sunnis, based on Shirin Ebadi's letter to the UN.

{{main|2011 Iraqi protests|2011 Kurdish protests in Iraq|2012–2013 Iraqi protests}}

In an effort to prevent unrest, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced that he would not run for a third term in 2014.{{cite news|url=http://apnews.myway.com//article/20110205/D9L6OJH80.html|title=Eye on unrest, Iraq PM says he won't seek 3rd term|work=MyWay|agency=Associated Press|access-date=8 February 2011}} Nevertheless, hundreds of protesters gathered in several major urban areas (notably Baghdad and Karbala) on 20 February, demanding a more effective approach to national security, to the investigation of federal corruption cases, as well as increased government involvement in making public services fair and accessible.{{cite news|title=Egyptian revolution sparks protest movement in democratic Iraq|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/12/AR2011021202100.html|access-date=12 February 2011|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Liz|last=Sly|date=13 February 2011}}{{cite news|title=Protesters in Iraqi Cities Demand Better Social Services, Corruption Probes|newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=11 February 2011 |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/iraq_protests/2305822.html|access-date=12 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222070925/http://www.rferl.org/content/iraq_protests/2305822.html |archive-date=22 February 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Iraqis anger spelled out in street protests|url=http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-60223-Iraqis-anger-spelled-out-in-street-protests.html|access-date=12 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222040941/http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-60223-Iraqis-anger-spelled-out-in-street-protests.html|archive-date=22 February 2011|url-status=dead}} In response, the government promised to subsidize electricity costs.{{cite news|title=Iraq subsidises power after protests over services|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFRAS22447520110212|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304003323/http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFRAS22447520110212|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 March 2011|access-date=12 February 2011|agency=Reuters Africa |date=12 February 2011}}

Israel's Haaretz reported that a 31-year-old man in Mosul died from self-immolation, in protest of high unemployment. Haaretz also reported a planned 'Revolution of Iraqi Rage' to be held on 25 February near the Green Zone.{{cite news|title=Iraq man dies of self-immolation to protest rising unemployment|newspaper=Haaretz |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/iraq-man-dies-of-self-immolation-to-protest-rising-unemployment-1.343162|access-date=13 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110214081256/http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/iraq-man-dies-of-self-immolation-to-protest-rising-unemployment-1.343162|archive-date=14 February 2011 |url-status=live}}

On 16 February, up to 2,000 protesters took over a provincial council building in the city of Kut. The protesters demanded that the provincial governor resign because of the lack of basic services such as electricity and water. As many as three people were killed and 30 injured.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/world/middleeast/17iraq.html|title=Police Fire on Protesters in Iraq|work=The New York Times|date=17 February 2011|access-date=13 August 2012|first1=Duraid|last1=Adnan|first2=Michael S.|last2=Schmidt|location=Baghdad}} On 24 February, Hawijah, Mosul, and Baghdad featured violent protests.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/26/world/middleeast/26iraq.html|title=Demonstrations Turn Violent in Iraq|work=The New York Times|date=25 February 2011|access-date=13 August 2012|first1=Jack|last1=Healy|first2=Michael S.|last2=Schmidt|location=Baghdad}}

During July and August 2015, protests flared in Baghdad, Basra, and other Iraqi cities demanding reforms to improve government performance, reduce sectarianism, and fight corruption. In response, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and the Iraqi parliament approved reforms reducing the size of the cabinet, eliminating various governmental positions, merging ministries, and removing sectarian quotas in political appointments. These protests had occurred during the Iraqi civil war and the military intervention against ISIL, which were mostly fought in northern Iraq.{{cite web|title=Iraq cleric pushes anti-corruption fight as protests flare|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-reform-idUSKCN0QC1I620150807|publisher=Reuters|access-date=21 August 2015|date=7 August 2015}}{{cite web|title=Iraqi PM al-Abadi slashes cabinet, eliminates, merges ministries|url=http://www.dw.com/en/iraqi-pm-al-abadi-slashes-cabinet-eliminates-merges-ministries/a-18652764|website=Deustche Welle|access-date=21 August 2015|date=16 August 2015}}{{cite web|title=Iraqi Parliament Backs Overhaul of Government|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/12/world/middleeast/iraqi-parliament-unanimously-approves-government-overhaul.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=21 August 2015|date=11 August 2015}}{{cite web|title=Premier Haider al-Abadi, Facing Protests, Proposes Iraqi Government Overhaul|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/10/world/middleeast/iraqs-premier-facing-protests-proposes-government-overhaul.html?_r=0|website=The New York Times|access-date=21 August 2015|date=9 August 2015}}

{{main|2011–12 Jordanian protests}}

File:Jordan protests November 2012.PNG over price hikes]]

On 14 January, protests commenced in the capital Amman, as well as at Ma'an, Al Karak, Salt, Irbid, and other settlements. The protests, led by trade unionists and leftist parties, occurred after Friday prayers, and called for the government of Prime Minister Samir Rifai to step down.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/01/20111141219337111.html|title=Jordanians march against inflation|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=15 January 2011}} The Muslim Brotherhood and 14 trade unions said that they would hold a sit-down protest outside parliament the next day to "denounce government economic policies".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jan/15/jordanians-protest-over-food-prices|title=Jordanians protest against soaring food prices|first=Johnny|last=McDevitt|work=The Guardian |location=London |date=15 January 2011}} Following the protest, the government reversed a rise in fuel prices,{{cite news|first=Lamis |last=Andoni |title=To the tyrants of the Arab world ... |date=16 January 2011 |publisher=Al Jazeera |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2011/01/2011115135046129936.html |access-date=19 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117080944/http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/01/2011115135046129936.html |archive-date=17 January 2011 |url-status=live}} but 5,000 protested on 21 January in Amman despite this effort to alleviate Jordan's economic misery.{{cite news|first=Suleiman|last=al-Khalidi|title=Thousands of Jordanians protest economic conditions|date=21 January 2011|work=Reuters |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE70K4NN20110121|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429011428/http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE70K4NN20110121|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 April 2011|access-date=21 January 2011}}

On 1 February, the Royal Palace announced that King Abdullah had dismissed the government on account of the street protests, and had asked Marouf al-Bakhit, a former army general, to form a new Cabinet.{{cite news|url=http://www.680news.com/news/world/article/177327--jordan-s-royal-palace-says-king-sacks-government-in-wake-of-street-protests |title=Jordan's Royal Palace says king sacks government in wake of street protests |agency=Associated Press |date=1 February 2011 |access-date=11 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204164044/http://www.680news.com/news/world/article/177327--jordan-s-royal-palace-says-king-sacks-government-in-wake-of-street-protests |archive-date=4 February 2011 }} King Abdullah charged Bakhit to "take quick, concrete and practical steps to launch a genuine political reform process". The monarch added that the reforms should put Jordan on the path "to strengthen democracy", and provide Jordanians with the "dignified life they deserve".{{cite news|last=Derhally|first=Massoud A|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-01/jordan-s-prime-minister-rifai-resigns-king-asks-bakhit-to-form-government.html|title=Jordan's King Abdullah Replaces Prime Minister|work=Bloomberg |access-date=1 February 2011|date=1 February 2011}} This move did not end protests, however, which peaked with a rally of between 6,000 and 10,000 Jordanians on 25 February.{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12582869 |work=BBC News | title=Middle East protests: Jordan sees biggest reform rally | date=25 February 2011}} A protest camp led by students calling for democratic reforms was established on 24 March in Gamal Abdel Nasser Circle in downtown Amman,{{cite news |title=Protest camp set up in Jordan capital |publisher=Al Jazeera|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/03/201132414304102344.html |date=24 March 2011 |access-date=25 March 2011}} but at least one person was killed and over 100 injured the next day after pro-government vigilantes clashed with the protesters in the camp, forcing police to intervene.{{cite news |title=Clashes break out at Jordan anti-government protest |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12857360 |date=25 March 2011 |access-date=25 March 2011 |work=BBC News | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110405203017/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12857360| archive-date= 5 April 2011 | url-status= live}} These clashes and belated police interventions have become a hallmark of the Jordanian protests, with a major rally in central Amman planned for 15 July being derailed by belligerent regime supporters.{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=14079315#.TxIOx3HWScs|work=ABC News|date=15 July 2011|access-date=14 January 2012|title=Pro-Reform Protesters Attacked in Jordan's Capital|location=Amman|agency=Associated Press}}

