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Ibrahim Sharqieh, deputy director of Brookings Doha Center and Fellow, Saban Center for Middle East Policy:
Today, all Arabs are asking the same question: after Tunisia and Egypt, who is next? There are, however, many differences between these two countries as well as between them and the rest of the Arab world.
In each country, there are certain characteristics that may make replicating the uprising less likely. Unlike Tunisia and Egypt, Jordan is a kingdom; Syria is a security controlled state, Yemen is a tribal society, and Sudan is ethnically divided.
Despite all these structural differences, there is one thing that unites them all. It is the power of successful revolt that inspires all of them to consider launching their own uprisings. This power is stimulating the emergence of a "can do" attitude in the Arab world, which is breaking the barrier of fear that has long suppressed popular expression.
Every Arab citizen is now reflecting upon the successes of Egypt and Tunisia and considering their shortfalls.
The leaders, too, are learning from the successes of Tunisia and Egypt. The strong lesson they have learned is that once people take to the streets, returning to the status quo becomes highly unlikely. Arab autocrats should learn the lesson: Preemptive and serious political reform is the only real means for survival.
Ibrahim Sharqieh is one of several commentators within this article. To see the full article with all the commentators click: here
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