Welcome to the most dynamic year in the history of the middle east since 1973. The ramifications of Tunisia, and the possibility of populous overthrow spreading throughout the region has various middle eastern despots nervous, for example Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah's support of Mubarak while calling protesters "infiltrators" who seek to destabilize the country. Protest in Yemen. Protest in Jordan. Guaranteed, this year will be affecting all of us here in the US, so turn off your Pitchfork's Best of 2010 playlist and get down with the real.
Not a good look
Fact: The average age of the Middle East and North Africa is in the 20's.
Combine that with abject poverty and repressive governments across the region, pro-western or not, you've got some revolts and revolutions coming your way. A shit-ton of poor 20 year olds with nothing to lose is no bueno for old dictators. For more Middle Eastern demographics, check out this Pew Research Center article.
News
Also, if interested in probably some of the most interesting imagery from Cairo, check out Al Jazeera English's live feed. Epic. Makes CNN look like Sesame Street.
I also find The New York Times, The Lede quick and helpful.
This entire region will be swinging wildly post the first Arab revolt ever (Tunisia). Now how it affects the complex ties throughout the area will be gripping. Enjoy and feed your head.
