World Geography Cypress Woods Arab Spring World Geography Cypress Woods

Map of Countries Involved

What was it? Series of protests and demonstrations that began in 2010 in North Africa and the Middle East that resulted in the overthrow of dictators in Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Yemen. Factors leading to the demonstrations included issues like human rights violations, dictatorships, extreme poverty and unemployment, increasing food prices and economic decline. Protests were well organized and often led by educated young men and women who were at odds with how the governments handled problems in their countries. Social networks like Facebook and Twitter were used to organize rallies and protests.

Interactive Timeline of Events

Future? Some governments have made changes including a pledge by the king of Saudi Arabia to women to vote beginning in 2015. Political concessions made by various rulers, presidents and prime ministers in the area in response to protests Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir, in power since 1989, also announced he will step down in 2015. Continued problems in Egypt. Morsi overthrown and military in power for now… Will many Arab states turn to democracy? How do you encourage nations with no history of democracy to embrace it?

Syria Capital Damascus one of the oldest in the world Many ethnic and religious groups live there After WWI, was ruled by French Gained independence in 1946 Unstable government since independent and ruled with an iron fist by al-Assad family (father and son) since 1970 Like most Arab neighbors, enemy of Israel – Syria in particular over Golan Heights Poor record of human rights and government has been accused of helping terrorist groups

Syria “Damascus Spring” followed Arab Spring of North Africa where thousand of Syrians demanded economic and democratic reform Protests continue in Syria where the government led by Bashar al-Assad has not backed down and has killed thousands of demonstrators. Calls from the international community including other Arab states call for his resignation. Is now a civil war – terrorist organizations (Hezbollah and al-Qaeda branch) are now involved in all sides – government versus at least three rebel groups Hafez al-Assad Click on photo of Bashar for quick history of Syrian revolution Bashar al-Assad

Syria Allegations by UN of government using chemical attacks against own people Russia supports government and says rebels to blame. Iran on side of government Main rebel group supported by U.S., France and UK as well as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar Allegations that Hezbollah on side of government and al-Qaeda branch on side of at least one rebel group Arab League, UN, EU and most western governments have called for peace talks and condemned government Can this civil war spread to other nations? Should U.S. and other nations get more involved? January 2014 Red: controlled by pro-Assad forces Green: controlled by anti-Assad forces Grey: controlled by Al-Qaeda backed forces Yellow: controlled by Kurdish forces

ISIS/ISIL - Levant Levant comes from the French for rising as in rising from the east (like the sun) Includes most countries in the Middle East and the southern part of Turkey Wants to create an Islamic caliphate (theocracy) Has executed many western journalists and aid workers in barbaric fashion

Coalition Members Australia, Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Turkey, in addition to the United States Saudi Arabia is talking about joining. Jordan and UAE have bombed ISIS locations. Why are Arabs countries so important to joining the fight? Click on map to see short news video

New Middle East Map? Is this a better solution?