Scenes From The Middle East Protests 2011

Egypt's unrest has become the focus of the world's attention, with foreign and domestic pressure mounting each day, and on February 11th the Egyptian government announced that President Hosni Mubarak step down from the presidency. The move was met by celebration in the streets of the country and positive reactions from global markets.  

Beginning with political unrest in Tunisia, riots, protests and uprisings against governments have spread across North Africa and the Middle East. Now, Bahrain, Yemen and Iran have staged similiar protests which have escalated and are being met with resistance from these governments. Although the protests range from non-violent to direct conflicts with security personnel, the scenes from these demonstrations are highly dramatic.

Unrest in Tunisia was sparked when a young man set himself on fire and eventually died. In the wake of this incident, the situation quickly got out of control. In the week since, Tunisia's President has fled the country, with similar self-immolation in places like Egypt, Algeria and Mauritania.

For images from protests that have occured across the Middle East over the past several weeks, click ahead.

Updated 15 Mar 2011

Bahraini anti-government look at spent gas canisters, stun grenades, rubber bullets all piled up in Pearl Square, the epicentre of the anti government movement, in Manama on March 14, 2011, a day after Bahraini police clashed with demonstrators trying to occupy Manama's banking centre, as protests spread from a peaceful sit-in to the heart of the strategic Gulf state's business district.

Bahraini anti-government protesters stand close to makeshift roadblocks in Manama on March 14, 2011, a day after Bahraini police clashed with demonstrators trying to occupy Manama's banking centre, as protests spread from a peaceful sit-in to the heart of the strategic Gulf state's business district.

An anti-government protester steps on a torn poster of King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa in Manama on March 13, 2011.

Bahraini police clashed with demonstrators trying to occupy Manama's banking centre, as protests spread from a peaceful sit-in to the heart of the strategic Gulf state's business district.

Tear gas is fired by Bahraini police explode among the protestors gathered close to Pearl Square, the epicentre of anti-government protests, the first time since demonstrators began an anti-regime sit-in there last month on March 13, 2011, in Manama.

Almost a month into protests calling for deep political change in Bahrain, anti-government demonstrators and the Gulf kingdom's rulers appear to be at an impasse, with neither side backing down.

Libyan rebels attack government troops as a natural gas facility burns on the frontline on March 9, 2011 near Ras Lanuf, Libya. The rebels pushed back government troops loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi towards Ben Jawat.

Tear gas is fired by Bahraini police explode among the protestors gathered close to Pearl Square, the epicentre of anti-government protests, the first time since demonstrators began an anti-regime sit-in there last month on March 13, 2011, in Manama.

Almost a month into protests calling for deep political change in Bahrain, anti-government demonstrators and the Gulf kingdom's rulers appear to be at an impasse, with neither side backing down.

Libyan rebel fighters run for cover as an airforce jet flying overhead drops a bomb on the outskirts of the oil-rich town of Ras Lanuf on March 8, 2011.

Libyan rebel fighters launch a rocket towards a position held by forces loyal to leader Moamer Kadhafi during clashes between the two side few kilometers outside the town of Ras Lanuf on March 9, 2011.

Libyan rebel fighters react during clashes with forces loyal to leader Moamer Kadhafi, just few kilometers outside the oil town of Ras Lanuf on March 9, 2011

Yemenis protest against the regime of President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa on March 8, 2011 as anti-government demonstrations across Yemen have left at least 27 people dead since late January.

Yemenis protest against the regime of President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa on March 9, 2011, the morning after a Yemeni protester died of gunshot wounds after being hit when police opened fire overnight on anti-regime demonstrators in Sanaa, a medical official said.

Yemenis hold up their national flag as they protest in Ibb, some 200 kilometres (125 miles) south of the capital Sanaa, calling for an end to the regime of long term President Ali Abdullah Saleh, on March 8, 2011, and two days after 61 anti-regime Yemeni protesters were wounded after supporters of the ruling party, General People's Congress (GPC), armed with knives, rocks and batons stormed a protest in this city.

Libyans pray while demonstrating for the removal of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on February 25, 2011 in Benghazi, Libya. Benghazi residents mourned more victims of the violence as fighting continued around the capitol Tripoli.

