What we have been fascinated by in this whole Middle East scenario, is the rise of people power - this is something totally new due to the communications revolution. It has happened before, but nothing like what is happening now. Plus we see this is only the beginning - the future is showing its tail feathers.
But that is not what the governments around the world are seeing. Middle East means one thing, and one thing only to their eyes - oil. And oil means energy. The entire world, and especially the wealthy nations, are completely dependant upon oil for their economic and social stability, let alone growth and power. Current situational developments in the Middle East are projected to push the oil price to around $200 a barrel. No government in the West will be left standing if that happens.
The imperative now for the hard heads of all developed and developing nations, is alternative energy. Nuclear has hit the wall at precisely the same time as the Middle East - isn't that absolutely extraordinary? Wouldn't you think there is a hidden hand in this?
Forget the rabble who seek lower taxes, a carbon tax is the fastest and most efficient way all nations can force a shift in their economies to alternative energy sources. Forget Global Warming - this is serious shit. Don't expect anyone in the Western governments to support democratic change in Saudi Arabia. We know the oil price is rising, but we have all been far too slack in preparing, and now its about to shoot up. Even a few days ago someone said to me that we still have twenty or thirty years of 'good oil' - Ha!