The wind of change sweeping across the Middle East and north Africa (MENA) region today will have momentous and far-reaching consequences in the months and years ahead.
The declaration of the G8 in May 2011 pertaining to the 'Arab Spring' states in its first article: "The changes under way in the MENA countries are historic and have the potential to open the door to the kind of transformation that occurred in central and eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The aspiration of people for freedom, human rights, democracy, job opportunities, empowerment and dignity has led them to take control of their own destinies in a growing number of countries in the region. It resonates with and reinforces our common values."
