Contested leaders of the Middle East and North Africa (9 images)

Libya: Leader Moammar Gaddafi, the region's longest ruling authoritarian ruler, has met anti-government protesters with deadly force. There have been massive demonstrations in 5 cities. Photo: Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi addresses the 64th General Assembly at the United Nations on September 23, 2009 in New York City. UPI /Monika Graff

Algeria: Protesters began to rally Saturday, February 12, 2011 in Algeria. They are calling for the establishment of a legitimate democracy. The autocratic Abdelaziz Bouteflika has been in power since 1999. Photo: Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of Algeria, speaks at the 64th United Nations General Assembly in the UN building in New York City on September 23, 2009. UPI/John Angelillo

Bahrain: Protests began Monday, February 14, 2011 in the capital, Manama. The government has reacted with force and deadly toward the protesters. Photo: United States President George W. Bush (not shown) meets with King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa of Bahrain in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, March 25, 2008. (UPI Photo/Ron Sachs/Pool)

Iran: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has faced anti-government sentiments since his contested election in 2009. Recently, there as been a resurgence of anti-government protests followed by pro-government demonstrations on February 18, 2011. Photo: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks during an interview with Iranian state-run television at the presidential place in Tehran, Iran on Dec 18,2010. Ahmadinejad announced a plan to start to cut subsides for energy and food in Iran. Photo provided by the presidential office. UPI