Old Testament reading at Morning Prayer

This morning's first reading at Morning Prayer seemed very appropriate as we prayed for the people of Egypt. Isaiah 19 is an extended passage about the fate of that nation. Isaiah often warns his readers about trusting Egypt, not surprising given his people treatment by the Egyptians in earlier times.

But now it is the question "Can democracy flourish?" in this land and indeed across the whole Arab world which is on our minds. The Guardian had a useful time line which shows how the spring time has blossomed over the nearly 12 months since Mohamed Bouazizi set fire to himself in the Tunisian town of Sidi Bouzid.

I wonder how realistic the West's expectations of democracy are for the region, or even if democracy is the only form of government for states who wish to participate in world affairs. Should we impose our own models on a different culture or instead should we look to the outcomes of good government rather than the model as the defining feature?

Perhaps Isaiah can offer some useful guidance ... in chapter 11 verses 6 and 7:

The wolf shall live with the lamb,
   the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
   and a little child shall lead them.