Davutoglu: "Arab rulers must change or risk being overthrow"

A new era is sweeping the Middle East and it is up to its leaders to embrace change or risk being cast away, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday. He also dismissed allegations that a recent wave of uprisings that toppled leaders in Tunisia and Egypt and inspired masses across Libya, Yemen, Bahrain and Syria is the work of "foreign elements." Davutoglu said the Middle East is going through political and social upheaval much like what gripped Eastern Europe in the 1990s and toppled a series of communist dictators. "Now wise leaders in the region should lead this process rather than try to prevent it," he said. "Those who try to prevent this process will face more difficulties, like in Libya." He added, "This is a new era that will bring many challenges, many opportunities, and many risks. It is up to these leaders to maximize the opportunities and minimize these risks."