Riots

Considering all the riots going one in the Middle East, we all should consider what is the root. It all started when Islam was introduced by Mohammed in the 7^th century. The following generations interpreted that the rulers should be entrusted to the point of no question. Not only that, they believe that any question of authority was sacrilege and means offense to Allah. Furthermore, the caliphs, Muslim rulers, tried to implement their ideals in the name of the Korean and Allah, something that has been taken up by the people. Ever since, few have dared to rise up.

I personally question the radical questioning of the Quran as power-hungry. I mean if the Quran is to ask the people to follow the leader and throw your support behind it, why would people add much more harsher twists to it? The book also requires that the leader acts so that it would benefit the people and for the glory of Allah. Does it strike a bell in your mind? This implies that people have to support a leader no matter what he or she acts. This is a bit ridiculous. Should they be advised so that when something ugly comes up, fatwas, or religious edicts, are carried out. I say, the people should have confidence in themselves and have proven themselves in recent events.

The riots are undoubtedly started with the suicide of a vegetable vendor in Tunisia. This seemed to me to be a potential place to start it. After the massive protests that overthrew the government, I thought it would spread and it happened to be Egypt. Contrary to my belief, Egypt did overthrow their leader Hosni Mubarak. Libyan leader Moamar Goddhafi was the 2^nd guy I thought would be kicked out. Now the world is watching Libya. The Libyan Arab Republic is on its knees as the people are in a state of open revolt like the Confederates during the Civil War. The rebels against Gaddhafi are adamant against his corruption and length of stay in power. Like many people in the Middle East, they want more power and less fear from the secret police and more accountability form their elected officials. Now, the central government is in control of a few cities, especially the capital Tripoli and a few isolated towns. Since he devoted his power to continue fighting and even hire mercenaries to fight the opposition, sanctions have gone up against him. I see that Gaddhafi will not be welcomed into any other country in asylum. In contrast to Mubarak, he lacks the charm or dignity to even get a bit of support in a foreign country, much less protection. Perhaps the best course of action is just to give up peacefully and retire or just commit suicide to end the pain. This will start something new.