THE ARAB SPRING

by C/Daniel, C/Nardini, C/Nguyen, and C/Worby

Overview
Arab Spring
Tunisia
Egypt
Libya
Syria
Afghanistan
 The Arab Spring

Series of protests,
uprisings, and revolutions
in the Middle East and N.
Africa
Beginning on 17 Dec 10 in
Tunisia
At least 15 countries
involved
4 countries have
overthrown their
governments

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/Info_box_coll
age_for_mena_Arabic_protests.png
The Arab Spring
Countries
involved
The Arab Spring
Opposing Sides
Government vs. People
Government
Authoritarian/Dictatorship
Many are run under a pseudo Democracy
Monopoly on upper levels of government
Generally speaking, strong military
Not always the case
The Arab Spring
The People
Complex as there are many different
groups
Political
Muslim Brotherhood
Ennahdah Movement
Age
Young
Elderly
Religious

http://therooftopblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/jordan-
protests.jpg
The Arab Spring
Death Tolls

Country Death Toll Status

Tunisia 219 Government
overthrown
Egypt < 1000 Government
overthrown
Libya 10,000 Government
30,000 overthrown
Yemen 270 Government
overthrown
Syria 7000 - 8000 Protests ongoing
The Arab Spring
All protests occurring within close time periods
Long time in the making
Causes for Protests
Common Themes
Authoritarian governments
Corruption and Violence
Western influence
Inadequate channels for voicing opinions
Stifled political parties
Secularity
Powerlessness
Poor economic plans, conditions, growth
Low standards of living
No ambition for youth
Inability for adults to care for young
Social media*
The Arab Spring
Each country is unique
Even though protests occurred at same time
Not to assume that they are all linked
Must examine each country individually
Why should we care?
Provide vital information in where we may be
involved next
Obtain learning lessons to be applied in
Afghanistan
Current events and open-mindedness to area
TUNISIAN
REVOLUTION
Cadet Thomas D Nguyen
 Tunisia
Characteristics
Location
NorthAfrica, bordering
Mediterranean Sea, Libya, Algeria
Population
10.7 million people (79)
98% Arab, 1% European, 1% http://www.planetware.com/i/map/TUN/tunisia-location-
map.jpg
Jewish and Others
98% Muslim, 1% Christian, 1%
Jewish and Others
Economy
Last 40 years with 4-5% GDP
growth
Agriculture, mining,
manufacturing, and tourism
http://www.iho-ohi.org/wp-content/sousse-
tunisia.jpg
Tunisia
Brief History
Part of the Ottoman Empire
Enjoyed relative independence
Fall of Ottoman Empire caused European interest

Italian and French competition

Khoumour Tribe attacks on French Algeria
French protectorate in 1881 until 1956

Then ruled by Habib Bourgiba

Strict one party, secular government
Repressed Islamic fundamentalism
Established women rights to vote
Military Coup in 1987
Tunisia
Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali
The Good:
Strong labor unions
Largest middle class
Superior educational system
mandatory free education
Womens rights to vote
Granted additional press freedoms
http://nimg.sulekha.com/others/thumbnailfull/z
ine-el-abidine-ben-ali-2009-10-11-10-12-41.jpg

Good location for tourism

Also a good investment for foreign countries
 Tunisia
Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali
The Bad:
Strongly oppressed Islamic
extremists
No toleration of opposed
opinions
Strategy
For steady economic growth:
Sacrifice political and social http://s.tf1.fr/mmdia/i/88/8/zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-tunisie-
10388888faxow_1713.jpg?v=3
freedoms
Corrupt elite
Strong domestic security to
project power and maintain
control
Tunisia
Setting the Stage for Revolt
High unemployment
College graduates with no jobs
Oppressed public
No representation in government
Inability to express discontent
Strong repression of Islamic groups
Police violence

High cost of living

Food prices became too expensive
Overall Corruption
99.9% of votes in 3 elections
The Family
Tunisia
The Spark
Mohamed Bouazizi
Street vendor selling vegetables for 7
years
Continuously harassed by
government
Confiscations
Fines
Very poor but lucky compared to
others http://www.fanoos.com/ia/mohamed_bouazizi.jp
December 17, 2010 g

