MORE than its internal repercussions, the upheaval in Tunisia and the fall of a civilian despot have begun to cast their shadows over the Arab world beyond North Africa. Within days of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's flight to Saudi Arabia after 23 years of iron-fisted rule, cases of self-immolation have rocked three African Arab countries. Food riots in Algeria had begun even before the Dec 17 suicide that triggered the stir against Mr Ben Ali. Protest suicides have been reported from Algeria, Mauritania and Egypt, and in Yemen the police had to fire in the air to disperse student demonstrators. This is a warning to the Arab world's autocratic regimes. What is unique about Tunisia's 'Jasmine Revolution' is its spontaneous and civilian character. Most 'revolutions' in the Arab world, such as those in Egypt, Iraq, Libya and Yemen, which toppled the monarchies were led by military officers and were essentially anti-Western — or to use a Cold War term, 'anti- imperialist' — in character. There were also 'revolutions' that stemmed in actuality from a power struggle, such as the numerous coups by Baathist leaders in Syria and Iraq. Tunisia's revolution is the Arab world's first popular uprising. Unlike other Arab 'revolutions' which were often welcomed by either the US or the USSR depending upon their Cold War expediency, Tunisia's stir has worldwide backing, for the people were clamouring for civil liberties and a better life. The Internet and satellite television have vaporised political and social barriers, making people the world over conscious of their political and economic rights more than ever before. The stifling atmosphere that characterises the Arab world needs fresh air. The oil-rich countries may not have poverty, but their people have no freedom. In countries such as Egypt, Syria and Yemen, there is neither prosperity nor freedom of choice. Political reform is long overdue in the Arab world.