Talk:Arab Spring/Archive 1

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Libya

There were also minor protests in Libya. It should be added to the article. http://wlcentral.org/node/1102 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 78.101.218.28 (talk) 06:12, 29 January 2011 (UTC)

improvement

one can add the pan-arab list of self-immolations to this one, then it can also be cut off from the bouazizi article.(Lihaas (talk) 09:37, 29 January 2011 (UTC)).

lebanon

[1] "day of ragE" albeit diffeerent reasons but was wondering if it could/should be added herE?(Lihaas (talk) 14:28, 29 January 2011 (UTC)).

I propose the removal of Lebanon from the list. It is misleading to make a connection between the one-day "protests" (which was in response to a perceived attack on the Sunni share of the government) and the uprisings that are happening in other countries, which are the direct result of a domino effect that started from Tunisia. I will be bold and remove it from the list, unless someone will argue otherwise. 89.83.20.127 (talk) 14:02, 30 January 2011 (UTC)

Syria

"On social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, Syrians call for a "Day of Anger" on February 5th."

Would somebody mind providing a citation for this claim? I've searched for one, but couldn't find anything. Master&Expert (Talk) 06:25, 30 January 2011 (UTC)

Done; provided link to Twitter trackbacks from Topsy. Cjs2111 (talk) 07:52, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

Timeline: s/date ended/major dates/

IMHO the Timeline table is a nice idea, but it needs some thinking through. i think the "date ended" column is not a good idea in the Timeline section. Even "date started" is risking POV, lack of RS. On the Algerian protests talk page, there's a comment pointing out that the protests have been going on since 2002. So what is really meant by "date started" is something like "date when protests started growing exponentially and/or were perceived by Western mainstream media to become significant". But what can we replace it with?

IMHO replacing "ending date" is easier. How about replacing this by "critical dates" or "important dates"? Maybe we could even replace both starting and ending dates by allowing maybe a max of 3 columns for critical dates? By comparing various RS's, in some cases critical dates will be obvious, and in other cases, at least it should be easier to come to consensus on the talk page regarding "which date(s) was (were) more critical given the sources we have" rather than "on which date did this start/end". As more sources come in and events happen and third party analysts give their opinions on which dates were more important, the quality of the table will improve.

Someone good with tables would have to implement this. Or does someone have a better suggestion? An example could be for the Tunisian case - i'm not sure which "starting" date would count as critical, but clearly the two days when Ben Ali left and Mebazaa became acting president should count as one critical pair-of-days, and maybe the day that the new cabinet was purged of all ex-RCD people except for Ghannouchi himself would count as another critical day, though certainly not an "end date" - parliamentary and presidential elections would likely be interpreted as some sort of an end date of the change of power, but i would expect that historians would consider that fundamental social changes would take place over several years.

Are there any objections to replacing both the starting and ending date columns by a "critical dates" column (or 2-3 columns, or allowing a substructure)? Boud (talk) 22:17, 30 January 2011 (UTC)

I think it's difficult to assess "critical dates" at this point, and the number of columns could begin to expand infinitely. Let's just restrict to "starting dates" for now. Cjs2111 (talk) 07:47, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

Eritrea

On the map, Eritrea is listed as an arab country, it is not an arab country. It refused to join the Arab league, and does not identify itself at one. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.115.197.40 (talk) 02:15, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Infobox

Any thoughts on having an infobox template that goes near the top of the individual country protest pages, not just the sort of box that we have as a bottom banner? i'm thinking of something that could have lots of potential parameters, e.g. a bit like the elements of the timeline table. Just thinking out aloud... Again, i probably won't volunteer to create the template. Boud (talk) 22:17, 30 January 2011 (UTC)

I think there should be an infobox too for the protests, and at the top of the infobox for the individual countries, it should say, 'Part of the 2010-2011 Arab world protests' so it's easier to link back instead of having to search for a link in the article. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 109.246.20.117 (talk) 22:40, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Infobox Map - Excellent!

