One way in which the motives for the arab spring and for the french revolution are similar is that people wanted to

The answer is 2. Alter the government to bring about reform

The Arab Spring and the French Revolution were both reactions to a system seen as unjust to the ordinary people of the country.

The citizens of the nations stood together against a dictator, tyrant and an absolute King who did not like to share power and did not believe in the will of the people.

For common people during the French revolution and the Arab Spring, there were few economic opportunities. Freedom of Speech were strictly curtailed and minorities were oppressed. 

Both movements also led to several clashes between government forces and rebels causing hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.

Till date, the success of both the French Revolution and the Arab Spring highly debated among academics.

The answer to the first one is barometer.

Empty quarter and sandy desert