Under pressure from street demonstrations, Parliament called for the ouster of the Bakhit government. King Abdullah duly sacked Bakhit and his cabinet and named Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh to head the new government on 17 October.{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/10/20111017113326931126.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=17 October 2011|access-date=17 October 2011|title=Jordan's king 'appoints new prime minister'}} As the protests continued well into 2012, Al-Khasawneh resigned, and the King appointed Fayez al-Tarawneh as the new Prime Minister.{{Cite news|access-date=7 February 2023|title=Jordan's Prime Minister Resigns After Six Months|website=Bloomberg News |date=26 April 2012 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-04-26/jordan-s-prime-minister-resigns-after-six-months?leadSource=uverify%20wall}}

{{main|Kuwaiti protests (2011–2012)}}

Protests by stateless bedoon (distinct from Bedouins) began in January and February, concurrent with many protests in the region.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/video/stateless-arabs-demonstrate-in-kuwait/CAE0DC2D-AFEA-4036-BD8E-FCE980F21B9B.html?mod=WSJ_Article_Videocarousel_1 |title=Video – Stateless Arabs stage demonstration in Kuwait to demand citizenship|work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2012-01-20}}{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/clashes-in-bahrain-before-planned-protest-rally|title=Clashes in Bahrain before planned protest rally |publisher=Fox News Channel |date=14 February 2011 |access-date=19 February 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110218091806/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/14/clashes-bahrain-planned-protest-rally/?test=latestnews| archive-date= 18 February 2011 | url-status= live}} By June, protests grew in size from dozens to hundreds.{{cite news |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFLAE36903720110603 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124030200/http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFLAE36903720110603 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 November 2011 |title=Kuwaitis protest, demand prime minister resign |agency=Reuters Africa |date=3 June 2011 |access-date=6 June 2011}}

Thousands protested in September,{{cite news |url=http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-05/kuwait-protesters-in-porsches-shake-gulf-s-democracy-pioneer?category=%2Fnews%2Fmostread%2F |title=Kuwait Protesters in Porsches Say Gulf Can't Spend Way Out of Arab Spring- Bloomberg |work=Bloomberg |date=6 October 2011 |access-date=28 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908094531/http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-05/kuwait-protesters-in-porsches-shake-gulf-s-democracy-pioneer?category=%2Fnews%2Fmostread%2F |archive-date=8 September 2013 |url-status=dead }} and in October, oil workers went on strike.{{cite news|title=Kuwait warns strikers; vows disruption-free oil exports |url=http://arabnews.com/economy/article516256.ece |work=Arab News |agency=Associated Press |date=11 October 2011 |access-date=14 January 2012 |location=Kuwait City |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117012308/http://arabnews.com/economy/article516256.ece |archive-date=17 November 2011 }} Protests continued into October, with the largest demonstrations since the start of the unrest early in the year.{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-10-20/kuwait-holds-biggest-protest-demanding-premier-s-ouster.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731065842/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-10-20/kuwait-holds-biggest-protest-demanding-premier-s-ouster.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 July 2013 |title=Kuwait Holds Biggest Protest Demanding Premier's Ouster |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek |date=20 October 2011 |access-date=28 October 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/175198/reftab/73/t/Opposition-calls-for-ouster-of-PM-dissolution-of-parliament/Default.aspx |title=Opposition calls for ouster of PM, dissolution of parliament |work=The Times |location=UK |date=7 April 2007 |access-date=28 October 2011}} In response, Prime Minister Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah said the protests were "going too far" and threatened a security crackdown.{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/10/26/173752.html |title=From Kuwait Times: Protests, strikes cannot be tolerated, warns PM |work=Al Arabiya |date=26 October 2011 |access-date=28 October 2011}}

Late on 16 November, protesters occupied the National Assembly of Kuwait for several minutes and rallied in nearby Al-Erada Square.{{cite news|first=Aryn|last=Baker|date=17 November 2011|access-date=18 November 2011|url=https://world.time.com/2011/11/17/storming-kuwaits-parliament-whats-behind-the-latest-arab-revolt/|title=Storming Kuwait's Parliament: What's Behind the Latest Arab Revolt?|magazine=Time}} Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah called the brief occupation "an unprecedented step on the path to anarchy and lawlessness".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/18/world/middleeast/kuwait-tightens-security-after-parliament-protest.html|work=The New York Times|date=17 November 2011|access-date=18 November 2011|title=Kuwait Tightens Security After Protest in Parliament|first=Rick|last=Gladstone}}{{cite news|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2011-11-17/middleeast/world_meast_kuwait-protest_1_kuwaiti-opposition-protesters-parliament?_s=PM:MIDDLEEAST|publisher=CNN|date=17 November 2011|access-date=18 November 2011|title=Kuwait slams parliament protests as 'unprecedented' step to 'anarchy'|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118234650/http://articles.cnn.com/2011-11-17/middleeast/world_meast_kuwait-protest_1_kuwaiti-opposition-protesters-parliament?_s=PM:MIDDLEEAST|archive-date=18 November 2011|url-status=dead}}

The largest political protest in Kuwaiti history was scheduled for 28 November to pressure the prime minister to resign, but he and his cabinet submitted their resignation to the emir hours ahead of it. Late November, the emir selected Defense Minister Sheik Jaber Al Hamad Al Sabah as the new prime minister, replacing the long-serving Sheik Nasser Al Mohammad Al Sabah, who had survived several no-confidence votes in parliament and was the target of opposition groups calling for his dismissal.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15931526|work=BBC News|date=28 November 2011|access-date=28 November 2011|title=Kuwait's prime minister resigns after protests}}

{{main|2011 Lebanese protests|Syrian Civil War spillover in Lebanon}}

File:Beirut protest in 2010.jpg Pride" rally in Beirut Central District, Lebanon]]

