Thread: Middle East Uprising

The Arab world is in turmoil and facing civilian revolt. It all started with Tunisia, after which Egypt followed suit. Due to the size and success of Egypt, fellow Arabian countries are joining the revolt.

What are your feelings and opinions? Any words?

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My take:
The key factor to any country's success is to have a strong civilian base and support from the military. The military is really a key factor. It gives the people even greater courage and it disables the current hand in power.

This stupendous historical happening is something to look at and be proud of. It shows that people are becoming more and more educated. With this great increase in knowledge comes the ability to look for a better tomorrow and actually be able to achieve it. It brings hope. It brings inspiration and it gives me chills. If some of the most oppressed and downtrodden of countries can rise up to a new level of humanity and eventually happiness, then surely this world has a positive future.

Who knows, maybe a utopia is possible.

I think it's great that people are rising up against corrupt governments. I just hope it really is the people and we don't find out later down the road that someone else was behind all of it (though I do doubt that will happen).

I don't think we have to be very afraid of a new dictator rising to power in these countries. In all countries, people from all walks of life (and all faiths) together had had enough.

Particularly now that several countries freed themselves, dictators still reigning in other countries will be careful to give the people more freedom and rights, as otherwise they know they'll likely face the same fate.

Big difference compared to "old" revolutions is also that the people have much more ways to stay up to date with what's happening. Previously, uprisings would not be televised (just happy dancing people on state televion). Nowadays, even the most remote areas have uncensorable satellite tv and internet (also if needed through satellite). There's so much technology available it's hard for a dictator to keep the population totally unaware.

does anyone agree that the social media has helped in allowing the flow of information get out

It has definitely helped connecting people swiftly and over long distances, but IMHO its value also shouldn't be overstated. The revolutions went on smoothly when internet access was cut off. I feel it's more of a catalyst than the root cause some (normal) media have been portraying it to be.

I believe it's about time for the Arab world to wake up and throw away all those corrupted dictators and despotic schemes who suck up all their countries wealth and treasures and leave the people in hunger and despair...of course as long as the Western world doesn't take advantage of all this happening down there just for its own interests and benefits...

im afraid but its just a well-planned protests, hope that new governments wont be worse than the old ones, like it happended in iran, and hope that everything will be okay and we will not see the Iraqi scenario

The internet has played a huge part in this. One of the primary tools of a dictorial government is controlling the flow of information. State run newspapers, radio, and TV stations.

However with the rise of the internet, there has been a free flow of information in a way that never previously been possible.

Governments have tried to control or restrict people's access but have never really succeeded, and their failure in this regard, ultimately will leed to their downfall.

Information is power.

I am really afraid which country will these liberated pick as their standard... I hope those countries will rise and get richer, more educated and still keep their wisdom and independence. The major thing in this issue is now: Who will they pick as their next leader?