The revolts in the Arab world were definitely fueled by the media and social media, although I would argue that these revolutions would have taken place with or without Facebook and Twitter.
I would (or should I say 'will') also argue that social media helped keep the revolutions peaceful. A group of people can only have power (peacefully), against an armed group if they have greater numbers. This was the case in Tunisia and Egypt, where the protesters were able to connect on such a massive scale with the help of Facebook and Twitter, and therefore were able to remain peaceful and march forward in the face of an armed yet outnumbered group.
In the past, the overthrowing of Mubarak and Bin Ali would have only been conceived to happen in a violent and bloody way. The Arab youth have disproved this with their actions and constant calls of "Silmeya Silmeya" (Peaceful, Peaceful).
That's also why I believe that the Arab youth may have possibly invented the first "Media Coup d'etat", from a cellphone video clip in Tahrir Square to millions of Facebook/Twitter pages and TV screens around the world until they got the attention and support of the world leaders for their cause and the world stood with them in solidarity.
Military coup d'etats are no longer relevant in the Middle East, and we have the Arab youth to thank for that.
Do you agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comment box below.
I totally agree. Arab youth proved that social media can basically grab the attention of the whole world. Arabic media such as aljazeera and Alarabia, have also showed that media can fuel any case. And yes, def the military coup r much weaker than they have been, thanks to those brave Arab youth.
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