إن شاء الله

One year ago almost to the day, a street vendor in an insignificant corner of western Tunisia set himself on fire. In the year that has passed since that day, hundreds of thousands of Arabs have risen up against their governments. In three states, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, they deposed their dictators and ended decades of autocratic rule. In some states, like Bahrain, the governments won and repression continues. In others, like Syria, the struggle goes on and the outcome is still uncertain.

The Arab Spring is much more than three simple changes of government and some unrest. It inspired not only an entire region, but the entire world to say no, question their governments, and stand up for their rights. Obviously, the struggle is far from over. The challenges of forming a new, legitimate government run by the people and for the people where previously there only existed dictatorship and oppression are massive. However, the people have tasted freedom, and there is no going back now. Hope is a powerful ally. There is much left to do, but إن شاء الله the people of Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya will succeed and 2011 will mark a turning point not only for these three states, but for the Arab world and international community as a whole.