In 2011, hundreds of protesters rallied in Beirut on 27 February in a march referred to as the "Laïque Pride", calling for reform of the country's confessional political system. At the same time, a peaceful sit-in took place in Saida.{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFLDE71Q08L20110227 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124030156/http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFLDE71Q08L20110227 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 November 2011 |title=Lebanese protest against sectarian political system |agency=Reuters Africa|date=27 February 2011 |access-date=6 March 2011}} On 13 March, tens of thousands of supporters of the 14 March Alliance called for the disarmament of Hezbollah in Beirut, rejecting the supremacy of Hezbollah's weapons over political life. They also showed support for the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) after the fall of the Hariri government and the creation of the Mikati government.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_ID=1&article_ID=125963&categ_id=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317012835/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=125963 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 March 2011 |title=The second Cedar Revolution |last=Dakroub |first=Hussein |date=14 March 2011 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=15 March 2011 }}

The Syrian uprising, and the resulting conflict, has also leaked over the border into Lebanon.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4329201.stm |title=Huge Beirut protest backs Syria |work=BBC News |date=8 March 2005 |access-date=28 October 2011}} The 2012 conflict in Lebanon was related to violent sectarian clashes between pro-Assad, who were mostly Alawite militias, and anti-Assad, who were largely Sunni Lebanese armed militants throughout Lebanon. In May 2012, the conflict expanded across most of Lebanon, linked to the revolt in neighboring Syria, escalating from previous sectarian clashes in Tripoli, northern Lebanon in June 2011 and February 2012. Since May 2012, dozens died in the clashes and hundreds were wounded.

{{main|2011–13 Mauritanian protests}}

In Mauritania, Yacoub Ould Dahoud, a protester, burned himself near the Presidential Palace on 17 January, in opposition to the policies of the President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz,{{cite web|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/flash-actualite-monde/mauritanie-mecontent-du-regime-un-homme-s-immole-par-le-feu-a-nouakchott-17-01-2011-1231257.php|title=Mauritanie: mécontent du régime, un homme s'immole par le feu à Nouakchott|work=Le Parisien|language=French|location=France|date=17 January 2011|access-date=26 January 2011|archive-date=24 February 2011|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110224002345/http://www.leparisien.fr/flash-actualite-monde/mauritanie-mecontent-du-regime-un-homme-s-immole-par-le-feu-a-nouakchott-17-01-2011-1231257.php|url-status=dead}} who has been in office since 2009. The following week, hundreds of people took to the streets of Nouakchott, the capital. The mayor of the city of Aoujeft, Mohamed El Moctar Ould Ehmeyen Amar, resigned from the ruling party to politically support what he called "the just cause of youngsters".{{cite news|title=Mauritania police crush protest – doctors announce strike |work=Radio Netherlands Worldwide |url=http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/mauritania-police-crush-protest-doctors-announce-strike |date=9 March 2011 |access-date=23 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205012606/http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/mauritania-police-crush-protest-doctors-announce-strike |archive-date=5 December 2012}} In addition to Nouakchott, cities such as Atar, Zouerate, and Aleg also organised sporadic protests.{{cite news|title=Mauritania protesters want better salaries, lower food prices |work=Radio Netherlands Worldwide |url=http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/mauritania-protesters-want-better-salaries-lower-food-prices |date=12 March 2011 |access-date=23 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317182130/http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/mauritania-protesters-want-better-salaries-lower-food-prices |archive-date=17 March 2011 }} Despite minor economic concessions by the authorities, on 25 April protesters again took to the streets to call for the resignation of the Prime Minister, Moulaye Ould Mohamed Laghdaf.{{cite news |title=Protests stun Mauritania |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/04/25/146709.html |date=25 April 2011 |access-date=25 April 2011|work=Al Arabiya| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110428080207/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/04/25/146709.html| archive-date= 28 April 2011 | url-status= live}}

{{main|2011–2012 Moroccan protests}}

File:2011 Moroccan protests 1.jpg]]

In early February 2011, protests were held in Rabat, Fes and Tangier in solidarity with the Egyptian revolution. Subsequently, a day of protest in favour of Moroccan constitutional reform and social justice was planned for 20 February and advertised on social networking sites.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-54646220110203|title=Morocco government plays down call for protests|work=Reuters |date=3 February 2011|access-date=8 February 2011|first=Souhail|last=Karam}}{{cite web|url=http://wsws.org/articles/2011/feb2011/moro-f03.shtml|title=Moroccan government fears outbreak of mass protests|publisher=Wsws.org|date=3 February 2011|access-date=8 February 2011}} Among the demands of the organisers was that the constitutional role of the king should be "reduced to its natural size".{{cite news|title=Morocco: King's Power in Spotlight as Desperate Youth Prepare to Test Morocco's Claims to Liberalism: Mohammed VI is Outwardly Revered but Rage Against his Cronies' Greed is Growing|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/feb/18/morocco-demonstrations-test-regime?INTCMP=SRCH|work=The Guardian |location=London |date=19 February 2011|access-date=11 May 2011|first=Giles|last=Tremlett| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110419163423/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/18/morocco-demonstrations-test-regime?INTCMP=SRCH| archive-date= 19 April 2011 | url-status= live}} The interior minister Taib Cherkaoui affirmed the right of the protests to take place. On 20 February, around 37,000 people participated in demonstrations across Morocco, according to government sources. Some protests were marred by violence and damage to property. In Al Hoceima, five people died after protesters set fire to a bank.{{cite web|url=http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/ARTJAWEB20110221162602/maroc-violences-mohammed-vi-reformele-bilan-des-manifestations-au-maroc-s-eleve-a-cinq-morts-et-128-blesses.html |title=Le bilan des manifestations au Maroc s'élève à cinq morts et 128 blessés |publisher=Jeuneafrique.com |date=9 February 2011 |access-date=23 February 2011}} On 26 February, a further protest was held in Casablanca.{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/at-reform-rally-in-morocco/story-fn6s850w-1226012647707|title=Casablanca catches protest fever |date=27 February 2011|access-date=1 March 2011|work=Herald Sun}}

On 9 March, in a live televised address, King Mohammed announced that he would begin a comprehensive constitutional reform aimed at improving democracy and the rule of law. He promised to form a commission to work on constitutional revisions, which would make proposals to him by June, after which a referendum would be held on the draft constitution.{{cite news |title=Moroccan monarch pledges reform |publisher=Al Jazeera|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2011/03/201139204839521962.html |date=9 March 2011 |access-date=9 March 2011}}

On 20 March, a further protest was held in Casablanca to mark the end of the first month since the original 20 February demonstrations and to maintain pressure for reform. Protesters, numbering 20,000, demanded the resignation of a number of senior politicians, including the Prime Minister, Abbas El Fassi, who they regarded as corrupt.{{cite news |title=Au Maroc, des milliers de manifestants réclament démocratie et justice sociale |work=RFI |date=20 March 2011 |language=French |url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20110320-maroc-milliers-manifestant-reclamer-davantage-democratie-justice-sociale}} On the same day, around 6,000 people demonstrated in Rabat.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iu2GgwAB5vFQmq-iZrp2ZsSD4W3Q?docId=CNG.30929bbed886ca3041584a88b0537905.d81 |title=Thousands rally in call for Morocco reforms |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=20 March 2011 |access-date=28 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323101653/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iu2GgwAB5vFQmq-iZrp2ZsSD4W3Q?docId=CNG.30929bbed886ca3041584a88b0537905.d81 |archive-date=23 March 2011 }}

