I actually think the author does a good job of pointing out why companies aren't behind the uprisings. WTF do any of them want with these countries? If there were uprisings in Saudi or Iran, then I might listen to what the conspiracy theorists have to say. But Yemen? Syria? Wastelands both. Although on a side note, what if there were resources and some mega companies did help to overthrow the despots in order to gain access to untapped markets? So fucking what? Its totally different than overthrowing someone like Arbenz in Guatemala, a democratically elected leader who was trying to do right by his countrymen. These are autocrats who care about one thing: self preservation. They oppose liberalizing their economies, because that can only help the common man. We may look at the factories in China with dismay at the conditions, but people are breaking down doors to get jobs in them. More pay, more dignity, more rights are what everyone wants.