I have written in a previous article about the four destructive sins of Arab regimes and how Arab dictators commit these sins. These sins are: First, usurping and extending power in an illegitimate way. Second, ruling the country in a way that serves their own interests with clear disregard for public concern. Third, disregarding the high price they must pay for killing innocent people and damaging property. And fourth, leaving a swath of destruction that makes reconstruction difficult. With regard to Arab countries affected by the Arab Spring from the end of 2010 until the start of 2012 from the perspective of what may be called the Theory of Four Sins, we can apply this theory as follows: Tunisia: It is facing the difficulties of reconstruction after recovering from the three sins. But it seems that the country is on the right track following the recent parliamentary elections. Egypt: It is trying to pay the price for the third and fourth sins of its toppled ruler. It is facing difficulties because of sharp divisions among the parties which emerged following the January 25 revolution. A big question mark has arisen about the role of the country's military over the past six years and the role it is currently playing. Many sectors do not see any justification for the military acting as a major political player. The military's justification that Egypt faces dangers from foreign intervention does not sound convincing because each country in the region faces the same perils. Libya: It faces difficulties in reconstruction after Muammar Gaddafi committed the last three sins. It is facing major obstacles in its reconstruction efforts. Yemen: The Yemenis are paying a high price for Ali Abdullah Saleh's third and fourth sins. However it looks like they are going to overcome the difficulties after the departure of Saleh, although the challenges ahead are daunting because remnants of Saleh's regime are still in key government positions. Syria: The regime of Bashar Al-Assad is committing the second, third and fourth sins. It has continued its butchery despite the high price it is going to pay in the future. It has held on to power to protect its own interests with the help of some countries which put their interests above the suffering of the Syrian people. The majority of the Arab people who are ruled by despots are faced with the sins of their tyrant rulers. Many say that they will win in the end, based on historical events around the world. However, the question remains: What price will they have to pay before they enjoy the fruits of their struggles? (Dr. Sadaka Y. Fadhel is a Member of the Shoura Council and Professor of Political Science) __
