The Lesson Learned

Former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak heeded calls from the West and rather than slaughter his own people stepped down from power. Now, Mubarak may face forfeiture of his and his family assets and criminal prosecution for alleged misdeeds in his time in office. Muammar Qaddafi has so far ignored world public opinion and is holding onto his authority by brutally repressing those who would stand against his tyranny. The dangerous message this is bound to convey is that there is no cost for defying the West but an enormous price for listening to its message. Despots around the globe can not help but take notice. The cost of allowing recalcitrant dictators to hang on while bringing restrained leaders who decided to align themselves with us and respect our values to heel will be measured in unimaginable bloodshed down the line.