The office of the chief judiciary police burns after being set on fire by anti-regime protesters in Benghazi on February 25, 2011. Euphoria in Libya's second city Benghazi gave way to growing concern that it remains vulnerable to a counter-attack by Moamer Kadhafi's forces.

A Libyan demonstrator holds his country's old flag during a protest in the eastern city of Tobruk on February 25, 2011. Libya was on edge as forces loyal to Moamer Kadhafi's crumbling regime staged a bloody fightback in western towns near Tripoli and the east declared itself free of his iron-fisted rule.

Iraqi protestors trow stone at Iraqi riot police on February 25, 2011 at Baghdad's Tahrir square following a rally calling for improved public services, more jobs and less corruption, and some for broader political reforms. Angry protesters hurled stones in Baghdad as thousands of demonstrators flooded streets across Iraq for a 'Day of Rage' that left seven people dead in clashes with police.

Iraqi riot police stand guard near demonstrators during a rally calling for improved public services, more jobs and less corruption, and for broader political reforms on February 25, 2011at Baghdad's Tahrir square.

Angry protesters hurled stones in Baghdad as thousands of demonstrators flooded streets across Iraq for a 'Day of Rage' that left seven people dead in clashes with police.

Iraqi protestors clash with Iraqi riot police on February 25, 2011 at Baghdad's Tahrir square following a rally calling for improved public services, more jobs and less corruption, and some for broader political reforms.

Bahraini Shiite anti-government protesters hold up placards and national flags as they chant slogans against the government during a rally from Pearl Square to Manama's old city on February 24, 2011. Arabic writing on banner below reads: 'We call for the immediate relase of all political prisoners and the resignation of the respressive government.'

Bahraini Shiite anti-government demonstrators wave national flags as they march past a huge billboard bearing pictures of King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa (C), his son Crown Prince Sheikh Salman (R), and Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa during a protest march against the regime from Pearl Square to Manama's old city.

Libyan protesters flash the V for 'victory' sign and hold a caricature of leader Moammar Gaddafi during a rally in the eastern city of Tobruk on February 24, 2011 as residents of Libya's dissident-held east, frenzied by a deadly crackdown by Gaddafi's crumbling regime, vowed to march on the capital Tripoli.

A Libyan anti-government protester holds his old national flag in front of a wall covered with graffiti against Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi in the eastern city of Tobruk on February 24, 2011. Residents of Libya's dissident-held east, frenzied by a deadly crackdown by Gaddafi's crumbling regime, vowed to march on the capital Tripoli as a string of towns famous as World War II battlegrounds fell under their control.

Yemeni anti-government protesters hold up a doctored picture of Arab leaders in diapers titled 'Special nursery of a royal type' during a demonstration calling for the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh in the capital Sanaa on February 24, 2011.

The Yemeni president ordered his forces to offer 'full protection' to anti-regime protesters and loyalists alike, after 15 people died in an uprising against his rule.

Yemeni anti-government protesters hold up a giant national flag (background) and placards calling on President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down during an anti-regime demonstration in the capital Sanaa on February 24, 2011.

A Yemeni anti-government protester holds up a placard that reads ' This is enough' during an anti-regime demonstration calling on President Ali Abdullah Saleh to leave in the capital Sanaa on February 24, 2011.

Libya's old national flag flutters in front of a bridge as protesters shout anti-Gaddafi slogans during a demonstration in the eastern Libyan town of Derna, between Tobruk and Benghazi, on February 23, 2011 amid reports that Muammar Gaddafi's regime has lost vast swathes of Libya's east to an insurrection.

Libyan youths walk past a torched government building in the eastern Libyan town of Derna, between Tobruk and Benghazi, on February 23, 2011 amid reports that Muammar Gaddafi's regime has lost vast swathes of Libya's east to an insurrection.

Libyans shout anti-Gaddafi slogans during a demonstration in the eastern Libyan town of Derna, between Tobruk and Benghazi, on February 23, 2011 amid reports that Muammar Gaddafi's regime has lost vast swathes of Libya's east to an insurrection.

Libyan protesters gather around a car decorated with Libya's old national flag during a protest in the eastern Libyan town of Derna, between Tobruk and Benghazi, on February 23, 2011 amid reports that Muammar Gaddafi's regime has lost vast swathes of Libya's east to an insurrection.

