CANADA can learn something from Tahrir Square.
Over the past few weeks, in capitals across the Arab world, ordinary citizens have descended on the streets by the thousands to voice their outrage at oppressive regimes. In the face of such an overwhelming act of defiance, entrenched autocrats have felt their grip on power slip away. Some have been forced out; others have made significant concessions.
The unfolding rebellion has exposed to Western eyes a fact that should have been obvious all along: That even under the most seemingly unshakable regimes, the public has the will and the power to bring about political change.
Compare the gains made through demonstrations in Tunisia, Jordan, Yemen and Egypt to those won through violence and vast expense in Afghanistan. After 10 years, Canada and its allies are still attempting to reform a corrupt government and despised security forces in a country that remains near the bottom of the UN's Human Development Index.
While there is no guarantee the leaders who replace the teetering dictators in Egypt and elsewhere will bring about true democracy or quickly raise their nation's standard of living, there is little question they will be forced by fear of their own citizens to take steps in that direction. That change has come at little cost in terms of blood and treasure.
Canada cannot impose its will on other countries by force. Even in the most oppressive of states, change must come from within.