In June, a referendum was held on changes to the constitution, which became law on 13 September. Some protesters felt that the reforms did not go far enough. On 18 September, 3,000 people demonstrated in Casablanca and 2,000 in Tangier, demanding an end to the King's roles as head of the army and of religious affairs.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/19/world/africa/thousands-revive-protests-in-morocco.html | work=The New York Times | title=Thousands Revive Protests in Morocco | date=18 September 2011}} In October, around 50 imams protested in Rabat against state control of their activities.{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Schemm|agency= Associated Press |url=http://www.denverpost.com/iraq/ci_19080194 |title=Moroccan imams protest government control |work=The Denver Post |access-date=28 October 2011 |date=10 October 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2014}}

Elections were held on the basis of the new constitution in November 2011, with electoral lists reserved for young and female candidates and with the post of Prime Minister, previously an appointment of the King, being decided by the outcome of the vote.{{cite news|title=Q&A on Morocco's reform|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13964550|access-date=28 November 2011|work=BBC News|date=29 June 2011}}

{{main|2011 Omani protests}}

File:Lulu Hypermarket Burning.jpg, Oman on 28 February 2011]]

In the Gulf country of Oman, 200 protesters marched on 17 January 2011, demanding salary increases and a lower cost of living. The protest shocked some journalists, who generally view Oman as a 'politically stable and sleepy country'.{{cite news|url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/oman-protestors-call-for-fight-against-corruption--374524.html|title=Oman protestors call for fight against corruption – Culture & Society|newspaper=Arabian Business |date=18 January 2011 |publisher=ArabianBusiness.com|access-date=29 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110222074905/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/oman-protestors-call-for-fight-against-corruption--374524.html| archive-date= 22 February 2011 | url-status= live}} Renewed peaceful protests occurred on 18 February, with 350 protesters demanding an end to corruption and better distribution of oil revenue.{{cite magazine|last=Spinner|first=Jackie|url=http://www.slate.com/id/2285656/|title=Middle East protests: Oman's peaceful anti-corruption march|magazine=Slate Magazine|date=18 February 2011|access-date=19 February 2011}} Some protesters also carried signs with slogans of support for the Sultan.{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/02/19/Oman-protests-peaceful-so-far/UPI-96551298131400/|title=Oman protests peaceful so far|work=United Press International|access-date=19 February 2011}}

On 26 February, protesters in Sohar called for more jobs.{{cite web|url=http://world.bdnews24.com/details.php?id=188404&cid=4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707215657/http://world.bdnews24.com/details.php?id=188404&cid=4|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2011|title=Oman reshuffles cabinet as protesters block mall|publisher=world.bdnews24.com|access-date=27 February 2011}} On the following day, tensions escalated with protesters burning shops and cars.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/27/oman.protests/|title=2 dead as protesters, police clash in Oman, witnesses say|publisher=CNN |access-date=27 February 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110228082040/http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/27/oman.protests/| archive-date= 28 February 2011 | url-status= live}} The police responded using tear gas to contain and disperse the crowds of protesters.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/oman-protests-idUSLDE71Q04I20110227|title=Oman police clash with stone-throwing protesters|work=Reuters |access-date=27 February 2011|date=27 February 2011}} Demonstrations also spread to the region of Salalah, where protesters had reportedly been camping outside the provincial governor's house since 25 February.{{cite news|agency=Agenzia Giornalistica Italia |url=http://www.agi.it/english-version/world/elenco-notizie/201102271122-cro-ren1031-oman_tear_gas_for_stone_throwing_protestors |title=Oman: Tear Gas For Stone-Throwing Protestors |date=27 February 2011 |access-date=27 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410111628/http://www.agi.it/english-version/world/elenco-notizie/201102271122-cro-ren1031-oman_tear_gas_for_stone_throwing_protestors |archive-date=10 April 2014 }} In Sohar, witnesses claimed that two protesters were killed when police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.{{cite news|last=Surk |first=Barbara |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gh9egWT30AUKwD6gzNoIxvkoqFMg?docId=6083540 |title=Police in Oman fire tear gas, rubber bullets at protesters seeking political reform; 1 killed |agency=Canadian Press |access-date=27 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303135336/https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gh9egWT30AUKwD6gzNoIxvkoqFMg?docId=6083540 |archive-date=3 March 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/02/2011227112850852905.html|title=Deaths in Oman protests|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=27 February 2011|access-date=27 February 2011}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12590588|title=Oman clashes: Two killed during protests in Gulf state|work=BBC News |date=8 February 2011|access-date=27 February 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110227163914/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12590588| archive-date= 27 February 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4034914,00.html|title=Witnesses claim 2 killed during Oman police clash with protesters|work=Ynetnews|date=27 February 2011|access-date=27 February 2011}} Witnesses further reported that protesters burnt a police station as well as the Wali's house (where the representative of the Sultan to Sohar stays).{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/oman-fires-idUSLDE71Q09S20110227|title=Police station, state office burning in Oman town|work=Reuters |access-date=27 February 2011|date=27 February 2011}} The Omani protesters insisted that they were not challenging the rule of Sultan Qaboos, who has been in power since 1970, but were merely calling for jobs and reform.{{cite web|url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/World/Story/A1Story20110301-265967.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304213739/http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/World/Story/A1Story20110301-265967.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 March 2011 |title=Oman forces disperse protesters peacefully |publisher=News.asiaone.com |date=1 March 2011 |access-date=6 March 2011}} The protesters even apologized to the Sultan for allowing violence rattle the city of Sohar on 28 February 2011.{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/oman-protesters-apologise-to-ruler-1.769812 |title=Oman protesters apologise to ruler |work=Gulf News |date=1 March 2011 |access-date=19 March 2011}}

The Sultan continued with his reform campaign by dissolving the Ministry of National Economy, setting up a state audit committee, granting student and unemployment benefits, dismissing scores of ministers, and reshuffling his cabinet three times.{{cite web |url=http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com/2011030710133/Oman-Politics/oman-sultan-qaboos-restructures-council-of-ministers.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208202039/http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com/2011030710133/Oman-Politics/oman-sultan-qaboos-restructures-council-of-ministers.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 December 2012 |title=Oman: Sultan Qaboos Restructures Cabinet Ministers |publisher=Global Arab Network |date=7 March 2011 |access-date=19 March 2011 }} In addition, nearly 50,000 jobs are being created in the public sector, including 10,000 new jobs in the Royal Oman Police.{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/royal-oman-police-to-recruit-10-000-omanis-1.771669 |title=Royal Oman Police to recruit 10,000 Omanis |work=Gulf News |date=4 March 2011 |access-date=19 March 2011}} The Omani Ministry of Manpower has furthermore directed various companies (both private and public) to formulate their own employment plans. The Royal Army of Oman has also initiated employment drives by publishing recruitment advertisements in newspapers, etc.{{cite web |url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2011/March/middleeast_March136.xml§ion=middleeast |title=Thousands apply for jobs in Oman |publisher=Khaleejtimes.com |date=8 March 2011 |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-date=13 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713152054/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2011/March/middleeast_March136.xml§ion=middleeast |url-status=dead }} The government's efforts largely placated protesters, and Oman has not seen significant demonstrations since May 2011, when increasingly violent protests in Salalah were subdued.{{cite web|url=http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Stories-Files/Operation-Salalah-army-arrests-protesters/%28language%29/eng-GB|title=Operation Salalah: Omani Army arrests Salalah protesters|work=Muscat Daily|access-date=17 May 2011|archive-date=2 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202071237/https://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Stories-Files/Operation-Salalah-army-arrests-protesters/(language)/eng-GB|url-status=dead}}

