An important factor in this is Arabs' sense of a common identity: they are aware of what is happening in neighbouring countries and draw inspiration from it with regard to their own situation. The sight of grandees from the old regimes in Tunisia and Egypt being arrested on sundry charges of corruption, money laundering and murder gives them hope and encouragement. Similarly, the opening up of free media in those countries is having an effect elsewhere: in Jordan last week, 600 journalists demonstrated against government interference and censorship. This kind of cross-fertilisation (or infection, as the regimes see it) is happening in many areas.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/14/arab-spring-protest-crackdown-freedom/print
