Changes in the Middle East By: Shelby Butcher

Tunisia On December 18, 2011 a civil resistance in Tunisia began. The civil resistance was precipitated by: food inflation, corruption, lack of freedom of speech and other political freedoms as well as poor living conditions. The protests were the worst protests Tunisia has seen in three decades resulting in many injuries and deaths. President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled to Saudia Arabia 28 days after the protests started, ending his 23 years of power. The RCD was disbanded and on March 3, 2011 the new president announced the elections for the Constituent Assembly.

Egypt The Egyptian Revolution started on January 25, These uprisings were happening because people were demanding the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak among many other things. Some of these things include: police brutality, widespread corruption, lack of free elections and freedom of speech. At least 846 people were killed and over 6,000 were injured. On February 11, 2011, Mubarak resigned from office. Mubarak may face the death penalty if he is convicted for pre-meditated murder of protesters. This revolution has influeced uprisings in: Yehmen, Bahrain, Jordan, Syria and Libya. On June 30, 2012, the 5th President of Egypt was sworn in; Mohamed Morsi.

Libya In February of 2011, mass protests against Gaddifi, the ruler of Lybia. After these protests began, demonstrators took over the city of Benghazi. The government then proceeded to send troops into Benghazi and on February 20 over 200 people died. The UN passed Resolution 1973 in March declaring a "no fly zone" which involved taking all means needed to protect the citizens of Libya. On June 27, 2011, the ICC (International Criminal Court) issued an arrest warrant for Gaddifi saying that he had been personally involved in planning and carrying out widespread, systematic attacks against the innocent people of Libya. On October 20, the NTC (National Transitional Council) captured the city of Sirte and killed Gaddifi in the process. The NTC has since occupied Lybia and elections for a new president will be held soon.

Saudi Arabia The kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains largely unaffected. King Abdullah and the Saudi ruling family are in firm control of the country's massive oil wealth and Islam's two holiest sites — Mecca and Medina. Yet change seems to be on everyone's mind. In a country known for its restrictions, many people here are speaking openly about the need for democratic changes — things like an elected parliament, a transparent regulatory system and women's rights to vote and drive cars — which they cannot do now. The government is relaxing formerly strict rules on men and women mingling in public. A ban on young men in shopping malls has been lifted, prompting scenes of young Saudis prowling the air-conditioned corridors and directing furtive glances toward the opposite sex. There's no conversation or hand-holding. But the proximity of mixed genders alone is considered a victory by those seeking change. The kingdom has also opened up more avenues for women to work. There are female teachers and doctors. Just last year, lingerie stores were staffed only by men. Now, by government decree, female salesclerks work there

Jordan Jordan, one of America’s most important allies in the Middle East, was hit in late January 2011 by the waves of unrest. Protests were led by the Islamic Action Front, but included leftists and trade unions. Demonstrators protested economic hardship and demanded the right to elect the prime minister, who is currently appointed by King Abdullah II.

Algeria In early January 2011, riots broke out in several cities, provoked by a rise in food prices, but also long-simmering discontent among younger urban residents. While the riots were quickly brought under control, public demonstrations escalated. Senate President Abdelkader Bensalah then led “consultations” that culminated in a series of laws introduced in the parliament and before the cabinet in mid A constitutional revision is expected in 2012, following parliamentary elections scheduled for May.

Yemen After 33 years in power, nine months of deadly street protests calling for his resignation and weeks in hospital recuperating from a bomb attack on his palace, Yemen's Ali Abdullah Saleh finally signed away his presidency on Wednesday, November 23, Saleh may not be in power but his regime and everything it stands for is still very much in place. That is what the people in the Yemenian government were hoping for- change at the top while preserving the status quo beneath.