democracy! or democracy?

#9 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tommy-stadlen/climate-revolutions_b_839444.html In Stadlen’s article, he links the revolution in Egypt to a record surge in food prices across the globe. To lend weight to this argument, Stadlen mentions similar riots breaking out in many developing countries in 2008, including Egypt. The figurehead of the Tunisian revolution, a young fruit-seller who self-immolated in protest against the brutality of local police may also be seen in this respect. Government responses to the immanent threat posed by protesters also reflected food’s critical role. In Tunisia, Ali attempted to reduce tension by promising to reduce food prices. In Algeria, the government promised to reduce duties on sugar and cooking oil. This was also seen in Yemen when the government offered to cap food prices. http://www.arbitragemagazine.com/topics/international-affairs/middle-east/root-revolution-egypt/ In Shaub’s article, he lists the most notable underlying cause of the revolution in Egypt as income disparity: one half of Egyptians live on $2/day or less. The minimum wage hasn’t risen in 25 years. “ Mubarak’s political environment has weakened the power of labor and kept down wages to the advantage of major employers, both foreign and domestic.” Each article, to be fair, touches on the same inherent problems that many countries in the Middle East face. In its own right each causal link is correct and has played off the other. In the latter example, increases in food prices would be less of an issue, although still problematic, in a wealthier country with higher wages. The evidence given for each is valid and considering the nature of the articles, it seems relevant to assume that both articles hold some value. With that said, it is problematic to simplify causal factors, especially in countries where numerous underlying problems exist. To give an example, why did the revolution in Tunisia succeed and the revolution in Bahrein fail?