(Ha'aretz) Zvi Bar'el - It would be more accurate to define the current revolutions in the Arab world as a transitional stage from alienation to citizens' identification with their countries; not wars of independence being fought against colonial occupation, but rather an effort to assume ownership over the countries left by colonialists and their successors, and by dictators that were later deposed. The concept of "people's representation" has increasingly entered the lexicon of public discourse. In addition to a feeling that every vote has real significance this time - which illustrates the difference between the past two years and the previous 60 - there is the feeling of belonging and state identification that has germinated and bloomed in those two years. The West is beginning to recognize that alliances between its governments and Arab rulers will henceforth have to rely on public opinion.
2012-12-27 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive