SPQR,

"endemic corruption..and privatisation....marginalising enormous segments of the population, which barely subsisted while a small group of their compatriots accumulated generous benefits."

http://www.whistleblower.org/blog/31-2010/1083-arab-uprisings-show-the-impact-of-the-world-bank-and-the-imf

That's usually the way it goes....when one is "subsisting", SPQR, a rise in food prices (much of which was caused by speculaltion in global markets) tends to make you hungry.

Yeah...Mubarak and his Egyptian and Western cohorts were saints....

To me at least the underlying gist here is let's protect what we have & don't open the gates when those people who can't handle the situation after getting rid of a so-called dictator, start eying our shores.
We'd be much wiser to stop importing mindlessness & start exporting practical sense. Rid the foreign affairs departments of experts & replace them with people who know. It's the only way to better the world in my book. Assist those poorer countries with pragmatism & materials not cash. Our building industry is screaming for work. Let's create some with the money that otherwise goes into the accounts of a few. We could pre-fab so much here & create a win-win situation in the long run.

individual,

Love your mindset....regarding the building industry crying out for work...maybe the concreting industry might be the way to go. We could build a great big wall around Australia.

I hear that strategy is being employed with great success in another country.

<<"endemic corruption..and privatisation....marginalising enormous segments of the population, which barely subsisted while a small group of their compatriots accumulated generous benefits.">>

So Poriot, if Egypt's problems stem mainly from Mr Ms corrupt rule.
Then the military or (your mates) in the Muslim Brotherhood should be able to turn things around now he's gone.
My prediction is things will not change much for the underclasses no matter who rules.

PS Mr M was no saint, but he's far & away ahead of some of the saints the Muslim Brotherhood & their allies are likely to dignify.

<<Love your mindset....regarding the building industry crying out for work...maybe the concreting industry might be the way to go. We could build a great big wall around Australia.

I hear that strategy is being employed with great success in another country>>

Yep! It works for much of Asia --though not via a wall.
You only need a strong wall if your leaders have a weak backbone.
Just say "No, to illegals!" & send them packing.

build a great big wall around Australia.
Poirot,
cheaper to keep the ALP supporters away from the coast when boats arrive.

individual,

It seems I was a little hard on the last of your posts to which i replied.... you offered some practical ideas.

SPQR,

Yes endemic corruption by the Egyptian elite...but supported by those Western institutions...some would call that a partnership.