With all due respect Tooker, it is the weekend now and it's not every day that 80 million people dispose of a dictator who has tortured them, suppressed their rights and stolen an estimated 70 billion dollars (that's right... billion, about 1/3 of the nations yearly GDP) over a 30 year period. Especially in the heart of oil land.

I actually have noticed a slightly disturbing trend... for all the US grandstanding about 'freedom, freedom, freedom, democracy, self-determination' etc. when Egypt has finally removed a frankly brutal dictator from power, much of the US media is focused on how a democratic Egypt might actually be bad for US national interests? Perhaps it is because that same dictator remained in power for all those years with the support of the US... and probably also because Isreal (America's best regional ally) are more than likely going to face a much less friendly government next time (because it will actually reflect will of the people and not the bribes in their pocket).

The fact is, if you really believe in freedom, there shouldn't be exceptions where you don't support it. Even if you are worried about stability in the region (because of the oil there obviously) at least you should allow the Egyptian people a little time to celebrate freedom from a man that 50% of the nation can never remember being free from in their entire lives.

The Islamic Brotherhood will likely not run or win any election. The most likely next leader for Egypt will be Amr Moussa, a man loved by the Egyptian people and who has conveniently resigned from his post as the Arab League Secretary General today after serving for 10 years. He is a highly intelligent and well respected man.

It may be that this overthrow may end up causing much misery and grief in the long term, but I think it is something to celebrate that when most people would have responded to last nights speech with violence and rioting, the Egyptians responded with a huge group prayer session and peaceful demonstrations. 300 people lost their lives when Mubarak's thugs released violent offenders from the jails and into the streets to confront the protesters, but still the protesters and the military retained a largely peaceful presence and shut down the nation.

If you want to consider the possible ripple effect of this, consider this... many believe that the Saudi people are extremely inspired by the events in Egypt, there is much fear amongst the Royal Family that the people may revolt. Saudi Arabia may be a US ally, but again it is a brutal place where freedom is a word many people can only dream about. One hopes they can also lift the shackles of oppression.

Oh and one last thing... how could any argue that a change of government in the largest and most influential Middle Eastern country is not relevant to a board focused on commodities and economy? I doubt anything that happened today will have more of an impact on the price of commodities than this subject.

Again, congratulations to the Egyptian people for reaching towards freedom... I only hope that you will remember to value it and to take pride in your nation, continuing to inspire others through dignity and peaceful means.

Peace

S