Police woman confiscated his street

cart
Issued fines of $10
Harassed
Angry and Humiliated
 Tunisia
The Spark
Mohamed Bouazizi
Went to local government official to
voice complaints
Completely ignored
Frustrated and unable to provide for
family
Poured fuel on himself and set himself on
fire
Passed away on January 4, 2011
http://www.aljazeera.com/mritems/Images/2010/12/29/2
Protests 0101229131010360472_20.jpg

Began after the public were informed of

the self immolation
Ignited after Bouazizi died
Bouazizis story resonated with much of
the public
Tunisia
The Protests
2010
Dec 17 Mass Protests in Sid Bouzid
Dec 24 Protestor shot in Menzel Bouziane
Dec 28 Ben Ali publicly denounces protests
extremists
2011
Jan 12 Ben Ali makes minor cabinet changes no
effect
Jan 13 Ben Ali will not run for reelection + promises
change no effect
Jan 14 Ben Ali declares state of emergency, promises
new legislation in the next 6 months ignored
Ben Ali flees Tunisia
Tunisia
The Protests
2011
Jan 17 Prime Minister Ghannouchi takes
control
Jan 20 Democratic Constitutional Rally is
disbanded
Feb 27- Prime Minister Ghannouchi steps down
Mar 1 Nahdah Party is legalized
Oct 23 Elections for Constituent Assembly
Nahdah Party gains majority of seats
Nov11 Constituent Assembly holds first
session
Tunisia
The Protestors
Youth
Students
Lawyers
Trade Unions
The Government http://www.marxist.com/images/stories/tunisia/uprising_tuni
sia.jpg

Ben Ali
Protecting public from
terrorists
Police
Military not involved http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PzsHUahDyDU/TTZCh2fJMbI/AAAAAAAAFs
Q/RgwwfV22Enw/s1600/tunisian+revolt.jpg
Tunisia
Aftermath
Complex group of protestors and issues
Differingwants
Many different problems to solve

Nahdah Party and its stance

Sigh of relief for Islamists
Sign of worry for secularists
Salifists Sunni Islamic movement

Rebuilding the government

Establishing general elections http://ahwatalkdotcom.files.wordpress.co
m/2012/01/ennahda.png?w=216&h=306
Tunisia
Learning Lessons
A healthy growing economy is crucial
Authoritarian governments are unstable
Oppression builds up resistive forces over time
Eventually becomes unstable
Power struggles and potential coups
Technology is power
Organization
Communication
Power

The common people want and need to be

heard
EGYPT
Cadet Nick Worby
Overview
History
Motivations of uprising
What occurred
Aftermath
Summary
Questions
Egypt
Alexandria Cairo*

Suez
History
President Hosni Mubarak
4th President of Egypt
14 Oct 1981 (assumed power)
11 Feb 2011 (resigned)
Motivations of Uprising
Poverty*
Unemployment*
Government corruption*
Rigged elections
Autocratic governance*
Failure to name successor
What Occurred
Tuesday, 1/25:First Day Of Demonstrations
Wednesday, 1/26:Protests Resume For Second Day
Thursday, 1/27:Egypt Shuts Down The Internet
Friday, 1/28:Mubarak Speaks, Says He'll Form A New Government
Sunday, 1/30:Hillary Clinton: Egypt Must Transition To Democracy
Monday, 1/31:Egypt's New Government Is Announced, Sworn In
Tuesday, 2/1:President Mubarak Says He Won't Run For Re-
Election
Wednesday, 2/2:Internet Service Returns In Egypt
Saturday, 2/5:Members Of Ruling Party Leadership Resign
Sunday, 2/6:Government Agrees On Concessions
Thursday, 2/10:Despite Rumors, Mubarak Refuses To Step Down
Friday, 2/11:Mubarak Resigns As President, Leaves Cairo
The Aftermath
Parliament dissolved and suspended
Constitution
Approx. 846 people killed and 6,000
injured
Trial
3 August 2011
No currently elected
president
Summary
History
Motivations to uprising

