Those born in the 1980s and 1990s helped lead the Arab Spring movements, pressing for more open and democratic societies. Author Juan Cole says they are just beginning to reshape the Middle East, with a mindset that is more liberal, less religious and unencumbered by the past.Those born in the 1980s and 1990s helped lead the Arab Spring movements, pressing for more open and democratic societies. Author Juan Cole says they are just beginning to reshape the Middle East, with a mindset that is more liberal, less religious and unencumbered by the past.