Pro-democracy protests sweep across Arab World

The Yellow portions-the Arab World.

    Over the past several weeks pro-democracy movements have been spreading from one Arab nation to the next. What started as a young man’s protest suicide in Tunisia earlier in January, toppled down the 30 year old autocratic regime of 82 year old Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak who was forced to resign on February 11, alter 18 days of protests, and hand over power to the army. The call for democracy is now sparking anti-government Libya. The hard living conditions and the soaring unemployment rate has provoked the citizens’ anger towards their autocratic governments. On February 25, demonstrations for better government services spiraled out of control in Iraq. The international community is not only concerned about the bloody violence but also about the increasing oil prices. Although community is seriously condemning the violence in Libya, the future of the country and the rest of the Pro-democracy movements in the Arab world is left to seen.

Tunisia: Tunisia’s popular revolt, which ousted veteran strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, has inspired dissidents across the Arab world. Following the overthrow of ex-leader Zine El Abidine Ben ali, Tunisia, on February 7, authorized inter president Foued Mebaza to rule by decree. Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi resigned on February 27, as security forces clashed with protesters in Tunis demanding the removal of some Ministers of his interim government.

Egypt: The military council has set a six-month timetable for democratic elections and vowed to hand power over to a civilian government in line with the demands of the protesters who drove Mubarak from Power. The Opposition party is led by El Baradei, the Noble laureate.

Yemen: President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been in power for 3 years decades. He has promised not to run again when his current term expires in 2013 and pledges not to pass on power to his son.

Algeria: President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s government officially lifted a state of emergency in place for the past 19 years. Security forces tried to put down unrest. Bouteflika has ruled the nation since 1999.

Bahrain: Protesters call for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa rather than Kind Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, who has the final say in politics. The kind ordered that each family in the tiny Gulf monarchy be given $ 3,000 to mark the 10th Anniversary of a national charter for reforms. More than 220 prisoners accused of toppling monarchy also released. On February 26, nation reshuffled its cabinet in a further attempt to appease the Shia Opposition that has staged days of protest against the Sunni led government.

Jordan: King Abdullah II sacked the government of Samir Rifai and named Maruf Bakhit Prime Minister. Bakhit;s Mission –take practical, quick and tangible steps to launch true political reforms, enhance Jordan’s democratic drive and ensure safe and decent living for all Jordanians.

Libya: Protesters demand that president Moammar Ghadafi, who has ruled for more than 40 years, steps down. Ghadafi offered to double salaries and released 110 suspected Islamic militants in an attempt to defuse public anger. His son Saif-al –Islam offered to with-hold attacks on regime opponents and negotiate UNSC slapped sanctions on the nation and referred cases to International Criminal Court.

Oman: Protestors demand political reforms. Man’s rules, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, replaced six Cabinet Ministers on February 27.