Democratization has always been difficult if not a bloody process in the countries of the Third World. But the current winds of change in the Arab World seem to be promising with the exception of few countries like Libya which are feared of descending into chaos similar to that of Somalia. I pray that the uprisings should not lead to a power vacuum which transforms these nations into a theatre of killings contested by various factions over resources and leadership. Here I try to craft an image of democracy --- just the way I see it. Thanks

Dedicated to the people of the Middle East

Democracy is the voice of the majority
Bound to respect rights of the minority
Never does it serve interests of the evil
Nor can the devil ever hold it hostage

Democracy is what we decide to adopt
Not what we are told to replicate
It has to be born from within the people
And protected by the people themselves

Democracy is the wish of the people
The grassroots are the power of a nation
They are the irresistable force of change

Democracy is all the above and even more
It is not a symbolic flag to wave in disguise
Nor it is a dictatorship in a civilian dress
Simply it is peace living in the heart of peace

You can send technology abroad anytime
But you can't export democracy every time
You can install an authority by force
But you can't make democracy work by force

Look at Tunisia,Libya and Egypt
Look at Qatar, Bahrain and Yemen
Look at North Africa and the Middle East
The Arab World Shall never be the same again
My heart is out for those who fight for a change.