Afro Asian Business Chronicle

As Tunisia ushers into peaceful transition to democracy from 23 years of dictatorship, the world remembers the 20 year old street vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi  who set himself alight a year ago, triggering off  series of civil outbursts and deadly protests across Arab nations. The ensuing violence ended age-old authoritarian regimes in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, and Yemen.

While one admires and welcomes the smooth transition of power in Tunisia, one can only deplore the turn of events in Cairo. The military rulers in Egypt are not seemingly in a mood to let go their hold of the reins of the government and power. The year 2011, a year of turbulence for many Arab nations must round off in peace following the Tunisian example of peaceful election and formation of government. The Arab world has witnessed momentous changes in the ruler - ruled equation. Whether  in covert or overt overtures, the rulers across the Arab world have compromised their royal arrogance and begun to take cognizance of people’s will. As the cover gets lifted off the statue of the humble Tunisian street vendor, the dawn of people’s power rises on the horizon, once again reminding governments across the world that every ruler exists by the mandate of the ruled.