{{main|2011 Palestinian protests|2012 Palestinian protests}}

In the West Bank, the Palestinian National Authority prevented demonstrations in support of protesters in Tunisia and Egypt. On 3 February, Palestinian police dispersed an anti-Mubarak demonstration in downtown Ramallah, detaining four people, confiscating a cameraman's footage, and reportedly beating protesters. A smaller pro-Mubarak demonstration was permitted to take place in the same area and was guarded by police.{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4023635,00.html |title=PA bans anti-Mubarak protest |work=Ynetnews |date=2 February 2011 |access-date=2012-01-20}}

On 1 February 2011, the Palestinian Authority announced that it would hold municipal elections in July. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that this announcement was a reaction to the anti-government protests in Egypt. The elections were postponed to 22 October 2011, then suspended indefinitely due to an internal division within the Palestinian Authority over candidates for many of the municipalities and councils, and fears that Hamas supporters would back Palestinian Authority opponents.{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3903431,00.html |title=Palestinian local elections postponed |work=Ynetnews |date=10 June 2010 |access-date=2012-01-20|last1=Waked |first1=Ali }} On 14 February 2011, amid pan-Arab calls for reform, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad submitted his resignation along with that of his cabinet to President Mahmoud Abbas.{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/15/arab.region.unrest/index.html|publisher=CNN|title=Unrest in the Middle East and North Africa – country by country|date=18 February 2011}} After consultations with other factions, institutions, and civil society groups, Abbas asked him to form a new government.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/02/201121484520923682.html|title=Palestinian cabinet resigns|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=14 February 2011|access-date=19 February 2011}} The reshuffle had long been demanded by Fayyad as well as members of Abbas's Fatah faction.

On early September 2012, Palestinian Authority was swept by wide-scale social protests, demanding lower prices and the resignation of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.

On 15 October in the Gaza Strip, an anti-Assad protest expressing solidarity with Palestinian refugees in Syria affected by the unrest there took place in the Gaza Strip, and was attended by 150 people. Hamas police forces dispersed the demonstration, claiming that it was held without a permit.{{cite news|last=Issacharoff |first=Avi |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/hamas-disperses-anti-assad-protest-in-gaza-1.379129 |title=Hamas disperses anti-Assad protest in Gaza |work=Haaretz Daily Newspaper |access-date=2012-01-20}}

{{main|2011–14 Saudi Arabian protests}}

File:New Saudi Arabia's traffic sign (women2drive).gif, artwork by Carlos Latuff.]]

Protests started with a 65-year-old man's self-immolation in Samtah, Jizan on 21 January{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12260465|title=Man dies after setting himself on fire in Saudi Arabia|date=23 January 2011 |work=BBC News|access-date=23 January 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110123045813/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12260465| archive-date= 23 January 2011 | url-status= live}} and protests of a few hundred people in late January in Jeddah{{cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/Flood+sparks+rare+action/4189873/story.html |title=Flood sparks rare action |date=29 January 2011 |work=The Gazette |access-date=29 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201053307/http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Flood%2Bsparks%2Brare%2Baction/4189873/story.html |archive-date=1 February 2011 }}{{cite news|title=Dozens detained in Saudi over flood protests |date=29 January 2011 |work=The Peninsula |agency=Reuters |url=http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/middle-east/140720-dozens-detained-in-saudi-over-flood-protests.html |access-date=31 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302150701/http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/middle-east/140720-dozens-detained-in-saudi-over-flood-protests.html |archive-date=2 March 2011 |url-status=dead}} and several times throughout February and early March in the cities of Qatif, al-Awamiyah, Riyadh, and Hofuf.{{cite news |first1=Ulf |last1=Laessing |first2=Matthew |last2=Jones |title=Saudi Arabia says won't tolerate protests |date=2011-03-05 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-protests-idUSTRE72419N20110305 |access-date=3 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210161107/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/05/us-saudi-protests-idUSTRE72419N20110305?sp=true |archive-date=10 February 2012 |url-status=live |work=Reuters}} One of the main online organisers of a planned 11 March "Day of Rage",{{cite news|first1=Richard |last1=Spencer |first2=James |last2=Kirkup |first3=Nabila |last3=Ramdani |title=Libya: Muammar Gaddafi's regime on the brink of collapse |date=21 February 2011 |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8339435/Libya-Muammar-Gaddafis-regime-on-the-brink-of-collapse.html |access-date=22 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224035657/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8339435/Libya-Muammar-Gaddafis-regime-on-the-brink-of-collapse.html |archive-date=24 February 2011 |url-status=live |location=London}}{{cite news|first=Ammar |last=Awad |title=Protests continue across the Arab world |date=23 February 2011 |work=Toronto Star |agency=Reuters and Associated Press |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/943434--protests-continue-across-the-arab-world |access-date=24 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023203805/http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/943434--protests-continue-across-the-arab-world |archive-date=23 October 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Middle East unrest: Saudi and Bahraini kings offer concessions |date=23 February 2011 |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/feb/23/middle-east-unrest-concessions |access-date=24 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110301233216/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/23/middle-east-unrest-concessions |archive-date=1 March 2011 |url-status=live |location=London}} Faisal Ahmed Abdul-Ahad{{cite news|language=German |title=Saudi-Arabiens Mächtige werden nervös |date=2 March 2011 |work=Handelsblatt |agency=Deutsche Presse-Agentur |url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/saudi-arabiens-maechtige-werden-nervoes/3904178.html |access-date=3 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305083059/http://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/saudi-arabiens-maechtige-werden-nervoes/3904178.html |archive-date=5 March 2011 |url-status=live}} (or Abdul-Ahadwas{{cite news|title=Report: Saudi Facebook activist planning protest shot dead |date=2 March 2011 |work=Monsters and Critics |agency=Deutsche Presse-Agentur |url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1623088.php/Report-Saudi-Facebook-activist-planning-protest-shot-dead |access-date=2 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305021517/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1623088.php/Report-Saudi-Facebook-activist-planning-protest-shot-dead |archive-date=5 March 2011 |url-status=dead}}), was alleged to have been killed by Saudi security forces on 2 March,{{cite news|first=Tom |last=Bustamante |title=Iraq Oil Refinery Attack Shows Need for EarthSearch (ECDC) Systems |date=2 March 2011 |work=Wall Street Newscast |url=http://www.wallstreetnewscast.com/news/2011/march/oil3257.html |access-date=2 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110306020807/http://www.wallstreetnewscast.com/news/2011/march/oil3257.html |archive-date=6 March 2011 |url-status=dead}} by which time one of the Facebook groups discussing the plans had over 26,000 members.{{cite news|first=Sara |last=E |title=Saudi Facebook Administrator Faisal Ahmed Abdul-Ahadwas reportedly shot as Saudi Arabia bans protests ahead of its Day of Rage |date=6 March 2011 |work=EU-digest |url=http://eu-digest.blogspot.com/2011/03/faisal-ahmed-abdul-ahadwas-saudi.html |access-date=9 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708034450/http://eu-digest.blogspot.com/2011/03/faisal-ahmed-abdul-ahadwas-saudi.html |archive-date=8 July 2011 |url-status=live}}

