While the Arab Revolution might or might not prove as seminal as the French or the Russian, it has changed the geopolitics significantly and irrevocably.
Mubarak’s fall may bring Iran closer to Egypt than ever before. Iran has taken a pro-people stand and hopes to reap a harvest of good-will in the Arab world. The Iranian Opposition has also extended support to the movement, though for different reasons.
The people’s movement, in bringing down the former President Hosni Mubarak, has once again showed the power of peaceful protest and ideas. There are many lessons to be learnt from the transformative developments.
The events in Tunisia and Egypt have raised hopes among the people and, on the other hand alarmed the undemocratic and authoritarian Arab rulers. Time has arrived for the rulers to take note of the aspirations of the people.
In the past India has followed a policy of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries. However, it cannot shy away from its commitment and support to a peaceful mass movement for political reform.
The recent clashes that occurred between the Uighur Muslims and the Han Chinese workers in a toy factory and the subsequent spread of violence throughout the Xinjiang Uighur region have elicited strong responses from around the world. The clashes led to the death of over 184 people and left hundreds injured. The issue has also drawn world attention for the way it has been handled by the Chinese government.
Wake-up Call for Persian Gulf Rulers
Rulers of Gulf states should initiate reforms to accommodate the voices and aspirations of different sections of their societies.