Pyramid Power

Seeing the people of Egypt – young, old, rich, poor, men, women, Muslim, Christian – rise up against the dictator Mubarak, has captured the imagination of the world.

We sense we are witnessing one of those rare moments of historical transformation, akin to the fall of the Berlin Wall or the deposing of the Shah of Iran. It's too early, though, to tell which one the outcome will more resemble.

But here are some random reactions to events so far.

The popular uprising in Egypt, and the earlier one in Tunisia, has changed the Western world's view of Arabs. On our TV screens, we're being confronted with a challenge to the stereotype of fanatical "ragheads" screaming, "Death to America!" We're seeing people who look a lot like us crying out for dignity, freedom, and justice. Brave people we can admire.

Seems they don't hate our freedoms after all. Seems they just want some for themselves as well.

You don't need to invade their country to bring them democracy. They can do it themselves with Twitter and Facebook.

You sense the effect on Arabs themselves has been galvanizing. In gaining the respect of the world, they have reclaimed their own self-respect. The resulting surge in self-confidence could transform the Middle East not just politically, but economically and socially.

"Stability" is a euphemism for repression, not a synonym for democracy. Our fear of terrorism has led us to support the former instead of the later.

When F-16's roar over the crowd, we're reminded that totalitarian regimes throughout the Middle East are armed by the United States. (Hey, maybe that's why Stephen Harper wants those new jets.)

Speaking of Harper, his words of support for peaceful protestors in the streets of Cairo rings hollow, given his repression of protestors in the streets of Toronto.

Mubarak has to go. The U.S., the army, Egypt's wealthy can provide the push. Some interim leader acceptable to them as well as the people in the streets can hold the fort until elections in September. It's important, though, that a legal process be followed so that the new government has legitimacy and international recognition.

Israel can't be too happy. U.S.-sponsored "stability" ensured that client Arab states weren't actively hostile to Israel. If a popular democratic movement sweeps the Middle East, that is likely to change in some cases. Israel has shown in the past that it won't hesitate to react if it feels threatened.

A significant portion of global trade passes through the Suez Canal (in Egypt). And of course, the Middle East is a major oil producing region. Instability in the area will result in higher oil prices with the associated effects on the global economy.

There are always dangers present when the old order is swept away, but opportunities as well. Whatever the results of the current popular uprisings throughout the Middle East, they just may mark the beginning of an Arab Renaissance.