The Middle East Turmoil

February 24, 2011.

The Middle East Turmoil
By T.S. Khanna, 2-24-2011.

Unprecedented political turmoil in the Middle Eastern countries indicates a partnership between protesters and technology. Revolutionaries in those countries demand a change in the political landscape.

As the protesters only tangible goal is to displace the dictator without any clear vision for his replacement, some revolutions start out with hopes and cheers but end up in despair and tears.

Dictatorship seems to be the launching pad for democracy. However, the protesters concept of democracy is limited to elections only, not extended to the democratic structure and operations of government.

To win the respect and obedience of people, politicians are likely to use appeals that have their roots deep in the past. Since religion and modern democracy are usually at odds, societies with high religious intensity are likely to be led into theocratic democracy. They may elect a leader to run the government based on religious, not secular, principles.

Eventually, with an increasing demand for freedom and economic development and several rounds of additional protests, they are likely to evolve a pattern of government not yet discernible.