A year on and I remember the Egyptian revolution. I remember the anticipation on January 25 2011 and feel happy that I witnessed the revolution in Egypt. A year on and they are still seeking system reform and rejecting the military rule. I do remember when at the height of the slogans in Egypt of "the people and army are one hand" and I was extremely worried and wondered "how are you ok with military rule now". Wisely my friend answered "the time has not come for that fight". A year on and Egyptians had to go through the Supreme Council of Armed Forces committing crimes of killing protesters, sexually assaulting women, and imprisoning people. All this and many Egyptians have sadly asked the revolutionaries to patiently wait for a "peaceful" power transfer. We saw that the Muslim Brotherhood have played dirty political games, stopped supporting the revolutionaries, and sought for their political gain of getting the Parliament. The true revolutionaries are still fighting and advocate that the revolution is not over. A year on and I am not in Egypt but experiencing something new and different. I am in Amman, Jordan this year and experiencing a completely different situation. Jordan is deemed as the most stable country in the Middle East with minimum problems. I am surrounded by 4 foreign students from Germany, Italy, USA, Spain who came to Jordan to study Arabic and do research (instead of going to typical destinations for Arabic in Syria and Egypt). Yet, how stable and great is Jordan? You sense that there is something boiling underneath this stability. I walked into the Jordanian University today (where am doing an internship) and I saw a huge crowd of people holding up signs. I thought maybe they are supporting the revolution in Egypt?!? They had their own demands of raising their salaries. There are small scale demonstrations happening all over Jordan that we get a glimpse of in the Jordanian media like the teachers protests to raise their wages, government reform protests, or Muslim Brotherhood protests. Yet, all these protests lack any anarchist revolutionary sentiments; they are playing it safe towards demands of reform. A year on and the revolutions in the Arab world have not touched Jordan. Instead they are promoting and priding in the notions of safety and stability here. When I talk to people here, they recognize that there is something very wrong about Jordan. Reform is necessary and we secretly talk about a very apparent situation in Jordan that frankly I would be scared to write about it in a public blog- given that there is a strong secret police here. At the same time, how can Jordan have a revolution? I was having a conversation with my friend yesterday on why Jordan does not have a womans movement and it made me think of also why Jordan cannot have a revolution. Since the questions that come to mind are what is Jordan anyways, what does it mean to be Jordanian, and what is the Jordanian identity? It is a confused place with a majority of Palestinians who deny their nationality as Jordanians, a Saudi King, and a minority of Jordanians. What is bringing the Jordanians together? In light of these questions and confusion it seems like a revolution is not possible. How can they revolt and towards the betterment of what when there is nothing bringing them together? This brings me back to Egypt where nationalism is so high and the identity is pretty clear- "We are all Egyptians and love our land, we pride in our differences as Muslims or Christians, liberal or conservative, we are all Egypt". You can see this in an advertisement by the leading Egyptian telecom company showing beautiful scenery of all around Egypt and signing together "Egypt is my mother". Instead in Jordan we find the national anthem of "Long live the King" and not Jordan?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
In the Phase of Change
The post revolution phase in Cairo is marked with optimism and hope. It is an opportunity for reforming political structures, public management, social justice, and bettering onself. Talk shows are handling political structures and public management by interviewing various types of of public figures for their visions for a better Egypt. Then there are the strikes from various sectors demanding social justice. On the streets you often hear the joke of "how can you behave this way after a revolution?".
An inspirational change is the concept that you can now set up your own political party. This idea in itself is very empowering for inviduals. If you have an ideology and vision for a better Egypt; write it up and market it.
Here is what my political party looks like for Egypt:
1) Target the infrastructure (ensure it is updated and reaches large numbers of citizens)
2) Target the informal areas and informal economy (ensure it is registered and protect citizens envolved)
3) Target the political structure, and public management and planning (ensure it is well managed and monitored for better services for citizens)
In broad lines the target is to tackle the wide poverty and social injustice that Egypt as a whole is experiencing. I would want to be called the social justice party.
The idea in itself to thinking of a political party gets a person to think outside themselves and what is necessary for the greater good. This type of thinking is not always possible outside a revolutionary context. We seem to be living our daily lives, concerned with schedules and making ends meet needs. In this new situation change and progress is possible. It is critical to dream and see yourself as a part of wholistic system that can be reformed.
An inspirational change is the concept that you can now set up your own political party. This idea in itself is very empowering for inviduals. If you have an ideology and vision for a better Egypt; write it up and market it.
Here is what my political party looks like for Egypt:
1) Target the infrastructure (ensure it is updated and reaches large numbers of citizens)
2) Target the informal areas and informal economy (ensure it is registered and protect citizens envolved)
3) Target the political structure, and public management and planning (ensure it is well managed and monitored for better services for citizens)
In broad lines the target is to tackle the wide poverty and social injustice that Egypt as a whole is experiencing. I would want to be called the social justice party.
The idea in itself to thinking of a political party gets a person to think outside themselves and what is necessary for the greater good. This type of thinking is not always possible outside a revolutionary context. We seem to be living our daily lives, concerned with schedules and making ends meet needs. In this new situation change and progress is possible. It is critical to dream and see yourself as a part of wholistic system that can be reformed.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
the beggining to an end...
Yesterday was like any day for me. I did not anticipate the significance of February 11. I woke up and contemplated how I will get to Tahrir square. One of the main considerations is whether it will be safe to go or not? And, it did not seem that safe. People in Tahrir did not accept the speech by the President and wanted to march to the President's palace. At home, people were very confused and went back to the old thinking that what Mubarak said seemed good enough. I certainly sat there and wished to be among the ones that believed in the revolution and did not change their mind with speeches. For safety and considering that I am foreigner; I had to do other things.
I went to coffee beans in Zamalek to have a Chai Latte. I was among the super classy people who were confused by the revolution and just wanted life to go back to normal. One friend of a friend started a conversation with me. I checked first that they wouldnt get offended if I express my clear support of the revolution as a foreigner. They seemed fine with my opinion and choose to give me their view of the revolution. In sum, people in Tahrir need to go home, Mubarak should not resign since the country will be in chaos, and we need to remember Mubarak's accomplishment of safety and economic openess. Plus the main fear is that if Mubarak resigns the Military takes over then we are all in trouble. I argued a little but it did not exactly work so I went with "you are young, you should dream a little, and consider the revolutionary ideas that are meant to change the Arab world".
We were off to eat at an American chain resturaunt called Chilli's, and as I walked in people started clapping! I check real quick and there it was MUBARAK RESIGNS! I started up and down, and asked the people at the resturaunt "are you happy? is that why you were clapping?". They were happy! It was a bit surprising for me in light of coffee beans and the previous conversation.
I almost ran to Tahrir. We danced and sang for hours! We chanted "you can now lift your head up since you are Egyptian". Pride and dignity were restored for the Egyptian people. There it was too people remembered the rest of the Arab world and Arab unity. That is all I wanted for the evening. I wanted the sense of Arab unity to be reborn.
Today was another celebratory day. We started it by going to Tahrir but this time to clean. By the time I got there, everything was cleaned up, pavements were painted, and people were celebrating. I got handed a really great flyer "change is not just political but invovles social/moral change as well". Some of the items it called for are vowing to 1) no longer bribe the police, 2) not harras or bother girls on the street, 3) not to throw trash in the street, etc...
The conversations were celebratory and honorary of this great revolution. We all remembered the martyers. It was a bit difficult to discuss what will happen next, since it is a beggining to an end.
I went to coffee beans in Zamalek to have a Chai Latte. I was among the super classy people who were confused by the revolution and just wanted life to go back to normal. One friend of a friend started a conversation with me. I checked first that they wouldnt get offended if I express my clear support of the revolution as a foreigner. They seemed fine with my opinion and choose to give me their view of the revolution. In sum, people in Tahrir need to go home, Mubarak should not resign since the country will be in chaos, and we need to remember Mubarak's accomplishment of safety and economic openess. Plus the main fear is that if Mubarak resigns the Military takes over then we are all in trouble. I argued a little but it did not exactly work so I went with "you are young, you should dream a little, and consider the revolutionary ideas that are meant to change the Arab world".
We were off to eat at an American chain resturaunt called Chilli's, and as I walked in people started clapping! I check real quick and there it was MUBARAK RESIGNS! I started up and down, and asked the people at the resturaunt "are you happy? is that why you were clapping?". They were happy! It was a bit surprising for me in light of coffee beans and the previous conversation.
I almost ran to Tahrir. We danced and sang for hours! We chanted "you can now lift your head up since you are Egyptian". Pride and dignity were restored for the Egyptian people. There it was too people remembered the rest of the Arab world and Arab unity. That is all I wanted for the evening. I wanted the sense of Arab unity to be reborn.
Today was another celebratory day. We started it by going to Tahrir but this time to clean. By the time I got there, everything was cleaned up, pavements were painted, and people were celebrating. I got handed a really great flyer "change is not just political but invovles social/moral change as well". Some of the items it called for are vowing to 1) no longer bribe the police, 2) not harras or bother girls on the street, 3) not to throw trash in the street, etc...
