Arab Spring

Arab Spring refers to movements toward democracy in Arab countries. It first appeared in media, probably prematurely, in 2005, to refer to assumptions that a democratic Iraqi government, formed as a result of the Iraq War, would spread. The term, however, best refers to popular, apparently spontaneous, actions in 2011 that have led to new governments in Tunisia and Egypt, and probably in Yemen. It also includes increasingly intense protests in a number of countries, such as Bahrain, Jordan and Syria, and active civil war in Libya.

Yemen
Mediating the dispute in late April, the Gulf Cooperation Council presented President Ali Abdullah Saleh with a peace plan, which gives him immunity from prosecution but required him to leave office within 30 days. Elections would be held within 60 days, leading to the term "30-60 plan." Mohammed Qahtan, speaking for the Joint Meeting Parties opposition, said “I believe the 30-60 plan is the practical way to transfer power. We have accepted giving immunity, and we have made a significant sacrifice by accepting that the president will transfer power to a deputy of his choice. The only condition that we have made is that this deputy is not a member of his family."

Bahrain
Problems exist between Sunni leadership and a Shi'ite majority. The matter is of deep concern for Saudi Arabia, concerned with both its own Shi'ite minority, and concerns about Iranian expansion.

Syria
Syrian security forces have fired on unarmed protesters, possibly killing as many as 90 on 22 April. Nevertheless, protests continue. President Bashir al-Assad, however, repealed a long-standing and unpopular Emergency Law, and crowds continue to grow.

Role of non-Arab Muslim countries
Turkey is a key coalition member, but is concerned about excessive involvement in the affairs of Muslim countries.

Western response
There has been a major intervention in Libya, under United Nations (UN) and later North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) auspices. Initially, the United States led a coalition to create a no-fly zone, in Operation ODYSSEY DAWN. The U.S. position was that its specialized capabilities were needed for the prerequisite suppression of enemy air defense, but it is reducing participation as other nations move military forces into the NATO-led Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.

Tariq Ali, associated with the New Left and writing in the Guardian (U.K.), said the West is practicing "selective vigilantism" in Libya, where others observe that there are unique reasons for intervention there.