I just wanted to comment that I found the infobox map very informative c.f. the older map that just mentioned which countries spoke Arabic in the majority. Good job on the person bold enough to upload it here.Calaka (talk) 04:40, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

Agreed, much praise, but person, whoever you are - I hope you're up for updating this quite a bit in the future, and a lot of debate about what constitutes "minor" vs. "major" protests! Cjs2111 (talk) 07:49, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

not really mine, but i qurquested at the map workshop. although i have queries about jordan, theres nbeen no regime change.Lihaas (talk) 14:24, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Pakistan

Not technically Arab world I guess and perhaps a different situation, but major protests there too now: [2], [3]. Jmj713 (talk) 06:25, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

These seem to spring from independent sources and are thus entirely unrelated. Cjs2111 (talk) 07:53, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

there could be an "other" section. even albania had someLihaas (talk) 14:25, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Self-Immolations

Not sure is a Self-Immolation table is needed. For the time being, it would seem proper only to list those who have unfortunately sucumbed to their burns. Chesdovi (talk) 17:37, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

The list is expanding. Why? Do we list all suicides commited in private due to the same reasons? Chesdovi (talk) 18:40, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Maybe we should have a tble with the nomber of self-imolationa by country, but without the names of every individual. Just a simple: „Tunisia - 3 selfimolations - 2 fatal” - ArnoldPlaton (talk) 17:51, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

Origins

Could someone synthesize a general "Origins" section that would crystallize this wave of protests into something manageable? Jmj713 (talk) 17:45, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

to paraphrase here, and then someone can write it on the page, it started in Tunisia in Dec 2010 in Sidi Bouzid when Bouazizi lit himself. then it took root over tunisia before similaar events elsewhere (and pan-arab suppot)Lihaas (talk) 14:19, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

No, I meant the origin for the protest. That fact is already stated how it started in Tunisia and spread. But what made Bouazizi do what he did. That's what needs to be added, some background information. Jmj713 (talk) 17:15, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Timeline

The current sort-table is unneeded and lacking. A more comprehensive timeline is needed, as shown below. Chesdovi (talk) 17:48, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

December 17, 2010

• Tunisia, Sidi Bouzid: Mohamed Bouazizi set himslef alight in front of the municipal building to protest corruption and ill-treatment by the local police, triggering riots the next day.

December 22, 2010

• Tunisia: Lahseen Naji electrocuting himself to protest against "hunger and joblessness" and Ramzi Al-Abboudi also killed himself because of financial difficulties.

December 24, 2010

• Tunisia, Bouziane: Mohamed Ammari was fatally shot in the chest by police, who claimed they were acting in self defense. Other protesters are also injured. A curfew was imposed on the town.

December 27, 2010

• Tunisia: Protests reach the capital Tunis with about 1,000 citizens expressing solidarity with residents of Sidi Bouzid and calling for jobs. Protests also spread to Sousse, Sfax and Meknassy.

December 28, 2010

• Tunisia: The Tunisian Federation of Labour Unions rally in Gafsa and about 300 lawyers rally near the government's palace in Tunis.
• Algeria: major street demonstrations

December 30, 2010

• Tunisia: Chawki Belhoussine El Hadri dies from wounds sustained during a protest in Bouziane.

• January 13, 2011 Libya: minor protests over housing
• January 14, 2011 Jordan: minor protests
• January 17, 2011 Mauritania: self-immolation
• January 18, 2011 Yemen: internal government dissent against president, major street demonstrations
• January 21, 2011 Saudi Arabia: self-immolation, street demonstration
• January 25, 2011 Egypt: major street demonstrations
• January 26, 2011 Syria: self-immolation

That's good but the initial idea was to give a comprehensive overview of where the protests are occurring. Jmj713 (talk) 18:13, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

That info is already in the lead and showed on the infobox map. There are numerous problems with that table as it currently stands. There is no reason for a sort-table at all. Chesdovi (talk) 18:23, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

That's easily fixed. It was there to sort by end-date. Jmj713 (talk) 18:27, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

No sources for Morocco, Palestine, etc. Very vague table. e.g. since January 14, 2011, have there been protests every day till now in Jordan? What is considered "minor"? Any significant form of public protest in such countries is a "major" protest. What is the outcome of Libya, Mauritania and Oman - "finished" protests? Does Syria merit a mention becasue of one suicide? The table is not conclusive and misleads. Chesdovi (talk) 18:38, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

I agree but it's a work in progress. There are sources for Morocco and Palestine. Jmj713 (talk) 18:51, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

my issue is with minor and major definitions too.

though id also say tha t the "Starting" point indicates some sort of protest. in also places you are not going to have daily occurences, mainly because protesters are waiting to see how other outtcomes would happen (righ tnoe egypt), its more a domino thing that would "motivate" as for yemen, we dont have daily protests but we KNOW there is on day after.Lihaas (talk) 14:18, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

country links to country article, to subsection here, or to protest article?

