Mubarak

Mubarak has been wise to say that he is standing down but unwise to delay his departure until September when 'elections' were due to take place anyway. Why is it that despots, despite the many, many examples of recent history always leave their departures until too late and bring in inadequate reforms in the meantime. Too little and too late should be the warning slogan that every despot carries in his heart. There are of course notable exceptions to this rule such as the North Korean despots who despite everything have still not revolted against their tyrannical regime. I imagine no one in North Korea will be allowed to watch what is going on in Egypt in case it gives them ideas. I guess Mao was an exception too although his successors have been clever by giving economic freedom to the people so that their thirst for democratic freedom has been muted. I wonder though whether they are watching what is happening in Egypt like the rest of us and wondering whether they could risk trying the same thing? It is doubtful that the time is right for the Chinese to revolt against their masters but who foresaw the uprising in Tunisia. An Egyptian acquaintance of my wife was back in Egypt over Christmas and told her today that there was no hint of anything like this happening whilst he was there. He is as surprised as the rest of us, delighted if democracy is the result, but very surprised by the demonstrations.