Desert Thaw

Per my previous post on a related topic,

Because with that liberalization, you also get a managerial class, people who are used to gathering reliable information, making decisions, following or bucking trends as needed. In other words, a class of people who are used to thinking for themselves and who can spread that habit to others.

I think they're the fertile soil in which democracy can take root. The per-capita income is merely a reflection of their presence.

this item would seem to be especially good news for Egypt:

Egypt and Israel will sign a joint free-trade agreement with the United States in Cairo today, a sign that a recent thaw in the relations between the Middle East neighbors is helping spur broader economic cooperation.

Here's hoping it's the start of a trend....

Hat Tip: Political Vice Squad