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Originally Posted by Bert X
I think they might START to think about the ugliness of the autocratic systems. But that won't sink in for a while.
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I think they are well aware of it.
The problem is public discourse in Arab Society is not as open or free as it is in Western society. Self Criticism may be illegal by the state, and often taboo by the social standards.
To criticize the conservative culture or the Monarchy in power, is like talking about race at a social function. It makes everyone uncomfortable.
I feel this is why I am seeing a lack of opinionated coverage of the Saddam Trial in the Arab press.
But GulfNews.com is providing indepth coverage. And they are located in Dubai which is the most progressive city in the Arab world. The times are changing in Dubai.
Hopefully the winds of change will blow over to other Arab states as well. And ultimately extremists and Terrorists will go the way of the KKK, instead of being tolerated by the greater society.
I am hoping the Saddam Trial will be a catalyst for change in the collective Arab discourse. That is to get them talking as a people about their reality, instead of burying their collective head in the sand or scapegoating everything on to Israel and the West.