The Arab Revolution and the Changing Middle East
The news which would have been seen in various local channels around the world may vary and in some place like in the Philippines only those which concerns their citizens might had been the focus of the news. The reality however is tat the Middle East is changing through a sustained Arab Revolution.
Since nearly a year ago, uprising sprout out one after the other. It started in Tunisia, then to Egypt, Libya and to at least a dozen countries in the Middle East. These three countries were already liberated and have high hopes for the future, however, countries like Syria, Yemen and Bahrain are experiencing the heaviest violence as of the moment.
Revolts and protests are also happening in Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Djibouti. A total of 10 countries are in revolt which is also causing the upsurge of oil and petroleum from the Middle East.
In Syria alone the casualties are said to reach about 6,000 with about 700 children casualties. Collectively we could see close to a hundred thousand deaths in this Arab Revolution either confirmed or not. Majority of the cause of this revolution is the aspiration for a better life, better treatment, a sense of belonging and economic upliftment.
The Arab revolution had cause people to polarize between opposing sides of the government and the rebels. This had also led to a shifting change in the way of governance in the Middle East as various dictators are embattled and then overthrown.
So what's the latest in the Arab Revolution?
Post Revolution Countries
Tunisia. An interim government came to power in January 2011 when an uprising prompted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to leave the country after 23 years in power.
Egypt. Violent protests resumed in November as many Egyptians expressed concern about the country's military leaders and their grip on power. Mubarak faces criminal charges. He has been accused of corruption and ordering police officers to fire on protesters.
Libya. On October 20, it was confirmed that Gadhafi had been killed by revolutionary forces.
On-Going Revolution: Major Violence
Syria. The Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, has been accused of violently cracking down on protesters who are demanding more economic prosperity, political freedom and civil liberties.
Yemen. The transfer of power, brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council and backed by the United States and the European Union, allowed Saleh to resign in exchange for immunity from prosecution.
Bahrain. Bahrain's King Hamad appealed for dialogue, and talks with opposition groups began in July. But Bahrain's main Shiite opposition party, Al-Wefaq, withdrew from talks, saying they are "not serious" and do not create a "political solution" for the problems Bahrain faces. Al-Wefaq also boycotted September's parliamentary elections.
The results of the revolution in these countries will greatly shape up the future of those in the other countries.
With Reference from: CNN.com
