Tunisia’s Jasmine Revolution has forever changed the face of politics in the Arab world.

Less than one month ago, no one would have fathomed a young street vendor, Tunisian Mohamed Bouazizi, setting himself ablaze and igniting a social movement that would spread like wildfire throughout the Middle East. In hindsight, the Tunisian protests calling for an end to corruption with the ouster of Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali’s regime was a perfectly run operation. Tough demands were made followed by unrelenting rallies that projected the perception of winning the hearts and minds of the masses.

While the spark triggering the Tunisian protest may have been Bouazizi’s self-immolation, it is the use of Internet and mobile phones that sourced crowds and connected the aggrieved with those who resemble them or share their plight. 

    

With access to Facebook and Twitter (and not mention Al Jazeera’s nonstop coverage) of the chaotic Arab streets in Tunisia and now Egypt, the free flow of information has reinforced the power of social media. The contagion that links Tunisians and Egyptians stretches beyond the common language and cultural heritage. It is also the shared feelings of anger that accumulates after living under a dictatorship that offers little or no chance for social mobility that has shaken up “bottled-up” temperaments.

     

Jared Duval, in his book, Next Generation Democracy, explains how real time “situational awareness” can outstrip military systems costing millions. This is what is happening in Egypt where Hosni Mobarak’s powerful army roaming the streets of Cairo or fighter jets flying over Tahrir Square is unable to subdue the growing opposition rallies. Before the uprising taking place in Egypt began, dissenters of Mubarak’s regime abstained from revolting in fear of retaliation or worry their efforts would make no difference. Today, though, after living for three decades under a repressive dictatorship, and watching the Tunisians triumph, Egyptians are standing strong against tyranny. Perhaps Clay Shirky or Malcolm Gladwell may beg to differ, but I’d bet Egyptians, tomorrow, will be thanking the power of social media for enabling their cause.

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