On April 27th of this year, Sierra Leoneans will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their country. The hopes and aspirations of Sierra Leone’s founding fathers, when they agitated for independence from the British colonialists, were for a fully democratic country that would give dignity and pride to its citizens. Sierra Leone’s first prime minister, Milton Margai and a host of other prominent Sierra Leoneans eventually won their fight for independence in Lancaster, England, on April 27th, 1961.

Where does Syria stand amid the turmoil that has hit political regimes in the Arab world? There have been radical changes in governments, and indeed the widespread protests might eventually end with the overthrow of some of the dictators who have been ruling the Arab world for decades. Will Syria face the same predicament? That’s a key question that has to be addressed when it comes to talking about the so-called domino effect of the Arab protests that erupted first in Tunisia.