Anti-government protesters tip a vehicle belonging to government supporters during a protest outside Sanaa University on February 22, 2011, as some 1,000 students spent a second night camped at a square, which they have dubbed Al-Hurriya (Liberty) Square, near the university demanding Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh's ouster.

A vehicle burns, set alight by anti-government protesters during a demonstration outside Sanaa University on February 22, 2011.

Anti-government protesters stand on a destroyed vehicle belonging to government supporters during a protest outside Sanaa University on February 22, 2011.

Anti-government protesters gather around a burning vehicle belonging to government supporters during a protest outside Sanaa University on February 22, 2011, as some 1,000 students spent a second night camped at a square, which they have dubbed Al-Hurriya (Liberty) Square, near the university demanding Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh's ouster.

An anti-government protester faces off against the Bahraini army during a clash with security forces near the Pearl roundabout on February 18, 2011 in Manama, Bahrain. Protesters were fired at with live ammunitions, with protesters saying it was followed by teargas, which drove the demonstrators back.

Protesters run from a cloud of teargas during a clash with Bahraini security forces near the Pearl roundabout on February 18, 2011 in Manama, Bahrain. Protesters said that the army fired on them with live rounds, followed by teargas which drove the demonstrators back.

Bahrainis rush a wounded anti-regime protester into a hospital in Manama on February 18, 2011 after police opened fire on opposition protesters, wounding dozens of them, a day after four people were killed and some 200 wounded.

Bahraini army tanks take position near Pearl Square in Manama on February 17, 2011. Riot police stormed through the square firing rubber bullets and tear gas in a harsh crackdown on anti-regime protesters that left at least four dead, witnesses and opposition said.

A surgeon leads a protest at a hospital after at least four people died and hundreds were left injured when police stormed an anti-government protester camp in the capital's Pearl Square on February 17, 2011 in Manama, Bahrain.

Bahraini anti-government protesters take part in a demonstration calling for a regime change at Pearl Square in Manama on February 16, 2011. Thousands of Bahrainis chanted for a change of regime and a 'real constitutional monarchy' in the Gulf kingdom as they buried a second protester killed in clashes with police.

Police officers remove protesters' tents in Manama's Pearl Square on February 17, 2011. At least four people were killed overnight as Bahrain's security forces moved in to clear protesters camped out in a central Manama square, relatives of the dead said.

Yemeni anti-government protesters use a makeshift shield to protect a wounded demonstrator during clashes with regime loyalists in central Sanaa on February 17, 2011. At least 12 people were injured and police fired warning shots during the fierce clashes, an AFP reporter said.

Yemeni anti-government protesters stand near a burning vehicle during clashes with police in the southern city of Aden on February 16, 2011. Police shot and killed two protesters in Aden, medics said, while street unrest in the capital Sanaa against President Ali Abdullah Saleh flared for a fourth straight day.

People protest as they take part in the funeral of Sanee Zhaleh, a student who was shot dead during an opposition rally two days ago, in Tehran.

People take part in the funeral of Sanee Zhaleh, a student who was shot dead during an opposition rally two days ago, in Tehran.

A garbage container is set on fire as Iranian protesters stage an anti-government demonstration, under the pretext of rallies supporting Arab uprisings, in Tehran.

Egyptian anti-government demonstrators celebrate at Cairo's Tahrir Square after President Hosni Mubarak stepped down on February 11, 2011. Cairo's streets exploded in joy when Mubarak stepped down after three-decades of autocratic rule and handed power to a junta of senior military commanders.

Egyptian anti-government protesters celebrate at Cairo's Tahrir Square on February 11, 2011 after president Hosni Mubarak stepped down.

Cairo erupted with joyful dancing, singing and cries of triumph as Mubarak's 30-year rule came to an end following more than two weeks of mass protests.

Egyptian anti-government protesters celebrate outside the presidential palace in Cairo after president Hosni Mubarak stepped down on February 11, 2011.

Cairo's streets exploded in joy when Mubarak stepped down after three-decades of autocratic rule and handed power to a junta of senior military commanders.

Egyptian anti-government protesters celebrate at Cairo's Tahrir square on February 11, 2011 after president Hosni Mubarak stepped down.

