Arab Awakening, Act 2

Think of the revolutions in the Middle East as Act One in a Five Act play that may not conclude for a generation or more. Nearly a year since protests in Tunis ignited a regional wave of reform and revolt, the euphoria and hope of last January has turned to frustration and cynicism as Egyptians battle their military government in Cairo and sectarian war in Syria intensifies. The Arab world may be heading for an unpredictable, dangerous and violent Act Two in 2012.