At the moment, the country links in the timeline table go to article entries. My feeling is that they would better go to subsection links within this article (and/or maybe to the main articles for 2011 protests in that country if the article exists). Otherwise, someone looks at the table and thinks, hey, i want to know more about the protests in country X, s/he clicks and ends up on a general article about the country, without getting more info about the protests. Probably there's no point linking directly to the sub-articles - this is slower for downloading than just an internal subsection link. My feeling here goes for internal subsection links. If the country does not have its own subsection, then it should not be in the table anyway, which should only summarise what is in the content below. Boud (talk) 23:08, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

support for the min or ones (which is nbo doubt waht you meant)Lihaas (talk) 14:14, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Tchad in the infobox map

Why is Tchad in the infobox map? --Supreme Deliciousness (talk) 23:34, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

West Bank

would just liek to point out the government of the West Bank has declared that it will hold elections "as soon as possible." [4] There has been no elections there since 2006. It seems to be their way of trying to keep protests from happening.--Found5dollar (talk) 14:55, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Marseille, France self-immolation

don't know if this boy was an Arab immigrant could someone check: http://www.france24.com/en/20110118-french-teen-sets-himself-fire-marseille-school-self-immolation --93.137.20.144 (talk) 15:26, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Self immolations ONLY - in the map

Mauritania, Morocco, Syria: they had self-immolations ONLY. It should be reflected on the map--93.137.20.144 (talk) 18:24, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Agree. Chesdovi (talk) 18:41, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Self-immolation Table

I recommend putting the names notable into prose and deleting the rest per WP:notability (people). - Knowledgekid87 (talk) 19:06, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

i digress, its a small table that can be hidden and doesnt hinder anything. the context is then also given to the spread of the movement. (immolations being a starting point in most cases)Lihaas (talk) 17:54, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Comments/Recommendations/Suggestions: Re: Map, layout, overview table

I just had a few suggestions/comments that I hope people would consider implementing or discussing further:

• I am no expert on this but would Turkey or Iran not also be under the Arabic countries (and hence should be shaded a darker colour on the map?).
• In the overview section, I would suggest that there be perhaps one or two sentences before the table comes in. It seems a bit strange (IMHO) for there to be a table in section without any words or contents around it (although I admit the intro does a good job, but I still feel something should be written on top or below the table in its own section).
• This might be on the verge of WP:CRYSTAL but would it be possible to arrange the text outlining the countries in order of what happened reflected on the map (so Tunisia at the top as government overthrown and possibly Egypt below it as it might be the next country in the region to lead to the leaders/government being ousted). Then the next section would contain countries of major protests, then the section below that of minor protests. Then the countries can be moved up to their respective sections once an outcome is reached or remain where they are if nothing more significant occurs.
• Any thoughts on having an "other Arab countries" section as well (for example the UAE or Western Sahara) and mentioning background on that country of protests in the past and at the moment nothing is happening or no point?) - Kuwait seems to cover this example well on although there are no protests there, things are happening possibly in relation to this (i.e. food rationing).

All thoughts and comments welcome. Cheers!Calaka (talk) 06:22, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

• No, Turkey and Iran are definitely NOT Arab countries. See Arab world. Cjs2111 (talk) 09:53, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Oh yup, darn just did a bit of research, you are 100% correct. Sorry for the mistake.Calaka (talk) 16:16, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

support the second and third points baove.Lihaas (talk) 17:55, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Map problem

Put the old map back:

1. This is too small
2. Egypt didn't have just a "government sacked"--93.137.0.133 (talk) 07:25, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Old map back

Someone replaced File:2010-2011 Arab world protests.PNG with File:2010-2011 Arab world protests.svg, while the latter is clearly erroneous because it shows Chad, Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia as dark grey: "other Arab countries". Clearly, those 4 countries are not Arab countries: their population isn't Arab-majority and neither is Arab their majority language. For reference, see File:Arab world.png and the Wikipedia articles about the respective countries.
I have thus put the old map back in the article in expectation of someone correcting the SVG version. - TaalVerbeteraar (talk) 08:48, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

