The events in North Africa are happening so fast: Two dictators down, one on the way. A surprise to many who watch political events around planet Earth.
However, it seems that, strange as it may appear, there are a few similarities in a mountain of differences. Tunisia is not Egypt, and Egypt is not Libya. Tunisia and Egypt do not have oil resources, but Libya has a lot. Tunisia’s Ben Ali was supported by France, while Egypt’s Mubarak was a good friend of the US administration. Libya’s Gaddafi was once on the US terrorist list until 2003 when the West befriended him and his largess included very profitable contracts.
Yet, given the excellent relations between the US military establishment with the military men in Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt, what is in the work in this area reminds me of the South American military regimes of the 1970s, some of which still remain in power.
Others like Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Brazil have seen the birth of civilian and “democratic” governments.
Will the North African people make sure their revolutions do not get confiscated by the men in military uniforms and guns? That is the six-million dollar question.
However, it seems that, strange as it may appear, there are a few similarities in a mountain of differences. Tunisia is not Egypt, and Egypt is not Libya. Tunisia and Egypt do not have oil resources, but Libya has a lot. Tunisia’s Ben Ali was supported by France, while Egypt’s Mubarak was a good friend of the US administration. Libya’s Gaddafi was once on the US terrorist list until 2003 when the West befriended him and his largess included very profitable contracts.
Yet, given the excellent relations between the US military establishment with the military men in Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt, what is in the work in this area reminds me of the South American military regimes of the 1970s, some of which still remain in power.
Others like Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Brazil have seen the birth of civilian and “democratic” governments.
Will the North African people make sure their revolutions do not get confiscated by the men in military uniforms and guns? That is the six-million dollar question.
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