Small protests over labor rights took place in April 2011 in front of government ministry buildings in Riyadh, Ta'if and Tabuk.{{cite news|first1=Asma |last1=Alsharif |first2=Jason |last2=Benham |title=Saudi unemployed graduates protest to demand jobs |date=10 April 2011 |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-protests-idUSTRE73914E20110410 |access-date=12 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412060408/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/10/us-saudi-protests-idUSTRE73914E20110410 |archive-date=12 April 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Scuffles break out as teachers protest for job stability, higher wages |date=11 April 2011 |work=Arab News |url=http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article352952.ece |access-date=12 April 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110412195958/http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article352952.ece |archive-date=12 April 2011 |url-status=live}} Protests, made up mainly of Shia protestors,{{cite news|title=Kuwait Navy set for Bahrain – Saudi Shias Rally |date=18 March 2011 |work=Arab Times |url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/166871/t/Kuwait-Navy-set-for-Bahrain/Default.aspx |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127093138/http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/166871/t/Kuwait-Navy-set-for-Bahrain/Default.aspx |archive-date=27 January 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/135126/20110416/saudi-arabia-shias-protest-sunni.htm |title=Shia Muslims protest in eastern Saudi Arabia|work=International Business Times |date=16 April 2011 |access-date=2012-06-19}} occurred in Qatif and smaller cities in the Eastern Province such as al-Awamiyah, and Hofuf grew stronger in April and May, continuing through 2011. The protestors called for the release of prisoners, for the Peninsula Shield Force to be withdrawn from Bahrain,{{cite news|title=Saudi Shi'ites protest, support Bahrain brethren |date=16 March 2011 |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bahrain-saudi-protests-idUSTRE72F8ZB20110316 |access-date=17 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319041908/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/16/us-bahrain-saudi-protests-idUSTRE72F8ZB20110316 |archive-date=19 March 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Jason |last=Benham |title=Saudi Shi'ites call for Bahrain troop withdrawal |date=17 March 2011 |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-protests-idUSTRE72G7JQ20110317 |access-date=17 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110320044229/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/17/us-saudi-protests-idUSTRE72G7JQ20110317 |archive-date=20 March 2011 |url-status=live}} for equal representation in key offices and for reforms in political positions, as they feel marginalised.{{cite news|title=Shia Muslims protest in eastern Saudi Arabia |date=16 April 2011 |work=International Business Times |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/135126/20110416/saudi-arabia-shias-protest-sunni.htm |access-date=17 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418005734/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/135126/20110416/saudi-arabia-shias-protest-sunni.htm |archive-date=18 April 2011 |url-status=live}} Four protestors were killed by Saudi authorities in late November protests and funerals.{{cite web|title=Saudi Arabia: Renewed Protests Defy Ban |date=30 December 2011 |publisher=Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2011/12/30/saudi-arabia-renewed-protests-defy-ban |access-date=2012-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108013013/http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/12/30/saudi-arabia-renewed-protests-defy-ban |archive-date=8 January 2012 |url-status=live}} The protests continued into early 2012{{cite news |title=Protests in Qatif, HR Warns of KSA's Brutality |date=7 January 2012 |work=Moqawama/al-Intiqad |url=http://en.moqawama.org/essaydetails.php?eid=16337&cid=274 |access-date=2012-01-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120107160651/http://en.moqawama.org/essaydetails.php?eid=16337&cid=274 |archive-date=7 January 2012 |url-status=dead }} and Issam Mohamed Abu Abdallah was shot dead by security forces in al-Awamiyah on 12{{cite news|title=Saudi forces clash with protesters in Qatif |date=13 January 2012 |publisher=Al Jazeera |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/01/2012113143917567124.html |access-date=2012-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115031710/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/01/2012113143917567124.html |archive-date=15 January 2012 |url-status=live}} or 13{{cite news|title=Shia protester 'shot dead' in Saudi Arabia |date=13 January 2012 |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16543013 |access-date=2012-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113154235/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16543013 |archive-date=13 January 2012 |url-status=live}} January, leading to a 70,000 strong funeral{{cite web |title=Thousands people escorted the Shi'a martyr Issam Abu Abdullah |publisher=Committee for the Defense of Human Rights in the Arabian Peninsula |date=17 January 2012 |url=http://cdhrap.net/english/index.php?sec=V1d4a1IySm5QVDA9&sub=V1cweFYwMHlUak5RVkRBOQ==&id=2859&act=show&Sectyp=146 |access-date=2012-01-15 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130408094003/http://cdhrap.net/english/index.php?sec=V1d4a1IySm5QVDA9&sub=V1cweFYwMHlUak5RVkRBOQ==&id=2859&act=show&Sectyp=146 |archive-date=8 April 2013 |url-status=dead }} and several days of protests with slogans chanted against the House of Saud and Minister of Interior, Nayef, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.{{cite web |title=Shi'a citizens held two peaceful protests in Tarout and Sihat |publisher=Committee for the Defense of Human Rights in the Arabian Peninsula |date=19 January 2012 |url=http://cdhrap.net/english/index.php?sec=V1d4a1IySm5QVDA9&sub=V1cweFYwMHlUak5RVkRBOQ==&id=2861&act=show&Sectyp=146 |access-date=2012-01-20 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130112012053/http://cdhrap.net/english/index.php?sec=V1d4a1IySm5QVDA9&sub=V1cweFYwMHlUak5RVkRBOQ==&id=2861&act=show&Sectyp=146 |archive-date=12 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}