What occurred during uprising

Aftermath of uprising

Summary

Questions
LIBYAN CIVIL WAR
Cadet Holden C Nardini
 Libyan Civil War Summary
Third regime to fall
during the Arab
Spring uprisings
Only revolution so far
that US/NATO has
become involved
Ended the regime,
and life, of Moammar
Ghadafi
Pre-Civil War Libya
Ghadafi was the fourth longest-serving dictator at
43 years
As of 2009, had the highest HDI in Africa and 4 th
highest GDP
10th largest oil reserve in the world, 17 th highest
petroleum production
Debt-free
Public works programs, a home for every Libyan
Extensive welfare programs: free education,
healthcare, and housing
Pre-Civil War Libya
Numerous human rights violations
Kidnappings and assassinations
commonplace
Most-censored state in the Middle East
and Africa
 Moammar Ghadafi
King of Kings of Africa
Born 7 June 1942
Heavily influenced by Arab
affairs growing up
Seized power during a bloodless
coup on 1 September 1969,
became proclaimed leader of
the new Libyan Arab Republic
Moammar Ghadafi
Heavily oppressed people of Libya
Affiliated with numerous terrorist groups
Most prominent figure in state-sponsored
terrorism
Supported IRA, Philippino militant groups,
Palestinian radicals
Bombing of La Belle night-club in Germany
Lockerbie bombing Pan Am flight 103
Expanded WMD procurement - tried numerous
times to purchase a nuclear weapon from
various countries
Lead-up to the Civil War
Extensive human rights violations
Ghadafi was constantly changing the
workings of the government,
experimenting with peoples livelihood
and welfare
Changed currency, national language,
forcefully relocated people to better
homes, etc
Eastern part of the state was guinea pig
to these experiments
The Libyan Civil War
Began 15 January when protestors occupied government-
built housing that had been delayed
As protests grew, the government cracked down harder
and harder on protestors
In February the protests became violent, with both sides
using lethal force on the other
National Transitional Council was created on 27 February
 No-Fly Zone and NATO
Intervention
19 states provided
CAS and air
superiority for rebels
Known as Operation
Odyssey Dawn in US
Extensive use of
UAVs and cruise
missiles
No coalition
casualties, although
a US F-15 crashed
and a Fire Scout
rotary UAV was shot
down
2011 Libyan Civil War
Timeline
Began 15 February 2011 when protests erupted in
numerous cities over delays in housing construction
Quickly grew into a country-wide uprising
By end of February reels had captured numerous key
cities
7 March Gulf states of the Middle East request a no-
fly zone
9 March European Parliament urged all European
states to recognize new transitional government
17 March No-fly zone approved
19 March coalition intervention begins
20 October Ghadafi killed
31 October UN intervention ends
2011 Libyan Civil War
Casualties include:
5,634-7,026 rebels killed, 2,886-3,005

