Year of the Revolution: After Gaddafi, Who's Next?

2011 Revolutions, So Far

Tunisia, population = 11 million

Egypt, population = 81 million

Libya, population = 6.5 million



Algeria, Iran, Ethiopia, China; ALL ripe for change

Other larger countries with fake democracies, lack of free press:

Algeria pop. 36 million

Iran, pop. 75 million

Ethiopia, pop. 86 million

China, pop. 1.35 billion

Certainly nations such as Bahrain and Jordan will have to make significant changes, however it is the developing democracy movements in the bigger countries that most fascinate. People including myself have called this movement the Arab Awakening, yet it is worth noting that North Africa has been leading the way. If you look at a map, Algeria seems as likely to want freedom as anyone in the world, so let's hope the global media are ready to keep the pressure on dictators throughout 2011 and never ever get democracy fatigue, for it's not just another word.

It's a word encompassing human rights, social equality, economic opportunity, and when you get right down to it, power to the people.

Bahrain: Hassan Mushaima preps for return after 308 prisoners released, trial cancelled

Haq movement leader returning to Manama, Bahrain

Hassan Mushaima, the leader of the Shia movement known as Haq is in Lebanon preparing to return to Bahrain, now that King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has released over 300 prisoners, over 100 of which were political prisoners. The King has also cancelled ongoing trials for 25 Shia activists who had been on trial since last year for plotting against the state, indicating how much the Gulf kingdom's rulers (close allies of Washington) want to get reform talks with protest leaders under way.


Sheikh al-Mugdad released from custody

Sheikh Mohammed Habib al-Mugdad, a prominent Shia cleric who was among those released from custody on Wednesday, headed the prisoners' march to Manama's landmark square that has become the centre of the protest.

Al-Mugdad, who was detained in August, told reporters he was tortured and repeatedly beaten in custody. He showed signs of what he said were electric shocks on his chest, stomach and legs.

He said he spent three months in solitary confinement because he had criticized the government for "denying rights to Bahrainis and not sharing wealth."

"I faced torture because they wanted to silence me," al-Mugdad said. "They did not succeed and I am marching with my people, joining them in a peaceful protest to get our rights."

The government said in its email that it takes allegations of mistreatment in custody "extremely seriously" and is "committed to thoroughly investigating all and any claims made."

Bahrain's Shia community has complained of discrimination and political persecution in the kingdom. It has staged protests in the past, but the latest unrest is the most serious challenge to the Sunni monarchy.


Source: news.ca.msn.com