one of the problems with the revolution in iran in 1979 - which was an attempt to return to democracy (ousted by interference from usa in imposing the shah and getting rid of the democratically elected government in 1953) - was that iraq went to war with iran. this was supported by the usa - on the side of iraq. it led to a consolidating of the fundamentalist regime in iran, which gave rise to autocratic government when the wish of the iranian people and those involved in the revolution (apart from the clerics and ayatollah ruholla khomeini) was for democracy.

yet again, it is interference from outside - so often either the 'super powers' or with the support of the 'super powers' that puts an end to the people's wish for democratic government.

jocelynne, It is always the fault of the USA, the West, Colonialism, you name it.... Isn't it?

The idea that people in "third world" countries, particularly Muslims, may be responsible for their actions is beyond most people today. In case you weren't around 30 years ago, the US is not responsible for the rise of radicals in Iran - the people accepted it in the name of Islam. Also, in case you don't remember, the US played both sides in that stupid evil war (ie, the Iran-Contra scandal) in the name of geo-politics. Sadam Hussain was responsible for that war. Period.

For most of the developing world, democracy means "my group is in charge". This is particularly true in Islamic societies, that have a built-in autocratic factor that puts equality and human rights behind religious dogma. Or haven't you noticed?

"Prediction Is Hard, Especially About The Future."

This line is variously attributed to Niels Bohr and Yogi Berra. Despite the warning I'll risk a prediction.

A decade from now the Egyptian people will be even poorer and more desperate than they are now.

Not much will have changed elsewhere in the Arab world.