What is the big picture? What exactly is going on?

[Syrinx]

I don't like to sound ignorant, but to a large extent, I guess I am on the current events.

It seems like something really big is happening, but what it is (to me, anyway) isn't exactly clear.

Are we witnessing a mass-revolution in the greater mid-east, and the Islamic world? Or is it something that is likely to spread beyond those areas?

If it is a mid-east and Islamic phenomenon, is it an attempt to lead to a more free citizenry, or to a more theocratic ideal, like the Iranian revolution?

Or, if it is likely to spread, is there any chance that the West in general, and the U.S. in particular, will in any way follow suit?

Is the situation related to Wikileaks at all?

Is it only a coincidence that CNN recently dropped replays of Parker Spitzer and Anderson Cooper in favor of live news from CNN International (though the programming still seems mostly like fluff, but international fluff, damn it).

I know what is happening is very big. I'm just trying to understand if it is monumental or not. :shrug:

Don't hate me because I'm a dumbass. :)