JASMINE SCENT SPREADS TO GULF AND WEST ASIA

The epoch-making Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia proved a catalyst to Egyptian citizens to rise in revolt against Hosni Mubarak, the dictator which lasted for almost eighteen days to force him out of the saddle. The reins of power fell in the hands of military and at present military authorities step by step are leading the country to the path of democracy. The vigilant citizens won’t rest till their demands for establishing a democratic government in Egypt and the military soon after Mubarak stepped down from power dissolved the Parliament and has vowed to conduct a free and fair elections within six months.
Though Tunisian and Egyptian revolution are midway from democracy it is natural – the scent of jasmine has spread to Iran, Bahrain and other West Asian nations.
But the surprising event is the flare-up in Iran with the opposition turning against the govt of Ahmedi Nejad at an unexpected moment like this. Fierce protests started the day before under the leadership of Mir Hussain Mousavi, Karroubi and Mohammed Khatami who are pro-reform leaders unlike conservative ruling heads like Mohammed Ahmedi Nejad.
In the last National elections, Ahmedi Nejad was declared won with the afore-mentioned leaders and their followers pointing accusing fingers at the ‘rigged’ elections under conservative Muslim clerics and Moulvis. The people under the opposition leaders, Mir Hussein Mousavi, Karroubi and Muhammed Khatami revolted against the results and within days the revolt turned bloody with several succumbing to death, as many getting injured, imprisoned and the leaders being put under house arrest. With the blessings of Iran’s Supreme spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khameni, Ahmedi Nejad put down the rebellion with an iron-hand and simultaneously blamed United States for inspiring the opposition leaders. Then and now Iranian govt and US, Britain and European nations are on collision course. The issue of Iran building a nuclear enrichment programme at Natanz led to bitter acrimony which led to imposing sanctions with the support of United Nations.
Now after a brief lull Iran has plunged into turbulence most probably the reflections of recent happenings in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain and other West Asian countries.
The opposition leaders have been put under house arrest with protests raging across Iran and the latter as before has turned against US, Britain and European nations which according to Iran are orchestrating the bitter developments in Iran. The MPs and other higher-ups have gone to the extent of demanding the hanging of the opposition leaders to silence the rebellion.
Now let’s move on to Bahrain. Thousands of Bahrain citizens took to the streets demanding more democratic reforms and better working conditions. As an after-effect of the rebellion in the collisions with riot police two persons have died and Bahrain head Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa appeared on the Television to address the nation to apologise for the death of two citizens. Thousands have converged at the famous monument of Pear Roundabout which is the Gulf version of Tahrir Square of Egypt demanding reforms. Pear Roundabout is the meeting point of six Gulf nations : Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain can ignite a spark in the Gulf region and we can very well imagine the consequences in the event of it spreading to other regions.
Yemen ruler too is facing such a rebellion and he has already begged for a lease of life till 2013 and has vowed to vacate the saddle after 2013. Like Mubarak of Egypt he is on good terms with US but that in no way is going to cement his power as long as he wishes.
In short after the Tunisian revolution, the Arab world as a whole faces an existential threat the spark of democracy if and when ignited then all dictatorships are bound to bow down before the demands of citizens.