Written by Carly Kester
On Feb. 11, Hosni Mubarak resigned after his 30-year rule as Egyptian president. In Tahrir Square, Egypt, thousands of citizens celebrated after an 18-day protest won them the liberation they had been demanding.Anti-government demonstrations began Jan. 25, with crowds flooding Tahrir Square demanding that Mubarak step down as president. Causes of the protest were “Mubarak’s 30-year rule, a lack of free elections and many economic issues, including high food prices, low wages and high unemployment,” according to CNN.com.Finally, after two and a half weeks of demonstrations, Mubarak’s vice president, Omar Suleiman, made the announcement that he was resigning as president and handing over control of the government to the nation’s military.This accomplishment by the Egyptian people has not only affected their own country but has also inspired other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries to protest against their own governmental powers.Lori Klein, assistant professor of political science, said Egypt’s protests created a “domino effect” on other countries whose people are not satisfied with their government’s dealings.”I think we’re seeing people look at what happened [in Egypt] and begin to feel empowered,” Klein said.”It’s fascinating to watch it spread like a pebble hits a pond and get larger and larger, and I don’t know where that’s going to lead.”Since demonstrations started in Egypt, protesting has spread to Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen and Palestinian Territories. The reason for the majority of the protests is due to presidents or government leaders staying in power for years without giving citizens rights to vote, governmental corruption and unemployment rates, according to CNN.com.Clashes between anti- government and pro-government demonstrators plus the involvement of military forces have caused hundreds of deaths and injuries. According to CNN.com, as of Saturday, in Libya alone, “84 people have been killed in … demonstrations since Tuesday.”Despite the casualties and reluctance of government leaders to give up power, some countries are making progress with their demonstrations.According to CNN.com, the Tunisian president left the country after weeks of demonstration.The president of Syria “planned reforms that would allow local elections and included a new media law and more power for private organizations.” Algerian authorities said they plan to lift a state of emergency that was put into effect in 1992. In Bahrain, the crown prince said the government is willing to talk to demonstrators.Klein said she hopes the emerging Middle Eastern demonstrators will succeed in their efforts.”I really do believe in liberty, not just democracy, but liberty … individual liberty,” Klein said. “Individual souls are important to God, and that’s why you need a governmental structure that respects them.”
