Freedom. Terrible Freedom.

It seems that the people of Egypt finally have had their say.  Hosni Mubarak has relinquished power and stepped down as head of the state of Egypt.  The army is now in control of the day-to-day workings of the state and opposition coalitions are coming together in trying to bring some semblance of transition to the joyful chaos on the streets.

Freedom (Photo - Reuters)

I applaud the people of Egypt for what they have done.  I also, strangely, must applaud the commanders of the Egyptian armed forces who applied pressure to both the people and top leadership group in effecting this wondrous change.  The army stood loyal to the principles of protection and safety, when they could have easily turned the displays in Tahrir Square into a bloodbath.

The Army takes control. (Photo - Reuters/Amr Abdallah Dalsh)

Bob to Mubarak: You’re Toast.

It seems like the worm has turned once again in North Africa and the Middle East.  People sick of generations oppression and brutal autocratic regimes have started to rise up against their governments and demand freedom.

In Tunisia the Jasmine Revolution has taken root and President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali has been forcibly removed from office after 23 years of iron fisted autocratic rule.  Fueled by high unemployment and poverty all the country needed to ignite into rage was a spark.  That spark came courtesy of a college aged fruit vendor.  Charged with selling fruit in a public market without a permit, the man committed suicide.  Burning himself alive.

A Shrine to Mohamed Bouazizi

Using Facebook and Twitter, news of the tragedy spread and people mobilized in the streets. Promising that with their blood and souls they will sacrifice themselves for the martyr.  The weight of his populace upon him Ben Ali fled the country and the government was toppled.  His bank accounts frozen and family members being held for crimes against Tunisia.