The Arab world: Waking from its sleep
"A quiet revolution has begun in the Arab world; it will be complete only when the last failed dictatorship is voted out.
In almost every Arab country, fertility is in decline, more people, especially women, are becoming educated, and businessmen want a bigger say in economies dominated by the state. Above all, a revolution in satellite television has broken the spell of the state-run media and created a public that wants the rulers to explain and justify themselves as never before.
On their own, none of these changes seems big enough to prompt a revolution. But taken together they are creating a great agitation under the surface. The old pattern of Arab government—corrupt, opaque and authoritarian—has failed on every level and does not deserve to survive. At some point it will almost certainly collapse. The great unknown is when."
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14082930
Salam
Ironically, the Economist depicted "Arabs" as appeared in their theme picture, whereas as the Arab Gulf (GCC) was not mentioned in the article....lol
Salam
Actually, in the cases I mentioned, it was external forces, who usually preach democracy that influenced the local governments to take action.
I see how many countries would rather put their money and trust in the hands of expats instead of investing in their own qualified people with local brains.
Democratic countries you mentioned have a will and agenda of their own, and they don’t represent the majority of their population.
Salam
I meant that they are being educated and being ready fo work - But there isn't any.. This is causing problems within..
As far as "democracy" is concerned, it is an oft usewd word by the major powers, but only at their terms..
Democratic parties , voted in by the populace in Egypt, Algeria, Chile and even Haiti were disregarded because they went against our ideals.
You can't, Happy. Simple as that.
Unless you would like to have more say in the government than a democracy is the way to go. An obsolute conservative Monach will only leads to totalitarian style of governance, mismanagement and abusive of power that an ordinary citizen will not challenge. Even if the basic needs of the people are addressed, it would be very limited in nature like living under a coconut shell with both hands and legs tied. The ideal would be a Monarch, if need be, with an elected parliment so as to check the balance of power and to raise the concern and voice of the people.
I agree with you, our governments should decide on all crucial internal and foreign affairs, but how can you guarantee they will do it in the interest of their people not for their own vested interests?
Salam
A majority of arabs still prefer to remain orthodox and very conservative, not ready to accept the change. Democracy will get crazy and more corrupt if they follow the footsteps of the west blindly.
Our government should decide that government have no business to be in business it will solve a lot of issues and government can concentrate on Law and order, Military and civil defense, education and health care, infrastructure and facilities more religiously than before.
ppl are not concerned as long as they r safe and their govt look;s up for their good
though there r always few who have a habbit of fingering into every system(which is never perfect)
but the system of one man rule for the whole country in the arab world is a blessing where their ppl and others feel safe
offcource bring up changes to a particular sector are situational recation again for the betterment of the ppl
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My boss told me " you are fired"
I told him " boss i didnt hear the shot"
What do you mean by "whom the governments don't know what to do with"?
Salam
I would argue with two things... Firstly in Saudi and the gulf especially, there is a high percentage of educated under twenties, whom the governments don't know what to do with.
Secondly, change is brought about by the people themselves if they feel that it will lead to an improved life.. this doesn't seem to be happening at present..
I'm not proud of current democracies either, yet I see clean and free elections in some of our Arab countries, as a good start and one way (out of many other ways) for people to have their say about education, health care, judicial system and security issues and so on and so forth.
Salam
I think the article is being a bit harsh. Democracy is not always the answer. As the article says, the people want education, tolerance and independent institutions especially the judiciary and a free press.
As far as how much the populace want it? That's a hard question.. Many prefer a benevelant Monarch. many don't want to have the choice. Many , as in Egypt , jut put up with it..