Women organised a Facebook women's suffrage campaign called "Baladi", stating that Saudi Arabian law gives women electoral rights.{{cite news|first=Abdul Nabi |last=Shaheen |title=Saudi women defy ban to register for polls |date=26 April 2011 |work=Gulf News |url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-women-defy-ban-to-register-for-polls-1.799161 |access-date=25 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429223917/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-women-defy-ban-to-register-for-polls-1.799161 |archive-date=29 April 2011 |url-status=live}} In April 2011, women in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam tried to register as electors for the 29 September municipal elections despite officials stating that women could not participate.{{cite news|title=Voters register for Saudi municipal elections |date=23 April 2011 |publisher=Al Jazeera |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/04/201142320134356901.html |access-date=25 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424110301/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201142320134356901.html |archive-date=24 April 2011 |url-status=live}} In May and June, Manal al-Sharif and other women organised a women's right-to-drive campaign, with the main action to take place on 17 June. Al-Sharif drove a car in May and was detained on 22 May and from 23‒30 May.{{cite news|first=Wajeha |last=al-Huwaider |title=The Saudi woman who took to the driver's seat |date=23 May 2011 |work=France 24 |url=http://observers.france24.com/content/20110523-saudi-woman-arrested-defying-driving-ban-manal-al-sharif-khobar |access-date=2011-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526191804/http://observers.france24.com/content/20110523-saudi-woman-arrested-defying-driving-ban-manal-al-sharif-khobar |archive-date=26 May 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Abdullah |last=Al-Shihri |title=Manal al-Sherif, Saudi Woman, Detained For Defying Driving Ban |date=21 May 2011 |work=Huffington Post |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/21/manal-al-sherif-saudi-arabia-driving-ban_n_865120.html |access-date=2011-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523152848/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/21/manal-al-sherif-saudi-arabia-driving-ban_n_865120.html |archive-date=23 May 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Catrina |last=Stewart |title=Saudi woman arrested after defying driving ban |date=23 May 2011 |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-woman-arrested-after-defying-driving-ban-2287817.html |access-date=2011-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523232139/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-woman-arrested-after-defying-driving-ban-2287817.html |archive-date=23 May 2011 |url-status=live |location=London}} From 17 June to late June, about seventy cases of women driving were documented.{{cite news|first=Jason |last=Burke |title=Saudi Arabia women test driving ban |date=17 June 2011 |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jun/17/saudi-arabia-women-drivers-protest |access-date=2011-06-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620011315/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/17/saudi-arabia-women-drivers-protest |archive-date=20 June 2011 |url-status=live |location=London}}{{cite web|author=Al-Nafjan, Eman |title=Saudi women driving movement |date=29 June 2011 |url=http://saudiwoman.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/saudi-women-driving-movement/ |access-date=2012-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222225656/http://saudiwoman.me/2011/06/29/saudi-women-driving-movement/ |archive-date=22 December 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Muna |last=Khan |title=Highway to Nowhere. Why is it so hard to give the wheel to women? |date=20 June 2011 |work=Al Arabiya |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/06/19/153953.html |access-date=2012-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012213447/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/06/19/153953.html |archive-date=12 October 2013 |url-status=live}} In late September, Shaima Jastania was sentenced to 10 lashes for driving in Jeddah, shortly after King Abdullah announced women's participation in the 2015 municipal elections and eligibility as Consultative Assembly members; King Abdullah overturned the sentence.{{cite news|first=Ahmed |last=al-Omran |title=Reports: Saudi King Cancels Lashing Sentence Against Woman Who Drove |date=29 September 2011 |publisher=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/09/28/140887141/reports-saudi-king-cancels-lashing-sentence-against-woman-driver |access-date=2012-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101100837/http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/09/28/140887141/reports-saudi-king-cancels-lashing-sentence-against-woman-driver |archive-date=1 January 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Kerry A. |last=Dolan |title=Saudi King Revokes Lashing Punishment For Woman Driver |date=28 September 2011 |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kerryadolan/2011/09/28/saudi-king-revokes-lashing-punishment-for-woman-driver/ |access-date=2012-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101090927/http://www.forbes.com/sites/kerryadolan/2011/09/28/saudi-king-revokes-lashing-punishment-for-woman-driver/ |archive-date=1 January 2012 |url-status=live}}

{{main|2011–2013 Sudanese protests|Sudanese protests (2018–19)}}

On 30 January 2011, protests took place in Khartoum and Al-Ubayyid.{{cite news|title=Sudan police clash with protesters |date=30 January 2011 |publisher=Al Jazeera |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2011/01/2011130131451294670.html |access-date=1 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201035536/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/01/2011130131451294670.html |archive-date=1 February 2011 |url-status=live}} In Khartoum, police clashed with demonstrators in the town centre and at least two universities. Demonstrators had organized on online social networking sites since the Tunisian protests the month before. Hussein Khogali, editor in chief of the Al-Watan newspaper stated that his daughter had been arrested for organizing the protest via Facebook and opposition leader Mubarak al-Fadil's two sons were arrested while on their way to the main protest. Pro-government newspapers had warned that protests would cause chaos.{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-sudan-protests-demonstrators-idUKTRE70T0LE20110130 |title=Sudanese police clash with students in Khartoum |author=Khaled Abdelaziz|agency=Reuters UK|date=30 January 2011 | access-date=30 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110209104254/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/01/30/uk-sudan-protests-demonstrators-idUKTRE70T0LE20110130| archive-date= 9 February 2011 | url-status= dead}} Some protesters called for President Omar al-Bashir to step down. Activists said that dozens of people had been arrested. The protests came on the same day the preliminary results for an independence referendum indicated some 99% of South Sudanese voted to secede.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12320534|title=Sudan protests 'echo Egypt unrest'|work=BBC News|date=30 January 2011|access-date=30 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110131022518/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12320534| archive-date= 31 January 2011 | url-status= live}} One student died in hospital the same night from injuries received in the clashes.{{cite news |title=Sudanese student dies after protests |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-sudan-protests-idUKTRE70U21620110131 |work=Reuters |date=31 January 2011 |access-date=31 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110209104317/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/01/31/uk-sudan-protests-idUKTRE70U21620110131| archive-date= 9 February 2011 | url-status= dead}} Students threw rocks at police officers while chanting "No to high prices, no to corruption" and "Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan together as one." Police officers arrested five and put down the protest.{{cite news|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2011-01-30/world/sudan.student.protests_1_students-clash-protests-sudanese-police|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711205119/http://articles.cnn.com/2011-01-30/world/sudan.student.protests_1_students-clash-protests-sudanese-police|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 July 2012|title=Sudanese police, students clash in the capital|publisher=CNN | date=17 December 1998}}

In the Al-Ubayyid (el-Obeid) 30 January demonstration, about 500 people protested "against the government and demanding change" in the market. Police broke up the demonstration using tear gas. On 1 February 2011, about 200 students demonstrated{{cite web|author=Daniel Bekele |url=https://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/02/03/sudan-violent-response-peaceful-protests |title=Sudan: Violent Response to Peaceful Protests|publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=3 February 2011 |access-date=2012-06-19}} in front of Al-Neelain University in Khartoum. Police stopped the demonstration.{{cite news |first=Khaled |last=Abdelaziz |title=Sudan protesters defiant despite police crackdown |date=2 February 2011 |agency=Reuters Africa |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE71101520110202 |access-date=2 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725210917/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE71101520110202?sp=true |archive-date=25 July 2012 |url-status=dead}} Further protests, scheduled for 21 March, were violently suppressed as they were beginning. On 1 November, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in the eastern town of Kassala.

File:Tasgut bas.jpg

Anti-austerity protests erupted on 16 June 2012, when the student-led activists from Khartoum University took to the streets to protest against the planned austerity measures and high prices announced by the government on the latter day. The protest movement later expands beyond the core of student activists and spread across the capital Khartoum along with other cities, with some protesters escalate its demand by calling for overthrow of the government.{{cite web|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/news-284566-sudans-bashir-defiant-after-khartoum-protests.html |title=Sudan's Bashir defiant after Khartoum protests |publisher=Todayszaman.com |date=25 June 2012 |access-date=2012-07-05}}

Sudanese protests (2018–19) began in Sudan on 19 December 2018 when the National Congress Party headquarters in Atbara was burned down. Fuel and bread costs, high inflation, and a shortage of cash in the economy have contributed to public discontent and to calls for President Omar al-Bashir to step down.[4][5]

The protesters have been met with tear gas and live ammunition,[6] causing dozens of deaths and injuries and prompting international criticism. "Just fall – that is all" (تسقط – بس)[7] is one of the most famous slogans from the Sudanese protests.

