Minor incidents can lead to major disasters.

I genuinely fear what may unfold on the streets at the souks if this stand-off continues. Mobs behave in irrational ways...the people trying to 'control' them can themselves get out of control. I have seen this happen in the U.K. It's not pretty.

If there was ever serious trouble (and I hope that never does happen) what might the resultant crackdown bring?

Maybe I'm looking towards a worst-case scenario...but it's not beyond comprehension that it could happen.