Gene Sharp Speaks

I have discussed Prof.Gene Sharp's ideas and their influence on the 'Arab Spring' in my column of 28 August, 2011. Recently he appeared for BBC's HardTalk and expressed himself for half an hour. The following is some of my impressions.
First he said that his now well-known book was originally written at the request of one of the Burmese whom he was occasionally meeting within and outside Burma. He, however, does not know exactly how the book came to influence the event elsewhere.
He naturally emphasized the value of non-violent struggle, as his whole book was on that. Very interestingly, however, he said that a reason why the violent course should not be chosen was that a government agent, or the political police, will get into the movement, and it will turn counter-revolutionary.
In this connection he referred to the example of a general of Caddafi's Army, who surrendered to the rebels but was later killed by them. He has a suspicion that the General was Caddafi's man.
At the same time he warns the non-violent movement as well. Any defiance is risky. They should know the weaknesses of the regime they are fighting. Otherwise their plan won't work. This means that they should have a grand strategy. Clear thinking is called for, instead of mere sweeping generalization.
Also interesting was his view on the merit of negotiating with the regime. It is unwise to do so. It was a mistake to have negotiated with the then President Mubarak of Egypt. The people's side had to agree to Mubarak's condition that the power should be transferred to the Army. Such is the danger of negotiating. Dictators do not negotiate themselves out of power, and there are no such examples.
Talking of Egypt, the revolution is incomplete, and only the first half is over. Incidentally I am writing this while listening to the news of the tragedy at the Football Stadium at Port Said.
Towards the end Prof.Sharp said that if democratization takes place in one country it sends a message to another, but one must use his head, and plan carefully.
On the current hot spot, Syria, unfortunately, there was no dialogue.