What is the term for the period of political and social unrest in the Middle East that began in 2011?

Throughout the Middle East and North Africa, civilian protests and ... As of March 3, 2011 - events may change and level of protest may differ

Throughout the Middle East and North Africa, civilian protests and revolts have erupted as people’s frustrations with their conditions appear to have boiled over. At the end of 2010, 26 year old Tunisian fruit vendor Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire in protest at his treatment by local authorities. The ensuing public outrage eventually ousted a 23-year old dictatorship. But this event was not limited to just Tunisia. It seems that event was the final spark that unleashed popular uprisings and frustrations throughout the Middle East and North Africa.