Notes on Washington and the world by the staff of The New Yorker
The true nature of a leader’s political power is crucially tested when he is confronted with a popular uprising. Hosni Mubarak has been careful not to show his hand, or even to show his face much in public, apart from a televised message. This caution shows that Mubarak, as might be expected, is a canny observer, mindful of the lessons of history and of the habits of his own people. For the autocrat facing public challenges to his authority, modern historical precedent offers a list of dos and don’ts:
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Do's and Don'ts for Dictators
The true nature of a leader’s political power is crucially tested when he is confronted with a popular uprising. Hosni Mubarak has been careful not to show his hand, or even to show his face much in public, apart from a televised message. This caution shows that Mubarak, as might be expected, is a canny observer, mindful of the lessons of history and of the habits of his own people. For the autocrat facing public challenges to his authority, modern historical precedent offers a list of dos and don’ts:
Read more:
