The Arab Spring Uprisings

“[T]here is no question the Arab Spring has forever changed the Middle East and North Africa as young people have demanded their rights and access to the opportunities that would be available to them in free societies.” Beginning with a time line that introduces events from Libya to Egypt to Tunisia and beyond, this thorough account looks at the recent popular uprisings that have led to civil conflict and the overthrow of dictators. The book situates the nations discussed within their historical contexts, and examines the specific grievances that led to protests in each country, as well as at the government’s reaction. The importance of new technologies, such as social networking, to the rise of these mass demonstrations is also considered. Occasional full-color photographs and text boxes, on issues including women’s rights and individual protestor’s stories, will help readers understand the human stakes of these events. Back matter contains source notes, brief bios of important people involved in the Arab Spring uprisings, book and Web-site suggestions for further research, and an index.