The cycle of Arab Spring

This refers to the article, “Anatomy of a revolution,” published on Nov. 28, which says that revolutions have a life cycle of their own.
In the case of recent upheavals in the Middle East, the rise in youth activism and the wide use of the Internet made the “Arab Spring” possible. Most countries succeeded in ousting long-time serving presidents that had dominated the political arena for decades. Among these countries was Egypt that successfully deposed Hosni Mubarak within 18 days of protest.
However, the aftermath of the revolution has not been that pleasant for Egypt’s citizens, as the country has been rocked by intermittent protests in the famous Tahrir Square. At times it is for corruption, while at other, it is to demand for a civil government. The most recent wave of protests is for the democratically elected Muhammad Mursi to relinquish his presidential decree that gives him sweeping powers.
I believe that unplanned revolutions result in chaotic situations that do not take the country toward the path of prosperity smoothly. The overthrow of former President Hosni Mubarak without a transitional government pushed the country into havoc. Had the various parties formed a transitional government before Feb. 11, 2011, the turbulent phase that has followed since might have been made smoother if not avoided completely.
I hope Egypt will see an era of stability, prosperity and unity under President Mursi. I wish its citizens the best, and hope the civilian government meets the legitimate aspirations of its people. — Naqi Haider Rizvi,
Riyadh