In the United Arab Emirates, a group of intellectuals petitioned their ruler for comprehensive reform of the Federal National Council, including demands for universal suffrage. About 160 people signed the petition, many of whom were academics and former members of the FNC.{{cite news |title=Thousands stage rally in Bahrain |publisher=Al Jazeera|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/03/20113917595654981.html |date=9 March 2011 |access-date=10 March 2011}} On 12 April, Ahmed Mansoor, a prominent blogger and pro-democracy activist, was charged with possession of alcohol. According to his lawyer, two other men, a blogger and a political commentator, were detained a few days earlier, a charge denied by the police.{{cite news |title=Arrested UAE blogger accused of possessing alcohol |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-emirates-activists-idUSTRE73B2EP20110412 |date=12 April 2011 |access-date=15 April 2011 |first=Erika |last=Solomon}} In May, the government started expanding its network of surveillance cameras, as a preventive measure against revolts.{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,762861-3,00.html|work=Der Spiegel|title=Autocrats Gain Ground in Middle East – Part 3: Preventative Measures|date=18 May 2011}} In June, Mansoor and four other reform activists, including an economics professor, Nasser bin Gaith,{{cite news |title=UAE pardons jailed activists |publisher=Al Jazeera|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/11/20111128135953601809.html|date=28 November 2011 |access-date=1 December 2011}} pleaded not guilty to insulting the ruling family, endangering national security and inciting people to protest, after being charged.[http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MzM1NTc5MDU5 "UAE tries five regime critics"], Kuwait Times. 15 June 2011. Accessed 15 June 2011 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415002700/http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MzM1NTc5MDU5 |date=15 April 2012 }} On 13 November they began a hunger strike,{{cite news |title=Jailed UAE activists begin hunger strike |publisher=Al Jazeera|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/11/2011111310513045209.html|date=13 November 2011 |access-date=1 December 2011}} while on 27 November they were sentenced, Ahmed Mansoor receiving three years in prison, while the others being sentenced to two-year jail terms, only to be pardoned the following day. Another activist, Ahmed Abdul Khaleq was arrested and had his right to remain in the UAE revoked. At the same time, he was deported to Thailand.[https://web.archive.org/web/20181202024716/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/rights-group-uae-deports-activist-to-thailand-after-revoking-citizenship/2012/07/16/gJQA73dPoW_story.html The Washington Post] In July 2013, a trial of 94 Islamists accused of a coup plot ended with 68 of the accused being jailed for at least 7 years, 8 of them convicted in absentia for 15 years and 26 of the defendants being acquitted.{{Cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=2013-03-04 |title=UAE trial of 94 accused of coup plot begins amid tight security |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/04/uae-trial-coup-plot |access-date=2024-07-01 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |date=2013-07-02 |title=UAE Islamists convicted for plotting government coup |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-23142248 |access-date=2024-07-01 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

{{main|2011 Western Saharan protests}}

In Western Sahara, young Sahrawis held a series of minor demonstrations to protest labour discrimination, lack of jobs, looting of resources, and human rights abuses.[http://www.afrol.com/articles/36808 "Mass exodus" from Western Sahara cities]. Afrol News, 21 October 2010. Although protests from February 2011 onward were related to a series of Sahrawi demonstrations outside El Aaiun that originated in October 2010 and died down the following month, protesters cited inspiration from the events in other parts of the region. Noam Chomsky viewed the October protests as the starting point from which 'the current wave of protests actually began'.{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/empire/2011/02/20112211027266463.html|title=The genie is out of the bottle|date=21 February 2011|first1=Noam|last1=Chomsky|first2=Marwan|last2=Bishara|publisher=Al Jazeera}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Sister project links |wikt=Arab Spring |commons=Category:2010–2011 Arab world protests |q=Arab Spring |b=no |n=no |s=no |v=no |species=no}}

• [http://www.righttononviolence.org/ Right to Nonviolence] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214093933/http://www.righttononviolence.org/ |date=14 February 2012 }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/19961218230120/http://www.usip.org/ United States Institute of Peace]
• [http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/facebook-and-twitter-key-to-arab-spring-uprisings-report Civil Movements: The Impact of Facebook and Twitter]
• [http://www.righttononviolence.org/mecf Middle East Constitutional Forum]

;Live blogs

• [http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/ Middle East] at Al Jazeera
• [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12480844 Middle East protests] at BBC News
• [https://www.theguardian.com/news/blog+world/middleeast Arab and Middle East protests] live blog at The Guardian
• [http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/ Middle East Protests] at The Lede blog at The New York Times
• [http://live.reuters.com/Event/Middle_East_Protests Middle East protests live] at Reuters

;Ongoing coverage

• [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DU8AOlkTV6F0ZyoGcbk_060iBZG5tWKwj_n97EJPe9M/edit A (Working) Academic Arab Spring Reading List] collected peer-reviewed academic articles on the impact of social media on the Arab Spring
• [http://www.righttononviolence.org/mecf/timeline-me Constitutional Transitions Timeline] Collected legal and political changes and short analysis at [http://www.righttononviolence.org/mecf/ Middle East Constitutional Forum]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110203073653/http://www.carnegieendowment.org/topic/?fa=list&id=839 Unrest in the Arab World] collected news and commentary at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• [http://www.cfr.org/egypt/issue-guide-arab-world-protests/p23929 Issue Guide: Arab World Protests], Council on Foreign Relations
• [http://www.ft.com/indepth/middle-east-protests Middle East protests] collected news and commentary at The Financial Times
• [http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2011/arab.unrest/ Unrest in the Arab World] collected map, news and commentary at CNN
• {{Guardiantopic|world/arab-and-middle-east-protests|Arab and Middle East unrest}}
• {{Guardiantopic|world/interactive/2011/mar/22/middle-east-protest-interactive-timeline|Arab and Middle East unrest – interactive timeline}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20111009031059/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/t.php?t=uprising Rage on the Streets] collected news and commentary at Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review
• [http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/syria-president-appoints-new-government-orders-protesters-freed-from-jail Middle East Unrest] collected news and commentary at The National
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120426052850/http://www.showdownmideast.com/ Middle East Uprisings] collected news and commentary at Showdown in the Middle East website
• {{Spiegeltopic|the_arab_revolution/|The Arab Revolution}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110203023009/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/0,28757,2045328,00.html The Middle East in Revolt] collected news and commentary at Time

;Other

• [http://www.interfacejournal.net/2012/05/interface-volume-4-issue-1-the-season-of-revolution-the-arab-spring-and-european-mobilizations/ Interface journal special issue on the Arab Spring], Interface: A Journal for and about Social Movements, May 2012
• {{cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/02/daily_chart_arab_unrest_index |title=The Shoe Thrower's index (An index of unrest in the Arab world) |newspaper=The Economist |date=9 February 2011}}
• {{cite news |url=http://en.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-478/_nr-1164/i.html |title=Interview with Tariq Ramadan: 'We Need to Get a Better Sense of the Trends within Islamism' |publisher=Qantara.de |date=2 February 2011 |access-date=2 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226115107/http://en.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-478/_nr-1164/i.html |archive-date=26 February 2011 |url-status=dead }}
• [http://www.reasonpapers.com/pdf/33/rp_33_18.pdf Sadek J. Al Azm, "The Arab Spring: Why Exactly at this Time?" Reason Papers 33 (Fall 2011)]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20140515004200/http://revolutiontrends.org/ Tracking the wave of protests with statistics], RevolutionTrends.org

{{Arab Spring}}

Concurrent incidents

Category:Arab culture

Category:Internet censorship

Category:Protest marches

Category:2010 in Africa

Category:2011 in Africa

Category:2012 in Africa

Category:2010 in Asia

Category:2011 in Asia

Category:2012 in Asia

Category:2010 protests

Category:2011 protests

Category:2012 protests