First, to address the IP's concern above, this is an SVG, scalable vector graphics, so size is no concern. It is, theoretically, infinitely scalable. As for those other four countries that are shown, they in fact are if you look at Arabic language and that article's associated map. The map is unclear about the status of the green-colored countries, so it seems that we have a conflict within the wiki. --haha169 (talk) 17:37, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

I have done a little research and it seems that the blue map that was put in the Arabic language article is incorrect, so I have fixed this SVG accordingly and re-uploaded. --haha169 (talk) 17:42, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

I don't think the new map is much better. At the least, it needs to be improved to include the other African countries to give context. As it is, it's just a bunch of multicolored shapes. Jmj713 (talk) 18:03, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

I too prefer the old map, the new one does not outline the countries well enough and looks poorly done. I do think the new goverment reshuffled color should stay though. - Knowledgekid87 (talk) 19:29, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

I prefer the current map: [5], it shows Arab league countries, where these protests have occurred, thats enough. --Supreme Deliciousness (talk) 19:43, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

I once again reverted the insertion of File:2010-2011 Arab world protests.svg, as it still includes Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia and Chad as "other Arab countries", which they clearly are not. Please only reinsert the SVG after the colouring has been corrected. - TaalVerbeteraar (talk) 21:02, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Some additional info, as someone here above asserted that these countries in fact are Arab countries:

• Eritrea - dominant ethnicity: 80% Tigrinya and Tigre; dominant language: Tigrinya and Tigre.
• Djibouti - dominant ethnicities: Somali and Afar (Arabs constitute only 5% of the population); dominant languages: Somali and Afar (together 55% of the population)
• Somalia - dominant ethicity: Somali (85%); dominant language: Somali (78%)
• Chad: over 200 ethnicities and many languages spoken, certainly not predominantly Arabic.

Clearly, none of the above qualifies as 'Arab country'. - TaalVerbeteraar (talk) 21:17, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Chad and Eritrea are not in the map, Somalia and Djibouti are a members of the Arab League. --Supreme Deliciousness (talk) 22:00, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Jordan and Egypt should be labeled red as Jordan just reshuffled and was not overthrown. - Knowledgekid87 (talk) 21:13, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

The map we have now is no good. There's no context. It needs the outlying countries for the users to be able to tell what they're looking at. Maybe even have labels. Not everyone's geography is great. Jmj713 (talk) 00:01, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

I can fix the country outlines (it was lifted directly off a bad SVG conversion of the PNG map we used to have) and add the outlying countries in one edit, but I would like to reach a consensus on including the bordering countries or not. (I would like to do them both in one edit). I personally feel that only the countries involved need to be on the map, since it is purely a regional issue. (Many European maps do not include the northern tips of Africa and there are many American maps without Canada and Mexico in use here, and a map of Asia without the parts of Europe, Africa, or Australia that clearly could have fit). --haha169 (talk) 01:11, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

I agree, the neighboring country's are not needed, only the countries involved. --Supreme Deliciousness (talk) 09:46, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

I disagree, the countries on the current map look like they are joined, and as someone pointed out not everyone's geography is great at least put in the surrounding countries that border the ones shown. - Knowledgekid87 (talk) 13:01, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

Can we please revert to this map? It's much clearer to understand. Jmj713 (talk) 17:58, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

 Done - Knowledgekid87 (talk) 22:19, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

SVG Map With Legend

I modified the map in the infobox to a SVG one to be easier to modify with a better resolution in addition to the addition of a legend. Add it if there is a consent. Essam Sharaf 12:35, 2 February 2011 (UTC) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Essam Sharaf (talk • contribs)

A good job, but I just tried it in the infobox and it doesn't scale well, unfortunately. Jmj713 (talk) 13:52, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Lead section

The last paragraph reads: "The protests against numerous Arab leaders have drawn large attention and concern from across the world, because of an alliance which exists between them and the West, to which they have been important allies in the War on Terror." I believe this either needs to be removed or rewritten with more detail, because that's certainly not the only or even the biggest reason these protests are drawing attention of the entire world, not just the West. Jmj713 (talk) 17:58, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

For now I'll change the text to "in part because of an alliance". That doesn't address the other reasons, but it does address the concern that this seems like the sole reason the West is interested. Cjs2111 (talk) 22:11, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

"Second Arab Revolt"

Perhaps an origins section, like I described above, could be written incorporating information regarding the first Arab revolt in the 1910s. Info. Jmj713 (talk) 17:58, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

