During the first half of 2011, a wave of popular uprisings swept the Middle East, toppling several autocratic rulers. Some commentators believe that the pervasiveness of social networks like Facebook...

During the first half of 2011, a wave of popular uprisings swept the Middle East, toppling several autocratic rulers. Some commentators believe that the pervasiveness of social networks like Facebook and Twitter was crucial to the success of these revolutions. Others, most notably author Malcolm Gladwell, believe that Facebook and Twitter were not important at all. Research first-hand accounts and news reporting from this time period, and answer this question: How crucial were Facebook and Twitter in the Middle Eastern revolutions of 2011? Be sure to explain your reasoning, and support it with evidence.