Young People Taking Action in Society, Leaders Heed an Important Warning:

Young people have finally found their voice.

All across the world, young people eager for change are taking to the streets and are the real agents of change in global society.  Young people played a great role in the election of President Obama, but this movement is more than that.  In the Middle East, where people under 30 constitute around one third of the population, revolts, revolutions, and demonstrations are commonplace.

A special note to leaders: if you want to stay in power, make reforms and empower young people.  Make sure they have a role in society.  Make sure the have jobs, and education, and a future.  An angry population of twenty somethings is a force to be reckoned with, and leaders who do not heed this warning may soon see the short end of the stick.

Next Step in Middle East Policy

The United States must now step up its efforts to make peace in the Middle East.  This is a fractious area, with many socioeconomic groups.  The US must start to clean up its image by helping new governments on the path to democracy.  It will not be easy, and the will be obstacles, but this is better than the fight-and-replace model we have in Afghanistan and Iraq.  At least now the propel are motivated for change.  That energy needs to be harnessed for good.