Revolution in the Arab World

Four days ago I was invited to take part in a panel on the Middle East at Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. I sat together with Senator McGovern and Writer Ron Estes to discuss this issue before an audience of some 200 people in the Student Center.

For someone of my generation, sitting beside George McGovern whom I still remember very well from when he ran against Nixon in 1972, made one of the days which I will always remember.

I had the opportunity during this debate to mention that the real threat to US security and interests in the region is the possibility of revolution. We then knew what had happened in Tunisia. As I write these words, we are following developments in Egypt, where President Mubarak has forced the government to resign but has not, as yet, been made to leave power by his own people.

The Administration seems to have realized how delicate it's position is in the area, and has changed its attitude and speech in the last hours. About time too! Mubarak is a strong US ally, sort of. Egypt has been and is a nuisance in many ways. And I don't totally share the argument that any such regime is better than whatever can come out of the unrest.

But certainly the US has to make up for the lost years and get a bonding message across to civil society and moderate opposition in the country. Many Egyptians cannot understand why we always stand behind dictators and repressive regimes for decades, and do not also promote relations with alternative leaders, thus leaving the way open for radicals to challenge the establishment and take power eventually.

The next few hours will be crutial to Mubarak's regime. I, for one, will be neither surprised nor unhappy to see him leave.