Confused about all the protests? Here is everything you need to know.

[dixiegrrrrl]

This lays out the various countries' issues in a clear, readable summarization.

"First it was Tunisia. Then it was Libya, Algeria, Jordan, Yemen, Albania, Lebanon and Egypt.
Suddenly, civil unrest has erupted in countries, some of which have been under authoritarian rule for decades, all over the Middle East and North Africa.

What happened? And what does the future hold for this volatile region of the world? Here's everything you need to know about the leaders, the protesters and the problems in each of the nations that have been gripped by protests over these last few weeks."

The list:

http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/nationworld/report/012911_middle_east_upheaval

( what goes on in Tunisia does not stay in Tunisia...lol)

[FrenchieCat]

1. Is the current civil unrest in multiple ME countries an accident?

Somehow, I don't really think so.

Here's one take: http://www.democratsforprogress.com/2011/01/30/cairo-egypt-then-and-now/

[Catherina]

2. That's some of the funniest shit I've read all week. Cute new forum n/t

[FrenchieCat]

4. First they ignore, then they laugh......

I differ from your viewpoint.

[happyslug]

3. Reminds me of the Comment attributed to Metternich regarding the 1848 Revolution

"When France Sneezes, all of Europe catches Cold."

For more on Metternich:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klemens_von_Metternich

[SheilaT]

5. "They have learned nothing and forgotten nothing"

from Talleyrand, about the Bourbons.