The Great Dictator Decline of 2011

Overthrown: January 2011 via popular uprising

Mandate: Took all pages out of the dictators’ playbook, such as subduing his people with massive unemployment, poverty, severe limits on free speech and the media, corruption and running a police state, all the while coming off as somewhat less tyrannical when compared to neighbouring dictators in Egypt and Libya.

Consequences: Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled the country, was denied entrance into France (must have been a problem with his passport) and instead was welcomed with open arms in Saudi Arabia, where he was rumoured to have suffered a stroke and declining health.

Possible Last Words Before Overthrow: “This will probably blow over.”

Fallout: Political and social unrest remain, though the first free elections since the country’s independence almost six decades ago formed a new Constituent Assembly and, most recently, saw Moncef Marzouki, a long-time human rights activist jailed under the previous regime, elected president. Just as the Tunisian uprising sparked the Arab Spring, it’s hoped that the first free elections to result from the movement will inspire similarly affected countries to follow suit.

Consequences: When all was lost for Mubarak, he stepped down but refused to leave Egypt, which, incidentally, worked out well for the incoming powers who denied him permission to leave Egypt.

Possible Last Words Before Overthrow: “Khufu didn’t have to deal with this sort of stuff.”

Fallout: Protests and violence continue, as many are unhappy with the ensuing oppressive military rule and unwillingness to hand over power to a civilian authority. Parliamentary elections have taken place, but with many fearful of the front-running parties, the future of Egypt’s leadership is still a question mark. Meanwhile, a frail and ill 83-year-old Mubarak, along with his two sons, stand trial for charges of corruption and murder in connection with the deaths of more than 800 Egyptians during the uprising.

Consequences: Catalyst for the “war on terror,” ultimately leading directly or indirectly to conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Sparked decade-long worldwide manhunt while proving to be more prolific than most Hollywood directors with his videotape releases. Suffered fatal gunshot wound at the hands of U.S. Navy Seals who raided his compound in Pakistan and was subsequently buried at sea.

Possible Last Words Before Raid: “Keep it down out there! I’m trying to watch Glee!”

Fallout: Many Americans cheered while others decried the U.S. for not taking the 54-year-old Bin Laden alive. U.S. President Barack Obama praises justice, world leaders congratulate America, al-Qaeda promises to continue to fight.

Consequences: Overthrown in a civil war backed by NATO support. After proving stubbornly elusive for months, was reportedly dragged from a drainpipe in the city of Sirte and beaten and killed by his own people.

Possible Last Words When Pulled From the Drainpipe: “Okay, I’m ready to negotiate.”

Fallout: With refugees having fled to neighbouring countries and still reeling from the unrest, Libya is nevertheless transitioning into life after Gadhafi through an interim government and humanitarian aid, as well as the lifting of many sanctions against them by the U.S. and the UN.

Consequences: Breaking his word countless times regarding concessions and the handing over of power, as well as the use of violence against protesters led to an assassination attempt via grenade which left Saleh badly injured and burned. Eventually, he agreed to step down in February 2012 after presidential elections, many refuse to believe it until they see it.

Possible Last Words Before Election: “I don’t remember agreeing to this.”

Fallout: Unrest continues in Yemen, and it is yet to be seen what will happen once the February election date comes around.

Consequences: None for him. He lived well, aside from medical issues he suffered from, which is still light years ahead of how his people lived. As well, always had a steady supply of colourless, awkward looking suits at his disposal.

Possible Last Words Before Heart Attack: “Any word on how that Kim Kardashian marriage is going?”

Fallout: Mourners wailing in public, throwing themselves on the pavement and cursing the heavens for taking the “Dear Leader” from them followed by lavish funerary processes and the ushering in of the shiny new “supreme leader.” In other words, some very, very elaborate propaganda.