Anti-government demonstrators grab for stones while charging a group of supporters of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on February 4, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt.

Yemeni anti-government protesters shout slogans during a "day of rage" protest against President Ali Abdullah Saleh's rule in Sanaa on February 3.

Egyptian anti-government protesters gather at Cairo's Tahrir Square on February 4, 2011 during "departure day" demonstrations to force President Hosni Mubarak to quit after he said he would like to step down but fears chaos would result.

Jordanian protesters from the Islamic Front, left wing parties and women activists protest against the naming of the new Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on February 2, 2011 in Amman, Jordan.

Egyptian anti-government protesters calling for the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak march in the coastal city of Alexandria on February 4, 2011.

A wounded Egyptian anti-government protester joins fellow demonstrators for Friday prayers at Tahrir Square in Cairo on February 4, 2011.

A man holds a portrait of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak during a protest against Mubarak's regime, following Friday prayers at the Beyazit square in Istanbul on February 4, 2011.

An Egyptian woman sits next to a barricade at Cairo's Tahrir square on February 4, 2011 as anti-government protesters were preparing to mass on the 11th day for sweeping "departure day" demonstrations to force President Hosni Mubarak to quit.

A supporter of embattled Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak rides a camel through the melee during a clash between pro-Mubarak and anti-government protesters in Tahrir Square on February 2, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt.

Egyptian anti-government demonstrators stand on an Egyptian army tank during a protest calling for the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak at Cairo's Tahrir square on February 2, 2011.

A car burns after being set alight by protesters near Tahrir Square during continued clashes between anti-government demonstrators and supporters of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak early on February 3, 2011 in Cairo.

Automatic gunfire intensified near the square before sunrise as the two groups skirmished throughout the night.

Egyptian soldiers try to prevent anti-government demonstrators (left) from battling pro-government opponents (right) in Cairo's Tahrir square on February 3, 2011 on the 10th day of protests calling for the ouster of embattled President Hosni Mubarak.

A wounded anti-government protester is carried off after being struck by a rock during clashes with pro-government supporters near a highway overpass on the edge of Tahrir Square the afternoon of February 3, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt.

An anti-government protester exhorts fellow demonstrators to make space for Egyptian army soldiers on February 3, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt. The Army positioned tanks between the protesters who had been battling with supporters of President Hosni Mubarak for the second day in and around Tahrir Square in Cairo.

Anti-government protesters clash with supporters of President Mubarak in Tahrir Square on February 2, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt. Yesterday President Hosni Mubarak announced that he would not run for another term in office, but would stay in power until elections later this year.

Egyptians regroup and argue about strategy in a side alley during a clash between pro- and anti-Mubarak protesters February 2, 2011 in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt.

A wounded Egyptian man is brought away from front lines during a clash between pro- and anti-Mubarak protesters February 2, 2011 in Tahrir Square in Cairo. Thousands of supporters of Egypt's longtime president and opponents of the regime clashed in Tahrir Square, throwing rocks and fighting with improvised weapons.

Protestors hold an anti-President Hosni Mubarek sign in Tahrir Square during afternoon anti-government protests January 31, 2011 in central Cairo, Egypt.

Supporters of Egypt protesters demonstrate at Piazza della Republica (Republic's square) in Rome on January 31, 2011.

European Union foreign ministers on Monday called on Egypt to embark on an 'orderly transition' leading the way to 'free and fair elections.'

Some 100 people took part in the demonstration in Rome.

Protestors hold an anti-President Hosni Mubarek sign in Tahrir Square during afternoon anti-government protests January 31, 2011 in central Cairo, Egypt.

Protestors stand with a soldier as he waves an Egyptian flag on an army tank in Tahrir Square on January 29, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt.

People carry the coffin of Egyptian demonstrator Mustafa Samer, during his funeral in Cairo on January 29, 2011.

Placards read: 'Funeral of the Martyr Mustafa Samer, Down With Mubarak'

Egyptians help an injured demonstrator during clashes with riot police in Cairo on January 29, 2011.

Protestors ride an armoured personnel carrier towards the Nile on January 29, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt.

