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.

National movements

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.

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, 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.