How are they connected? Cjs2111 (talk) 22:08, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Not really. Historic precedent? Jmj713 (talk) 00:01, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

It's a different kind of thing though. The Arab Revolt was essentially a guerilla war conducted to claim independence. These are protests designed to spur government reform and potentially representative democracy. I think the European Revolutions of 1848 and 1989 are closer precedents. Cjs2111 (talk) 00:53, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

wave of Protests of 1968, too. --78.2.44.170 (talk) 12:30, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

Vandalism

Can we get IP edit protection for this article? One IP is vandalizing pertinent cited information. Jmj713 (talk) 18:59, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Maybe first try at least one warning: Wikipedia:Template messages/User talk namespace. Remember that we do have a problem in new users being easily discouraged.

i'll cite from Help:Dealing_with_coordinated_vandalism (even though there's no suggestion here that the vandalism is coordinated): "Do not bite the new users! Many new users of Wikipedia start out by vandalizing a page to make sure they can really edit it; once they discover they can, they sometimes become productive users. For this reason, in almost all cases vandals are to be warned before they are blocked. (See Wikipedia:Blocking policy.)"

Boud (talk) 00:03, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

Morocco

Regarding this edit, why isn't that a reliable source? This is the second time information about Morocco was removed. I feel it's better to talk about outstanding issues, rather than remove things outright. Jmj713 (talk) 21:44, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Put the map back, please

I understand there are various problems / debates over the map, but can we please leave at least one version of it up until these are resolved? Cjs2111 (talk) 22:10, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Note the current map available doesn't seem to define the country borders too well (perhaps it is my screen image/resolution) but for example, Sudan and Libya look like 1 country to me. If you can make the borders/lines a bit thicker it would be appreciated.Calaka (talk) 04:36, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

Djibouti and Turkey

http://somalilandpress.com/people-in-djibouti-protest-againts-president-gelleh-19925

There have been minor protests in Djibouti as well. Perhaps some info could be added about that, and Djibouti could be added to the map. Thanks. Vis-a-visconti (talk) 00:14, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

If Djibouti is part of the "Arab World" Turkey, which actually borders Syria and Iraq, most certainly is. There have been escalating protests, which have been violently put down, and nobody seems to be noticing.Ericl (talk) 15:14, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

The Arabic-speaking world

Now, what language do they speak in Turkey? As our article says, "the Arab world refers to Arabic-speaking countries." I don't see Turkey on the map, and, as with Iran, another country which "borders the Arab world" but in which Arabic is not the official language, it is never referred to as an Arab country. You might as well call Spain part of the French world because it borders France. Your comment "Actually, it IS. It borders Syria, Iraq and Iran, and is governed by an Islamist Government, albeit a moderate one" is absurd, because 1. Iran is not an Arab country, and 2. Islam/Islamism is not confined to Arab countries, eg Indonesia. Or is that an Arab country too? Would the BBC write an article entitled "Turkey's growing ties with Arab world" if Turkey were part of the Arab world? Please give me a reference from a WP:RS that says Turkey is an Arab country. Ericoides (talk) 15:30, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

Why not create an article about the Turkish revolts rather than wasting people's time here, eh? Ericoides (talk) 15:46, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

According to the article on Turkey, a little less than half a million people in Turkey are native Arabic speakers. A century ago, the entire ME east of Egypt was part of Turkey. Turkey has close relations with most of the Arab world, and aside from the language thing is an intergral PART of it.Ericl (talk) 15:49, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

You say "They don't speak Arabic in Djubuti either". Look at our page on the country and you'll see that Arabic one of the two official languages of the country. The official language of Turkey is Turkish. As I said, show me an RS for Turkey as an Arab country. Ericoides (talk) 15:53, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

90% of of the population is sunni Muslim. There are Turks living as substantial minorities in most of West Asia. Also, Turkey has requested membership in the Arab leaguehttp://www.mathaba.net/news/?x=36713--Ericl (talk) 16:04, 4 February 2011 (UTC)--Ericl

I can request to be a duck-billed platypus, but that doesn't mean I am one. I suggest you read the Arab world page closely; to be an Arab country, a sufficient condition - at the moment - is that Arabic is the official language. Why not try adding Turkey to the Arab world page and see what the response is? Moreover, you'd better find a better link than the one you posted (http://www.mathaba.net/news/?x=36713); it makes exactly the opposite point to the one you intended. I'll quote from it: "The United Arab Emirates and the Sudan dictatorship told the Arab League on Monday that they object to non-Arab countries [eg Turkey] being granted observer status in the body." Ericoides (talk) 16:09, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

