Protracted Transition in West Asia

The regime changes in the region, triggered by the popular unrests, have resulted in enormous uncertainties. The removal of long-standing rulers did not result in peace and stability, as was expected by the people. New forces have emerged in the aftermath of the removal of the old leaders, while the remnants of the old regimes are not completely wiped out. Supporters of the old regimes are now coming out, and trying to take control of the process of transition. The unrest that started in December 2010 in Tunisia toppled four long-standing regional rulers, namely in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen. The post-Gaddafi situation in Libya has remained tense, violent, and unstable. Libya held elections for its parliament in the 2012 and 2014. The Tripoli-based General National Congress was recognised by many countries in the international community. The Arab Spring protests began in Tunisia in December 2010, with the self-immolation of the vegetable seller Mohamed Bouazizi.