I think there's a hunger in those populations for both Islamic representation AND democracy, Akenaton. Islam and democracy are not mutually exclusive, because there are many different versions of Islam...across a range from most "liberal" to most "conservative" interpretations of Islam.

Most (if not all) of the Pakistani or Iranian or Middle Eastern people I've ever met are devoutly Islamic (because that is their religion which they grew up with) AND are fervent believers in the benefits of democracy...and they have no trouble combining those beliefs.

Be that as it may, there is no guarantee as to which way the pendulum will swing after the Arab Spring. One thing for sure, many of the young people's hopes will be disappointed as one set of autocrats, thugs, and military people will probably take over from the last set. Things may indeed get quite a bit worse.

Israel's previous cushy arrangements with Egypt will probably vanish down the river now, and that will make the Israelis even more paranoid than they used to be (if that's possible). That in itself heightens the danger of a major military conflict in the area.