Similarly, consider the annual Political Corruption Index compiled by the World Bank, Economist Intelligence Unit and World Economic Forum: Egypt is ranked 98th, once again about half-way down a long list of 179 countries, which means it is far less corrupt than such countries as Argentina (105th), Indonesia (110th), Syria (127th), the Philippines (134th), Iran (146th), Russia (154th) and the supposed U.S. role model, Iraq (175th).

FORBES: Another Illiberal Democracy -- In Egypt

Made up of Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey and South Africa -- these nations, some with sizable populations and others with a wealth of natural resources, could be the economic boomers of the next decade, according to John Bowler, director of Country Risk Service at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

CNN: Building on 'BRICS': The next emerging economies