It has been around 100 days since Wikileaks released the 'Cablegate' files. In these files are messages between embassies around the world. They have confirmed previous allegations and revealed new ones.
The most dramatic effect that this series of releases has would be the uprising and protest in North Africa and the Middle East. Tension has been building around these regions. Rights and dignities were being violated, costs of living increased (especially due to the 2008-2009 economic downturn/recession), corruption was evident in the government. But protests didn't happen at first because they were scared.
One man however had nothing to lose. After years of harassment by government officials and being unable to support his family he immolated himself in an act of desperation. This started off protests in Tunisia and is spreading around (the domino effect) the middle east and north africa. "It's only after we've lost everything that we are free to do anything." This as well as Wikileak's hard evidence of the corruption in their government made people get up in protest.
Egypt is an interesting case. Second protest- started after Tunisia. Had the most western media coverage. A mostly peaceful protest lasting about 10 days. It was a place where the United States sent people to be tortured in its 'War on Terror'. After the protest the citizens stormed the offices were these documents were stored regarding tortue and it should shine some new light on this.
In the western world there are protest in London (about increase of student fees) and Wisconsin (public workers are facing wage cuts).
And reports are that maybe signs of interest are happening in China (Jasmine Revolution) and in North Korea.
2011 will be the year of the people. It's a beautiful day.
and then 2012 will be the end of the world. :(
I think that some secrets are better left secret.
ReplyDeleteWow I had no idea one guy started the whole ball rolling like that. Cool post.
ReplyDelete2012 won't be the end of anything, but hopefully it will be the birth of some new states run with some sense.
ReplyDeleteWe definently live in interesting times.
ReplyDeleteYea its too bad all of this is just going to waste in another year or so. Silly Mayans.
ReplyDeleteI love reading the diplomatic cables. I do it constantly when bored! I think they recently passed the 5,000 mark.
ReplyDeleteThis was so irrelevant!
ReplyDeleteThis is heavy stuff.
ReplyDeleteI think 2011 is going to see many more protests...
ReplyDeleteAre you sure the protest chain in north africa had anything to do with wikileaks? I've never thought nor read so, but maybe it's just my ignorance...?
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of sad that wikileaks really doesn't get as much attention as it deserves. It should be all over the media, but it isn't
ReplyDeleteIt certainly seems so, I recently covered an article about prices soaring in Saudi-Arabia, and the whole awareness appears to be spreading all over the place!
ReplyDeleteOne can only hope it brings more good than bad (I sure don't like paying more to fill up my car:/)
2011, beautiful and great. 2012, we all explode and die. Yey.
ReplyDeletehmm interesting..
ReplyDeletedo you believe the world will end in 2012 too?
ReplyDeleteLove the all for nothing bit at the end. Great post :)
ReplyDeleteI really hope 2011 is the year of the people, but I doubts 2012 will be the end of man.
ReplyDeleteI was never a believer of the 2012 end of the world deadline, but seeing these protests in North Africa and tensions rise around the world I'm starting to think that while it may not be the end of the world, something that completely changes the way we govern myself might just seed that year.
What a disappointing end to the world's protesting.
ReplyDeleteThe world is a changin'! And for the better it seems.
ReplyDeleteMore leaks will keep on coming, i'm sure..
ReplyDeleteinteresting stuff thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteThe people will protest, but I can't help but question whether anything will truly change. A new government doesn't necessarily fix a country. And most of those middle eastern countries are -to put it bluntly- terrible. If they could get thousands of people to help build new water treatment plants, new roads, and those sorts of things, they might find they have something worth reclaiming from a greedy government.
ReplyDeleteNaah man, the Mayan just stopped their calendar writing on 2012 because they run out of ink hahaha. Hopefully it's going to be the year of the people...
ReplyDeleteThe amount of controversy over Wikileaks is truly phenomenal. Just goes to show how powerful the internet can be.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, following :)
End of the world, depending on your calender I'm sure. =)
ReplyDeleteWe just need to start building the world's biggest Sham-Wow and we'll be fine when the floods come.
ReplyDeleteinteresting info. the governments have hide so much for the citizens, we must stop fearing and start spreading the truth!
ReplyDelete