Originally Posted by Mahratta

Indeed. However, there is an undercurrent of commonality in the causes for unrest around the region (and really, around the "developing" countries generally) - while the people got used to poverty and relatively high unemployment, it's the sudden spike in inflation for basic goods that's served as a spark...

So, while the cultural reasons for protest may be different, there is a common economic ground, I think, to this global unrest. Of course, there's other factors - perhaps most importantly the specifics of governance and government - that determine the degree and intent of protests. I think that North Africa (and perhaps the rest of the Middle East, in due time) is seeing so much of this is because of the compounding of the cultural, economic, and political factors...

That's very true. It's been going on for too long and people just became fed up. Without the access to basic rights of food, shelter and decent standard of living for many people, and on top of that inflation. All this while the government is talking about increases in GDP and exports. So where is this money going? .... The answer's pretty clear.

Originally Posted by RyanC

What is their government/military usually like though?
(egypt)
/ is ignorant

Usually, it varies based on what aspect you`re looking at. But in the 1990s for example, Mubarak`s government was very active with growth of the country. But for the past 15 or so years, inflation has gone up along with unemployment and poverty rates while exports and GDP has somehow increased. Certain ministries have been doing very well in the past few years, no doubt. I`m not sure if that answers your question.
As for the military, it`s huge (2 mil) and it`s generally regarded in high standing by everyone in the population. Of course there`s a loyalty to the regime, but the population would never hate the people who were crucial in freeing the country of Israeli occupation in 1976.

Update: There is now a so-called curfew for people to be in their homes between 6PM (supposedly right now there) and 7 AM. Yeah... that`s not happening anytime soon.

Look at this for live events as they happen:

http://livenews.thestar.com/Event/Protests_in_Egypt

5 tanks are heading for the city centre atm.

"Thousands are marching through the streets of Alexandria in defiance of the curfew, Al Jazeera reports. They're chanting, "illegitimate" and there is no one trying to stop them."

"Thousands of people in Jordan have taken to the streets in protests, demanding the country's prime minister step down, Al Jazeera reports.
They're angry about rising prices, inflation and unemployment. It's the third consecutive Friday of demonstrations. "Prices are on fire and so are the Jordanians," protesters chanted, denouncing Prime Minister Samir Rifai. Activists from Jordan's main opposition group, trade unions and leftist organizations are among the 3,500 protestors. Another 2,500 people in six other Jordanian cities are also demanding Rifai step down."

Live video here: http://english.aljazeera.net /watch_now/

This is getting actually insane!

President of Egypt = The Joker from The Dark Knight

"Introduce a little ANARCHY.."

Originally Posted by Kendoon

President of Egypt = The Joker from The Dark Knight

"Introduce a little ANARCHY.."

True.. but Health Ledger = awesome.. Mubarak.. not so much :@

The tyranny in Egypt is the West and Israel's fault. Had Israel, Canada, Uk, US... not supported Mubarak and his dictatorship, there would be no problem in Egypt.

Originally Posted by Commander

The tyranny in Egypt is the West and Israel's fault. Had Israel, Canada, Uk, US... not supported Mubarak and his dictatorship, there would be no problem in Egypt.

Isn't this what politics is all about.. It's just never-ending.

Originally Posted by Commander

The tyranny in Egypt is the West and Israel's fault. Had Israel, Canada, Uk, US... not supported Mubarak and his dictatorship, there would be no problem in Egypt.

everything in the world is israels fault .. except natalie portman

Originally Posted by Drizzy

everything in the world is israels fault .. except natalie portman

With this one comment you have jumped from "poor troll" to "man of exquisite taste and virtue" on my list of people on MacInsiders.

Good day to you sir, and may the Portman bring you many nude scenes.

Originally Posted by Drizzy

everything in the world is israels fault .. except natalie portman

This might be the best post ive ever seen on a forum.

Originally Posted by Kendoon

With this one comment you have jumped from "poor troll" to "man of exquisite taste and virtue" on my list of people on MacInsiders.

Good day to you sir, and may the Portman bring you many nude scenes.

Lol bro that made me laugh but thanks :p

Good to see ppl in Mac are sane