Why did people power overcome despots in Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen but meet such fierce resistance in Syria? Why did the British government side with street protesters in Libya but with the regime in Bahrain?

Why did the Arab Spring fail to reach Occupied Palestinian Territory? What change did it bring to the besieged Gaza Strip?

Whilst the mainstream media fix their gaze on Daesh, this anthology brings together authors, journalists, activists and academics to answer these questions and delve deeper into the Arab Spring protests half a decade since they first flared in the region.

From Syria’s courageous civil society movement to women’s central role in the revolution, The Arab Spring 5 Years On offers an alternative analysis of the democratic uprisings and their aftermath.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this publication are that of the author and/or contributors, and do not necessarily represent those of MEMO Publishers or its associated brands.

Edited by

Amelia Smith

Amelia Smith is a London-based journalist who has a special interest in Middle Eastern politics, art and culture. She is editor of The Arab Spring Five Years On. Visit her website is here.

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About the Author

Jessica Purkiss

Jessica Purkiss is a former staff writer for Memo. She is now a junior reporter on the Bureau of Investigative Journalism's Covert Drone War team. She has also spent two years reporting from Palestine

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Ben White

Ben White is a journalist, writer, and researcher, specialising in Palestine/Israel. He is a regular contributor to Middle East Monitor, and his articles also appear in Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera English, and The National, among others. He is the author of two books: ‘Israeli Apartheid: A Beginner’s Guide’ and ‘Palestinians in Israel: Segregation, Discrimination,...

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Abdulrahman al-Masri

The writer is a freelance journalist based in Canada. His work covers politics and news in the Middle East and Syria in particular. He analyses international politics and the crises in the region, bringing attention to the way that foreign interests influence conflicts.

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