This marked the first time an Arab dictator was ousted by a popular uprising, rather than a coup, sparking the Arab Spring's transformative wave across the Middle East and North Africa .

The Arab Spring, which began in Tunisia in 2010, was a pro-democracy movement that shook the foundations of authoritarian rule, toppling several long-standing leaders.

Key leaders ousted include:

- Egypt's Hosni Mubarak: Stepped down in February 2011 after nearly 30 years in power, following mass protests .

- Libya's Muammar Gaddafi: Suffered a violent downfall in October 2011, after ruling since 1969.

- Yemen's Ali Abdullah Saleh: Resigned under pressure in February 2012, after leading the country for over three decades.

-Bashar al-Assad: Served as the President of Syria from 2000 until December 2024. Assad's presidency was characterized by a highly centralized and authoritarian regime, with numerous reports of human rights violations and severe repression.

The Arab Spring's impact was profound, reshaping the regional landscape and inspiring hopes for democratic reform. However, the aftermath has been complex, with ongoing challenges and uncertainties in many countries.