The Arab Spring? should we be very cautious about the eventual outcome?

[Bobbisox]

Was the world a safer place when the above was under the rule of of the now "hated" leaders of these countries?
What will be the consequences?
good or bad

[DrFilth]

that is why the brits did not vote

[DrFilth]

even the bbc censor the word palestine out of songs

http://alethonews.wor...estine-from-rap-song/

[Bobbisox]

brb Dr,

[DrFilth]

some things never change
>
>
>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntLsElbW9Xo

[Brenden]

Was Palestine ever a sovereign nation?

[DrFilth]

well the un are happy to acknowledge hamas

Hamas is the Palestinian Islamic or Islamist political party that governs the Gaza Strip.Since June 2007 Hamas has governed the Gaza portion of the Palestinian Territories, after it won a majority of seats in the Palestinian Parliament in the January 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections The European Union, the United States,Canada,Israel and Japan classify Hamas as a terrorist organization, while the United Nations and nations such as Russia, Turkey and Switzerland do not.

[ichkeria]

Here's a revolutionary idea: perhaps the peoples of the Middle East would actually like to live in freedom and peace. Perhaps they aren't all religious fanatics, sucide bombers etc. etc. Perhaps they've seen what life can be like in other countries and would actually like some of the same.
The people of Egypt in particular are a highly educated and intelligent people who probably don't appreciate being patronised by journalists like Robert Fisk, and in particular, rubbished by many of the people from the counties they look up to (like Britain)

[Brenden]

jno. Were not the muslim brotherhood responsible for the assassination of Egypts President Sadat and three attempted assassination on President Nasser.? They are a strong political force and getting stronger. Not moderate in my opinion.

[Bobbisox]

ichkeria no one on here has cast dispersions on the high intelligence of the Arab people?
it is a volatile situation there and ripe for the extremist elements to take a hold of

[jno]

Brenden, no, Sadat's assassination was backed by al-Gama al-Islamiyya, which is non at all non-violent - in fact it was set up when the Brotherhood renounced violence (rather as breakaway IRA factions form when they don't want to go along with peace deals). Their involvement in attempts on Nasser's life (which happened before the renunciation of violence anyway) is still in dispute.

http://en.wikipedia.o...Gama%27a_al-Islamiyya

[Gromit]

Yes we should be cautious. One of two things could happen.

1) The old leaders could be replaced with new ones who are equally as bad and the countries are cheated of the democracy they hope for.

or 2) Some force of democracy does take hold and the new elected leaders do in fact represent the views of the people, which might not necessarily be good news for the UK and US.

The UK (and US) seem to be engaging in a very inconsistent and confusing policy. We are supporting the revolutions in Libya, Syria, Egypt and Tunisia but supporting the western friendly dictators in UAE, Saudi etc. As usual, our actions are motivated by self interest rather than what is right and good for those peoples.

[dr b]

In this week's Economist, an Egyptian official was quoted as saying "If we get this right, in 10 years we could be Turkey. If we get it wrong in 18 months we'll be Pakistan." So that's a little worrisome.

[ichkeria]

"The UK (and US) seem to be engaging in a very inconsistent and confusing policy. We are supporting the revolutions in Libya, Syria, Egypt and Tunisia but supporting the western friendly dictators in UAE, Saudi etc. As usual, our actions are motivated by self interest rather than what is right and good for those peoples."

Well, spot the difference, which is that there are or have been upheavals in some countries, and in those situations Britan has, rightly IMO, supported the aspirations of those who are rebelling.
In Saudi Arabia and the UAE there have not been any uprisings (yet).
Don't forget, additionally, that Egypt and Tunisia were "western friendly" and indeed so was Libya to an extent, since Gaddafi realised he had more to gain by cosying up to western powers.

[Bobbisox]

In Saudi Arabia and the UAE there have not been any uprisings?

I believe a one was quelled in Bahrain and it teeters on the edge of such uprisings

[emmie]

this is a very volatile region, and not to underestimate that when they are destabilised, they are ripe for a stronger faction to move in.

[ichkeria]

"I believe a one was quelled in Bahrain and it teeters on the edge of such uprisings "

Bahrain is not in the UAE