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Democracy 15 - Evil Dictator 0

12 January 2011 1 comment

Retired member

Wikileaks data along with a campaign led by Tunisian students and reinforced by the cyber individuals known and being anonoymous( #anonymous) has led to the overthrow of the Tunisian Dictator.

I hear it is only the beginning, more countries to follow.

Update: Reports are not confirmed at this stage but I bet it gave him a scare.

Interior Minister sacked. I heard a rumour that may not be enoug to satisfy the masses or perhaps other ambitious types.

There is video of young unarmed girls shot. I have found it hard to find any photo's that did not show normal everyday people in peaceful protest. The video is so graphic I won't post it here and I think it has been blocked on the tube.

Well things are pretty busy here. I must apologise for my poor typing, those little mobile keyboards are difficult.

It appears that the ex-President of Tunisia has gone for a holiday. I believe it will be permanent. Rhetoric from other leaders should reflect reality and not fantasy, fantasy will come back to bite you and there is no-where for you to hide. By the time that this year is over there might just not be any havens remaining for former evil dictators, nor for that matter criminal executives.

Update from the Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/14/tunisian-president-flees-country-protests

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/14/AR2011011405084.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

I'll write a little story about how it was achieved after a few other 'little things' are taken care of and perhaps one or two 'big things'.

My advice is never assume it isn't going to happen to you.

Engagement is a good idea.

Score so far:

2 Presidents,

1 Vice president (2 counting 'Mubareks not a dictator' Biden who has obviously passed use by date)

4 Prime Ministers

4 Complete governments.

Not a bad innings for 1 month. Certainly better than the entire US military and 'Nato' lackeys can do.

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Comments: (3)

A Finextra member

15 January 2011

Can I assume all the bankers reading this won't forget their ethics when it comes to Tunisian funds.....?

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John Dring Digital Services and mCommerce at Intel Network Services

17 January 2011

Amazing indeed. Its not every day there's a revolution. 2011 could be the year of revolution, but these days the pesky ill gotten(some say) funds can follow the ousted very easily. So it will be a long time before they run out of places to holiday. Unfortunately with revolutions, you don't always end up with who you want in control - just the ones with the muscle to take it. Although 1979 Iran is an old example where they got what they thought they wanted - but it was out of the pan and into the fire.

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A Finextra member

18 January 2011

Unnamed and named heroes took to the streets and spoke out online.

Some died.

Some were arrested. eg. Slim Amamou

Perhaps the US cables gave the lawyers who had already seen too much corruption the type of confirmation thye needed and they could no longer stay silent.

They marched.

The Generals were always going to and did refuse to quell the citizens.

Ben Ali was forced to flee for his safety. Saudi Arabia was the only place which would take him. The King has a rule for those seeking asylum. No further involvement with politics.

The Prime Minister, a Ben Ali crony tried to assume power citing article 56 of Tunisian constitution. Relies on temporary incapacitaion etc, designed to prevent a coup whilst abroad. FAIL. Saudi King's rule means game over. PM is out of line.

Speaker is next in line according to article 57.

The former dictator's associates indiscriminately carried out mayhem on the streets. The Army dealt with them. The publc and the Army have always had a good relationship. Perhaps up to 1000 of the soon-to-be-probably-found guilty-police and Presidential guard tried to fight it out with the Army. The Army won.

Speaker assumes temporary control of government. Law says 60 days for elections. Opposition including those not recognised by previous Dictator are determined to oust Ben Ali cronies. Several leaders sworn in temporarily. In all probability election (campaigns etc) will take longer than 60 days.

There was looting of the homes of the known-to-be-corrupt Ben Ali associates and those were ritualistically stripped bare. Citizens metaphorically taking back what had been stolen from them. There was looting by police (captured on film).

The citizens themselves called on each other to protect the museums.

Slim Amamou was appointed a Minister in the interim government.

The journey begins.

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