jackytoo

Problem is they will still be doing the same when they get another leader

bil

I suppose the hope is that the new leader will be elected and for a limited term. Ideally this movement would slide the whole arab world into a more secular, democratic world.

With dictators in place, the average citizen doesn't have access to a free press, and is kept repressed, which encourages a more fundamentalist attitude.

Secular people in a democracy tend to be more questioning of idiots who want to go out and kill people.

jackytoo

On the other hand they could get a state like Iran.

bil

Do you really reckon that that is the way things could go? These people want democracy, and freedom from opression.

Back in the Russian revolution, they went from a feudal serf system under a czar, to a slave state under Stalin, without ever having approached democracy.

Nowadays everyone has a good chance of accessing the internet. For good reason it is something feared by dictators, cf the Chinese attempts to control it.

With the internet comes knowledge, data and freedom. Truly a heady mix.

steviedeluxe

By all accounts, the Libyan tanks and armoured vehicles are being steadily wiped out. I'm sure that Dave n Sarkozky didn't factor this in when they pressed for military intervention, and that they're only attacking for humanitarian reasons, but when the dust settles there's going to be a lot of orders for fresh military equipment.

jackytoo

What worries me I was told by a relative, who until recently lived in Libya, that two of the main places that have been rebelling(can't remember their names) have been heavily involved in travelling to Iraq to fight. I really hope it goes well, if only for our sake but I am pessimistic about all of the "revolutions". The ordinary people may just want democracy, jobs etc. but there are always leaders who have their own agenda.

Rosemary

I do hope that you will be proved wrong but I am afraid that history seems to dictate that leaders will do what they want to and that even applies to our own, (UK), so called leaders. The only thing in our favour is that at least we can vote them out.

Graham

whitelinen

If you live in Spain you cannot vote Spanish leaders out.
I dont British think expats should be able to vote in a UK general election.

Rosemary

The "we" was a figure of speech, I was talking about UK parliament. Hence the "our own UK" etc.


Graham

bil

Suits me. They are all scum.

betris

who the ex pats or the politcians

jackytoo

The "rebels" are now lobbing missiles into towns held by Gaddafi...I presume there are civilians there too Very well organised these rebels....how long before they turn on the West...3 weeks, any guesses??

bil

Do you mean militarily or politically?

All things are possible, but I really think you have your negative hat on with this one.

jackytoo

yes I am very negative about it. Strange that all the media are supporting it

bil

Why so negative? Should Gadaffi be allowed to go on torturing, raping and murdering Libyans on an ad hoc basis?