Eva Mitre

Spring is the season when flowers break free from the soil and face the sun. It is time of rebirth and healing, and this year in the Middle East, the word ‘spring’ has never been more clearly defined. The past few months have seen an inspiring surge of revolution from young people across Egypt, Syria, Libya, Iran, Bahrain, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Lebanon, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Western Sahara.

 Each of these countries has stood in revolt against their oppressive governments in an effort to overthrow the tyrannical rule of their dictators. Tunisia and Egypt first began the protests and the rest of the nations followed.

Many of these protests were met with violence, and military action has been taken up against the oppressive governments by foreign nations.

So far, the protests have resulted in the death of Muommar Gaddafi, dictator in Libya. The protests there became so violent that it has been classified as a civil war.

 Egypt has also been successful in toppling its leader, Hosni Mubarak. However, the military rule that corrupted the state after the protests has now created another violent situation; one that protesters are currently trying to break free from.

TIME magazine has classified 2011 to be the year of the protester. From the Middle East to the West, protests have sprouted up. They were not victories easily won, and in some countries, these are victories that are still being fought for. Yet the perseverance of the human spirit still burns bright in the eyes and voices of the protesters.

By supporting those across the globe who are fighting for the most basic of human rights, freedom, we can participate in a movement that is shifting the world around us.

Spring is the season for rebirth, and it is always followed by summer. A season of health, strength and freedom. Qualities which the Middle East is fighting for, and with our help, can win.