To what extent did Wikileaks' exposure of the contents of U.S. diplomatic cables set off the demonstrations that have since occurred? I think there is some relationship, and would be most curious to hear from anyone with an opinion or information.
Did any of the demonstrators read Wikileaks' material? There was a lot there, on Mubarak, Qadaffi, Adbullah and others.
Also. I think Wikileaks had an influence on the stilling of the latest crisis between North and South Korea. Why? How would you feel if you read that your ally and bulwark of strength was anticipating extinguising your regime and merging your country with South Korea? Like a deer in the headlights? Like a dinosaur as the meteor comes down near Yucatan? Shoot, yeah.
The internet is not just a meeting place, or a bulletin board for relaying messages and organizing demonstrations. It's prime function is to allow unrestricted access to information, which is exactly what Wikileaks purports to do.
These demonstrations in North Africa, the Arabian peninsula and the Middle East mainly involve the young. One reason for that is that the young are more into technology and the internet than their elders.
So I see a sequence:
Youth => Internet => Access to Uncensored Information => Demonstrations => Revolution => Change
I do not agree with George W. Bush's boycotting an affair because Julian Assange would speak by teleconference. It is quite possible that Assange has had more of a salutary effect on the world than George Bush did. (I do agree that one is a criminal, however.)
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