The west's itch to meddle is no help. Leave Egypt alone | Simon Jenkins

Our sole contribution to Muslim states wrestling with self-determination is plunging their neighbours into bloodbath and chaos

We are hypocrites. We cheer on the brave Tunisians and Egyptians as they assert the revolutionary power of the street. Hands off, we cry. Let them do it their way. It has taken a long time, but let the people get the credit and be strengthened thereby.

We gave no such licence to the Iraqis or Afghans. We presumed it was our job to dictate how they should be governed...