But he said he stands strongly with those who believe the voice of the people should be heard and not suppressed.

So I spend the day trying to suppress my "me first" instincts.

Yet some suggest that this is a sign of naiveté or acquiescence to these countries' repression of their own people.

Other analysts say force may have worked in the past to quell dissent, but not this time.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others.