Abstract:
In the Arab world there are times when politics appears to be in suspended animation for decades on end, and then there are periods when developments tumble over each other in rapid succession. The last few weeks have been one of those periods of accelerated change, as Tunisians were able to rid themselves of their president of twenty-three years following a series of mass demonstrations sparked by the self-immolation of twenty-six-year-old Mohammad Bouazizi. The ouster of Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali raised hopes for political change in the region. Since then, Arab cities, most notably Egyptian cities, have been teetering, as more youth continue to protest against their governments, some by setting themselves ablaze, others by marching through the streets in the name of freedom, occupying public spaces and clashing with police and pro-government supporters.
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