If you thought the recent uprising and eventual overthrow of political rule in Egypt was one of those “once in a lifetime” moments, think again.
Following the forced resignation of Egyptian President Hosnai Mubarak, brought on by protesters exhausted from the constraints of dictator rule, other Middle East nations are experiencing a domino affect. From Jordan to Bahrain to Tehran, rulers are growing ever fearful that perhaps they may be subjected to the same fate as Mubarak and be pressured from power. And they’re not willing to go quietly.
During the uprising in Egypt, King Abdullah of Jordan replaced his entire cabinet in a preemptive move to alleviate any brewing dissension. And in Iran, the U.S. came out strongly in support of anti government protests following massive protests in Tehran, even going so far as to set up a special Twitter account promoting the Iranian people into an overthrow.
Now the latest uprising centers around Libya. Yesterday, civilians fought for control of Libya’s eastern city of Benghazi as residents accused troops and mercenaries of trying to crush an uprising against President Moammar Gadhafi by massacring more than 200 people. Last night, Gadhafi’s son, Mutassim, took to the airwaves and called protesters criminals, vowing to punish anyone who attempted an overthrow of his father.
The situation in the Middle East is a Catch-22 for the United States. Naturally, the U.S. prefers democratic rule over dictatorship. But if several Middle East leaders fall, it could create an unpredictable instability in the region for years to come.
DJ:"During the uprising in Egypt, King Abdullah of Jordan replaced his entire cabinet in a preemptive move to alleviate any brewing dissension."Uh-huh. As if the Jordanian people don't know WHO is actually IN control <giving> and to blame for the growing dissension.Look. Whether it's Jordan, Libya, Bahrain, Tehran…etc., ruling Dictators may not be willing to go quietly (in fact most of them AREN'T). But the truth is the *genie* is already OUT of the bottle. People in the Middle East (particularly the young, UNemployed, UNDERemployed and educated) want *Change.* They know it won't be easy and they know it won't happen over night. Many protestors have already died. Many more WILL die. But once an idea has taken root among the ill-treated masses that *idea* takes on a life of its own. It's extremely Powerful and very contagious.We'll see where it goes.Btw: I'm still crediting the American people election of the First Black President of the United States with planting the seed of *Change* in the minds of young people in the… Read more »