EconAir

The post-war rule of autocratic, secular strongmen backed by their military and secret police is coming to an end.   Last year saw the fall of regimes in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Yemen.   There is open revolt in Syria.   Demonstrations continue in Bahrain, even after earlier demonstrations were suppressed by Saudi Arabian troops.   The kings of Morocco and Jordan have made concessions towards democracy.   A democratic election that went against the ayatollah-supported regime in Iran was disqualified and leaders were arrested; despite this, anti-government demonstrations continue.   Then there is the special case of the overthrow of Hussein in Iraq. The immediate issue is the lack of economic growth and development, the inability to provide jobs for its young population.   The demographic clock is ticking.   Within a generation or two, the Middle East will have a smaller, older population, with the possibility of far fewer resources t...