Arab countries, so dramatically entangled in the Arab Spring and its ripple effects, should take a deep look at a page of a very impressive “Velvet Revolution” that took place in the post-Soviet Union era in the country that used to be known as Czechoslovakia. That country quietly and very elegantly decided to separate, thus instantly creating two states: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The “divorce” was so civil and refined to the degree that until this day, after over 15 years of separation, the two states remain the best of allies, strong economic partners, and the diplomatic emphasis of each country is required to help and serve the citizens of the other country as its own. There were absolutely no acts of revenge or malicious intentions aimed at the villains of yesterdays. The countries looked firmly ahead, and in the case of the Czech Republic it managed to turn itself into a roaring success model; succeeding exceptionally in converting their Soviet-era industrial base to a sector able to compete with the best in such areas as automobiles, trains, machinery, power supply, nuclear reactors, aviation and various others. The Czech Republic also was able to upgrade its medical facilities to become one of the world's top medical tourism destinations providing premiere health care with the latest technologies as well as providing the best staffing the industry can provide. The Czechs provided leadership of historical caliber and weight of the likes of Martin Luther King, Gandhi and Nelson Mandela in their first post-independence president,Vaclav Havel, who was a humane and wise example on how to “lead” in revolutionary times. He managed to unify the worried and anxious country focused on the future rather than on the past. He also followed a pro-active economic program which managed to slowly but surely turn the country into a clear successful economic model. He was followed by President Vaclav Klaus who was a “Euro-skeptic” and refused to join the European currency (a decision that ultimately saved the Czech economy from the misery of the European financial crises which has affected numerous countries). All of these great stories were a cause of confidence and pride for the Czech people in securing their place as a serious player in the new Europe and globally emerging economic success story. The Arab Spring states in particular and the Arab countries in general can learn a lot from the Czech model. Political stability, social cohesion and economic success were established in a very impressive manner while facing enormous challenges. What more can be said!
