It all makes sense, now. Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak is taking his cues from The Simpsons' evil corporate totalitarian character, Mr. Burns.

First, he acts all polite and accommodating. "You want me out? Fine, fine. I'll leave in September. Come again."

Then, as soon as the bemused protesters have wandered back out into the street, the call comes down: "Smithers, release the hounds."

Naturally, this is code for "send in my trusted thugs on camels and beat the democracy out of those little bastards".

Watching the carnage ensue, Mubarak shrugs, quoting another apt Burns-ism: "I can't be responsible for what my goons are ordered to do."

Oh, you will, Mr. Bur... Mubarak. You will. Not much longer, now.

Jonathon Narvey is the Editor of The Propagandist