missing
2 Tunisian soldiers killed

2,117-2,368 pro-Ghadafi soldiers killed

25,000-30,000 civilians killed, 4,000

missing
 Moammar Ghadafis End
Reportedly found hiding with several
bodyguards under a drain west of
the city.
Took refuge after taking cover from
a NATO air strike while attempting to
flee the city
Reportedly died of multiple leg
wounds received during the capture
attempt
Body was flown to Misrata and
buried at an undisclosed location
Libya
Learning Lessons
A healthy economy doesnt mean the people
will remain satisfied if they have no rights
Authoritarian governments are unstable
Even those that have persisted for years
One protest of a seemingly insignificant event
can spiral out of control fast
The US and NATO need to be careful about
how we operate in these conflicts
How we deploy our forces
Civilian casualties
What to do after the War ends
SYRIA
Cadet Bradley S Daniel
SYRIAN REVOLT
Overview
National History
Government
Current Regime
Timeline of Uprising
Current Situation
Possible Outcomes
National History
1516-1916: Ottoman Empire
1916: Sykes-Picot Agreement creates the
modern day geographic territory of Syria
Syria and Lebanon to France
Iraq and Palestine to Britain
1925: Sultan Al-Atrash rebellion
1936: Independence
Legislature never ratified; declared again in
1941
National History (continued)
1944: Officially recognized
1944: French occupying troops leave
Defeats in the Arab-Israeli war
Series of quick coup d'tats
Eventual take-over by the Arab Socialist Baath
Party
Conflict with Israel continued despite internal
struggles
Nov 1970: Hafez al Assad
Bloodless military overthrow; established first
lasting regime since Independence declared
Government Organization
Republic
Officially, Syria is a republic. In reality, however,
it is an authoritarian regime under the guise of a
democratic system. (US State Dept)
Emergency Law (in effect 1963-2011)
Suspends many constitutional protections
Constitution adopted 1971
Socialist Baath Party (constitutional power)
Widespread state control of institutions
Branches of Govt
Executive
Pres. (Muslim), Vice, Council of Ministers
Issues Laws
Legislative
2/3 of seats allocated to ruling party
Judicial
Much like US; 3 levels of appeals courts
Religious courts handle personal and family law
Bashar al-Assad abolishes Supreme State
Security Court by legislative act; 2011
Bashar Al-Assad
Son of Hafez al-Assad (1970-2000)
Came to power through constitutional
amendment upon his fathers death
Promise of Reform
Tightened censorship
Sponsors Terrorist Organization
Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah
Uprising
Jan 2011 Protests begin
Self-Immolation; call for end to state of emergency
March Syrian officials forcibly break up protest
Mar-April: Assad feigns reform
Dismisses cabinet, rescinds Emergency Law, political
parties
25 Apr Daraa stormed
100 dead; cut water, electricity, and phone lines
May US sanctions condemn Syrian gov actions
June More than 12,000 Syrians flee to Turkey
Uprising (continued)
June 29 500,000+ ppl protest in Hamas
Aug Arab League asks Assad to step down
Oct Russia and China veto UN Sec.
Council sanctions condemning Syria
Jan Assad refuses to step down
vows to restore order by "hitting terrorists with an
iron fist
Feb 26 Vote on draft Constitution
favors mult-party system
Current Situation
5,500+ citizens and 2,000+ SF (Syrian
Govt)
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR)
Disenfranchised Population
Authoritarian Government
Civil War?
Role of other nations ad organizations
(UN, EU)
AFGHANISTAN
Applying Lessons Learned
 Lessons Learned from Tunisia

The United States needs to stay calm and continue

to provide aid
The people of Afghanistan need to see that the US is not
going to be leaving but are not there to be oppressive
continue to give aid
Resist all aggressive actions unless in self protection
From Tunisia, easily seen that violence just fuels the fire
Remain open to the publics voices
Obviously the public wants us to leave but it will make
things worse to ignore them
Apologize and do the best to address issues and ameliorate
situation
Must respect religious practices and articles!
Tunisia experienced revolt due to their inability to express
 Lessons Learned from the Syrian Uprising

Many of these oppressive regimes will stop at

nothing to maintain power
Snipers stationed throughout major cities, shooting
indiscriminately at random civilians
The US must be careful if it decides to become
involved or endorse the rebels
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar support Sunni-led
opposition
Iran, Iraq, and Hezbollah support current Shia-led
government
Russia is heavily supportive of the Assad regime, vetoing a
UN security council motion and selling arms to the
government to combat rebels
Syria is one of Irans closest allies, and one of the few still
remaining in the region
Civilian Casualties during Operation
Odyssey Dawn - Libya

High levels of civilian casualties inflicted by

coalition forces during Operation Odyssey Dawn
14 May Air strike hit a group of people gathered for
prayer. 11 religious leaders dead, 50 others wounded
Coalition did not limit targets to military personnel
9 August NATO strike on Libyan State TV HQ, killing 3
journalists
22 March 6 civilians critically wounded during a pilot
rescue attempt
11 August - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
called on NATO to do as much as possible to avoid
civilian casualties
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