Thomas Walkom: Egypt and the end of empire (again) (in the Toronto Star)

Interesting parallels (and contrasts) with the end of the British empire.

"The 1956 Suez crisis confirmed that a bankrupt Britain could no longer dominate the world. Egypt’s current upheaval is a sign that America’s era is coming to an end. For Canada, the decline of yet another imperial protector means wrenching change."

Full article: Walkom: Egypt and the end of empire (again).

"The American people will simply not agree to see police and fire services at home slashed just to keep troops in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, North Africa, South Korea and Japan." - here I believe Walkom is too optimistic - the West has been seduced by the modern equivalent of bread and circuses, and shows little sign of waking up to the new reality.