Cairo

The scent of jasmine lingers in the air.

The "jasmine revolution" which ousted Ben-Ali in Tunisia has sparked off similar protests across the Maghreb with the most severe protests and riots taking place in Egypt. Looking at the general standard of living in Egypt, it comes as no surprise that the Egyptian leadership finds itself in a precarious position. The revolution in Tunisia and the protest in Egypt seem secular thus far, but the western world waits with abated breath as to whether these countries might move towards the extreme spectrum of Islamism harbouring a lingering temptation to meddle so as to dictate the outcome. This temptation should be curbed. Radical Islam is not as popular as we would think in the Maghreb. Besides, the people of the Maghreb should have the opportunity to exercise their democratic right by voting in a government of their choice. Even if it means an Islamist government being voted in. That is a function of democracy; freedom to choose. It is interesting times in the Maghreb and to quote the Economist, "Tunisia's upheaval has only just begun. No one knows where it will lead. It has already opened an Arab Pandora's box. Frightening things may yet leap out. But it nonetheless deserves an enthusiastic welcome."