An Egyptian man carries a sign during a demonstration against President Hosni Mubarek in Tahrir Square January 29, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt.

Marchers shake hands with Egyptian Army soldiers on tanks during a demonstration against President Hosni Mubarek in Tahrir Square January 29, 2010 in Cairo, Egypt.

Soldiers were for the most part interacting peacefully with the marchers in Tahrir Square during the afternoon hours, shaking hands and allowing them to stand briefly on their tanks.

A man stands on an army tank in Tahrir Square as the headquarters of the ruling National Democratic Party continue to burn on January 29, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt.

Locals pray in the street in front of The l-Istiqama Mosque watched by riot police in Giza on January 28, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt.

A demonstrator confronts riot police during a demonstration after the Friday noon prayer in Cairo on January 28, 2011.

Smoke Billows Into Evening Sky.

Thousands of Jordanian demonstrators attend a protest against Jordan's economic policies, demanding 'bread and freedom' and that the government resign on January 28, 2011.

A Jordanian boy holds a sign reading 'be aware of my hunger and anger' during a protest in Amman.

Egyptian demonstrators demanding the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak stand opposite anti-riot police during clashes in Suez, northern Egypt, on January 27, 2011

Egyptian demonstrators demanding the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak throw fire bombs at police in Suez on January 27, 2011.

A combo of pictures shows Egyptian demonstrators tearing a huge portrait of President Hosni Mubarak during a protest against his rule in the northern port city of Alexandria on January 27, 2011.

Egyptian demonstrators hold up placards during a protest in central Cairo to demand the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak and calling for reforms on January 25, 2011.

The protesters, carrying flags and chanting slogans against the government, rallied in a protest inspired by the uprising in Tunisia which led to the ouster of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Egyptian demonstrators protest in central Cairo amidst tear gas fire by Egyptian police on January 25, 2011.

Egyptian demonstrators demanding the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak and calling for reforms face riot police in Cairo.

Egyptian demonstrators tear down a poster of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria on January 25, 2011 while thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Cairo, facing a massive police presence, to demand the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak in a protest inspired by Tunisia's popular uprising.

A man walks past the torched vehicle belonging to the Arabic language al-Jazeera satellite television station during a demonstration in support of the caretaker prime minister Saad Hariri in the Sunni bastion coastal city of Tripoli north of Beirut on January 25, 2011.

Hundreds of people converged on Tripoli to take part in a 'day of rage' over the likely appointment as prime minister of Hezbollah-backed tycoon Najib Mikati.

Lebanese soldiers ride on their armoured vehciles towards a neighborhood in the capital Beirut during a demonstration in support of the caretaker prime minister Saad Hariri on January 25, 2011, as hundreds of people converged on the northern city of Tripoli to take part in a 'day of rage' over the likely appointment as prime minister of Hezbollah-backed tycoon Najib Mikati.

Supporters of the Future Movement rip a poster of Lebanese MP Najib Mikati during a demonstration in support of the caretaker prime minister Saad Hariri in the Sunni bastion coastal city of Tripoli.

Lebanese soldiers guard the streets as supporters of the Future Movement gather during a demonstration in support of the caretaker prime minister Saad Hariri (banner) in coastal city of Sidon, south of Beirut on January 25, 2011.

Lebanese civilians look on as a vehicle belonging to the Arabic language al-Jazeera satellite television station burns during a demonstration in support of the caretaker prime minister Saad Hariri in the Sunni bastion coastal city of Tripoli on January 25, 2011.

A Tunis resident throws a stone while a police officer shoots tear gas canister at residents from the central Tunisian region of Sidi Bouzid on January 26, 2011 in front of Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi's office in Tunis.

Residents from the central Tunisian region of Sidi Bouzid walk away on January 26, 2011 during clashes with security forces and residents of Tunis in front of Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi's office in Tunis.

Riot police tear-gassed protesters who have been rallying in the main government quarter in Tunis for four days after some of them tried to force a barrier, while security forces sealed off the area with barbed wire.

Protesters are calling for figures linked to ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's regime to be removed from the new government and for his powerful RCD party to be disbanded. Tunisia said January 26 it had issued an international arrest warrant for Ben Ali, who resigned this month amid protests against his regime and fled to Saudi Arabia.