The world cheered when the Arab world seemed to rise up and throw out their dictators in favor of democracy. However, it looks like the adoption of democracy is much harder than casting off a dictator. What do you think is going to be the ultimate fate of those Arab Spring countries. Will they adopt a form of democracy, or did they just substitute one dictator for another?
You are a bit early to get an answer yet. I just watched what the Liberian women did to their dictator, so their is some hope out there.
Yeah, well its not too early for Egypt and Tunisia. Egypt has been targeting the Copts and driving them out, elections have been delayed. It doesn't look good. I genuinely have no idea about Tunisia. Last I heard there was unrest and the military was putting it down, but that was months ago and I do not know how bad that is. That all supports my claim that yes, Gaddafi is dead. But the hardest part is still to come. Its easy to spit on a corpse...not as easy to fix a country.
You may be right, the unrest may indeed result in further crackdowns and, eventually, a new dictator. I'm leaning more towards these North-African countries becoming more democratic and stabilizing... but agree that can only happen if the people who eventually come into power have enough support from their people. In my mind, the biggest hurdle is on the economic front. If the people don't have sufficient access to food and water, due to economic instability, then yes... it's not going to be pretty. Egypt shouldn't have trouble there, if the military remains loyal to the people instead of a General or whatever. If the military decides to put one of their own in charge (and there is a history of power-hungry military there), and the people revolt... it could be similar to Libya's recent events. Libya itself is in a high state of flux right now. The various tribes and loyalties there are a major hurdle, but one thing about the clans there is the possibility of compromising for the benefit of all. There is a strong likelyhood that the majority of clans will see the bigger picture and come to a compromise. Anti-American sentiment has lessened considerably in these countries, and that in and of itself is a positive. The access to information from the internet and cell-phones has resulted in a more informed public World-wide. In the old days, it was relatively easy for someone to rise into power uncontested and eventually become a dictator. Today, the people are rising up and voicing their dissent, and forming rebellions, which while destabilizing in nature, will amount to fairer leaders. Overall, I believe the situations in North-Africa will result in better societies there. I'm not so optimistic about Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc.
