Developments in the Middle East are beginning to affect Europe

Developments in the Middle East are beginning to affect Europe

After yesterday’s spontaneous clean-up operation on the streets of Cairo, protestors gathered at Freedom Square today to maintain the revolution’s momentum. There have been minor developments, with the army and its interim civilian administration dissolving President Mubarak’s gerrymandered parliament, preparing the way for an election in the future.

Meanwhile, protests and dissent are spreading, with further heated demonstrations taking place in Algeria. The gale of change that is tearing-up Arab Street is beginning to affect internal European politics. Solidarity protests have been held in Paris and elsewhere in France, a consequence of its historical ties with Algeria. More worrying for European governments, there are reports of swathes of refugees from Tunisia arriving in Lampedusa, a small island off Sicily. Italian authorities have been overwhelmed by what they are terming an ‘invasion’, according to al-Jazeera.

http://www.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/6696763/developments-in-the-middle-east-are-beginning-to-affect-europe.thtml

Not really surprising that anything in Algeria will affect France, but interesting news.

The Tunisian refugees may be the straw that breaks the camel's back in Italy--especially if they don't stay on that island. Italians are already out in the street and a potential tinderbox if Berlusconi doesn't step down. More immigrants will not help the mood.