There isn't a Turkish revolt. YET. There isn't one in Djibuti, Jordan or Libya either. The ripple effect of Tunisia's revolution is echoing throughout the MUSLIM world not the Arab World. I know that they're the same thing, pretty much, which is why I think Turkey belongs. The issues in Turkey are different from the issues in Egypt which are different from the issues in Lebanon etc. There's an election in June, massive demonstrations in Occupied Cyprus, arguments over mass graves and who's responsible, and all sorts of other stuff. Language isn't the only criterion here.Ericl (talk) 17:54, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

Djibouti is a member of the Arab League, Turkey is not. --Supreme Deliciousness (talk) 19:06, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

"The Arab Revolution"

These sources refer to it as "The Arab Revolution" [6] [7][8] --Supreme Deliciousness (talk) 21:58, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

Template:2010–2011 Arab world protests

According to Supreme Deliciousness, the articles International reactions to the 2011 Egyptian protests and Domestic responses to the 2011 Egyptian protests should not be on the template, as there are in this version. I disagree, as those pages are directly related to the protests in Egypt, considering they were split from the main article, and should be on the template about the Arab world protests. Silverseren^C 22:53, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

agree. nonsense--78.3.219.17 (talk) 11:36, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

2011 Syrian protests Merge

So far no "Day of rage" has taken place in Syria, It looks like an editor jumped the gun here and I recommend the content be moved back into this article until something noteworthy or notable enough for a stand alone article occurs. As I satated in the edit summary the only thinhg keeping this article semi-alive is an event that is supposed to happen which isnt a good reason to have it kept. - Knowledgekid87 (talk) 04:22, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Agreed. I support redirecting this article to the Syrian section of the main article. Master&Expert (Talk) 08:10, 6 February 2011 (UTC)

date ended

what is this sourced on? right now it seems purely OR as for all ases (libya excepteD) there is no conclusion even given. also one can say tunisia has ended at the moment anyways.Lihaas (talk) 16:32, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Just added the Tunisian end date from the article on the Tunisian uprising. The others I believe that ended on the same date as they began were just minor single-day protests. Please feel free to research further. Jmj713 (talk) 17:54, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Tunisia is clearly not over as protests are ongoing today. Check BBC... --Kuzwa (talk) 22:56, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Serbia

The Tunisian Revolution article has noted that it may have been a contributing factor in Albania's protests earlier this year. Now protests have erupted in Belgrade, Serbia beyond the Arab World. Is it possible that the Balkans could also face political upheaval as these unprecedented protests continue to grow? My questions are. Is the name of this article still appropriate considering that the revolutionary shock wave from Tunisia and Egypt is now spreading into Europe? --Kuzwa (talk) 23:01, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Well if anything major develops an article 2011 Balkans protests might be warrented, I would not try and combine the two right now even though they are related as currently the majority of protests are in the arab world. - Knowledgekid87 (talk) 23:21, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Without incidents?!

To say that Iraq or Somalia were without incident is theoretically correct, but is just...silly and misleading--78.3.221.196 (talk) 12:30, 6 February 2011 (UTC)

Yes the countries have their own problems but the incidents referred to here have to do with protests. This brings up a good point though, protests occur in countries over other things as well, and I agree that this can be seen as a bit misleading. - Knowledgekid87 (talk) 17:05, 6 February 2011 (UTC)

I would say to either make it clear that the incidents refer to the protests covered in this article's scope or to keep them gray as part of the Arab League. --haha169 (talk) 02:10, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Somalia

Any information as to what occured in Somalia? I think that any shaded countries on the map should require a description as to what occured, if not then i suggest it should be deleted from the map. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ericandude (talk • contribs) 02:32, 7 February 2011 (UTC)

"The government was reshuffled"

The statement "The government was reshuffled" in the infobox referring to the map reads very awkwardly. Shouldn't it be more something like "Change of government" or "New government installed"?--Found5dollar (talk) 05:11, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Overview table

Can we please do something about the balooning overview table? It's supposed to be an overview, not an all-encompassing table. Does the Outcome column really need so much detail? Jmj713 (talk) 20:35, 8 February 2011 (UTC)