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Jordan TimesPARIS - The United States and Europe are raising pressure for democratic reform in Egypt but face a tricky task amid fears that the violent unrest there could spread far beyond its borders, analysts say.
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The Tunisian uprising set a precedent for the region that has now recurred in Egypt - a bigger, more strategically important country.
Another IRIS analyst, Pascal Boniface, said Tunisia created a "generic model" for challenging authoritarian governments, which could be reprised "in Africa, Asia, anywhere repressive powers dominate and appear worn out".
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"Egypt remains a major pawn in the Middle East," said Billion. The West fears "a domino effect if Mubarak falls, with a protest movement that could grow across the world".
With long-time leaders such as Mubarak, Libya's Muammar Qadhafi, Ali Abdallah Saleh of Yemen and numerous leaders in sub-Saharan Africa racking up decades in power, observers see potentially historic change looming.
"The African continent is at a special moment in its history, with 22 presidential and legislative elections due in the coming year," said one senior French official who asked not to be named.
"It is not a good time for dictators," he added. "This could be contagious."more:
http://jordantimes.com/?news=34006
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