The reform movements occurring across the Middle East during the "Arab Spring" have highlighted the importance of U.S. Central Command efforts to establish and maintain enduring military-to-military relationships. These relationships provide the United States with unique avenues to build trust with partner nations, address mutual security interests, and support U.S. diplomatic initiatives. The activities that help advance these relationships also serve as a steadying influence—a signal of commitment to our allies—and will remain crucial as the United States seeks to understand and respond to the historic changes occurring in the region. In order to properly respond to the dynamics of the Arab Spring, we must more fully understand them. Toward that end, listening to and learning from our friends and allies in the region are an integral part of this strategy. Relationships facilitated through military-to-military engagements provide a vital channel of communications that allow for the open and honest exchange of ideas as a catalyst for popular participation and change.