Overthrow of Tunisian President Jolts Arab Region

Depending on one’s position, the protests that drove the Tunisian president from power inspire either hope or fear about a domino effect. Citizens living under brutal authoritarian regimes throughout the Middle East, from Algeria to Yemen, resent corruption, limited political participation and dismal economic conditions have responded with a burst of anger unnerving leaders and their foreign allies. Internet calls for new leader and systems of governance are bandied about via Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites. “Almost no government in the region is immune from the combustible combination of grievances that sparked the uprising in Tunisia,” report Liz Sly and Leila Fadel for the Washington Post, listing “inflation, joblessness and the hopelessness of living in a country where opportunity is the preserve of a tiny ruling elite.” To counter anger among its own citizens, the Saudi government announced support for the Tunisian people. Citizen anger may not topple rulers, but could curb arrogance, corruption and unfair distribution of resources. – YaleGlobal