The conversations were celebratory and honorary of this great revolution. We all remembered the martyers. It was a bit difficult to discuss what will happen next, since it is a beggining to an end.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Some Disappointment and Some Hope
The highlight for me today is going to Tahrir square where there is a type of "sit in". Tonight when I went and in light of president Mubarak's speech, it was more crowded than it usually is (about a 2 million). You walk into the square and you find big army tanks and soldiers standing there as though they are guarding you. The people walking in praise the military and thank them for the protection. Then there are ordinary people regulating the traffic, checking ID's, and searching people. We then get greated with music and people praising and thanking us for coming, they chant "welcome revolutionaries!". You walk into a really large space, where there are different types of crowds doing different things. Some are reading poetry, others are dancing and singing, shouting slogans, writing signs, face painting the flag of Egypt, and people praying. It is a beautiful site and a joy to be there, all these people are gathered under couple of main slogans; "Down with Mubarak" and "the People require regime change". Then came the disappointing speech of Mubark.
It was absolutely horrible especially from the perspective of any revolutionary that is demanding real regime change. Mubarak did not offer much. He used cheap political tactics like "am a war hero", "am speaking to you from the heart", and "am going to fullfil all your needs". He promised to change the constitution and framed it as the people should be thankful for changing 6 articles. He also basically adopted the revolutions requests for change with ignoring one main point which is HE NEEDS TO LEAVE. The definate reaction in Tahrir square and the majority did not buy into it and started marching to the palace.
The picture is completely different when you sit at home infront of the TV. The talk shows on the Egyptian TV almost praised the speech and asked Tahrir square people to leave. I made one comment that it is naive to even ask them from people that have been camping for 17 days. The reaction I got from an older woman sitting with me was " we do not want blood, we are not Iraq, and I suggest you dont say revolutionary statements since you are a foreigner". I was a bit confused. Again, people of Egypt do not seem to see how big this revolution is and how important it is for others outside of Egypt. What Egypt is trying to accomplish is a key to other nations speaking out to say no to corruption and request freedom. Egypt also is not Iraq since it does not have a civil war or foreign occupation.
We then watch the foreign media (Aljazeera, Alarabiya, CNN, or BBC) are pro-revolution. Nothing can be trusted since I am not really sure about this excessive coverage and analysis by the western media. What is their agenda? Everyone has an agenda. Mine I have been expressing but certainly pressuring the regime to listen to the people is key. There is hope and there is also enough awareness for all of it to be peaceful. In couple of hours it will be more events to monitor.
It was absolutely horrible especially from the perspective of any revolutionary that is demanding real regime change. Mubarak did not offer much. He used cheap political tactics like "am a war hero", "am speaking to you from the heart", and "am going to fullfil all your needs". He promised to change the constitution and framed it as the people should be thankful for changing 6 articles. He also basically adopted the revolutions requests for change with ignoring one main point which is HE NEEDS TO LEAVE. The definate reaction in Tahrir square and the majority did not buy into it and started marching to the palace.
The picture is completely different when you sit at home infront of the TV. The talk shows on the Egyptian TV almost praised the speech and asked Tahrir square people to leave. I made one comment that it is naive to even ask them from people that have been camping for 17 days. The reaction I got from an older woman sitting with me was " we do not want blood, we are not Iraq, and I suggest you dont say revolutionary statements since you are a foreigner". I was a bit confused. Again, people of Egypt do not seem to see how big this revolution is and how important it is for others outside of Egypt. What Egypt is trying to accomplish is a key to other nations speaking out to say no to corruption and request freedom. Egypt also is not Iraq since it does not have a civil war or foreign occupation.
We then watch the foreign media (Aljazeera, Alarabiya, CNN, or BBC) are pro-revolution. Nothing can be trusted since I am not really sure about this excessive coverage and analysis by the western media. What is their agenda? Everyone has an agenda. Mine I have been expressing but certainly pressuring the regime to listen to the people is key. There is hope and there is also enough awareness for all of it to be peaceful. In couple of hours it will be more events to monitor.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Political Tourists
I did my political tourism to Tahrir square yesterday. I went with two older Egyptian women, who wanted to go to support their children. My explanation for their interest lies in what we were watching on TV the night before. A really famous talk show host, Mona Shazly, brought in interesting guests. First Mona brought in Wael Ghuneim, the regional marketing manager for Google in UAE. Wael was the creator of "We are all Khaled Said" on facebook. He was the secret admin that no one knew about. This group was an inspiration to many in exposing the government's injustice. It was created after the torture and killing of a young man called Khaled from Alexandria on the hands of the police. On Jan 27, Wael was kidnapped. Rumors where circulating that google has trained and hired Wael to mobolize revolutions across the Arab world? As soon as he got out from "Government Security"; he went to visit his family for half an hour and directly came to the show. Wael cried for almost the whole half an hour of his and even left the show. He apologized for all the killings and felt some sort of guilt towards all the martyrs of the revolution. Wael reiterated that he does not want to be a leader of the revolution and that everyone else on the streets revolting are heros. I found him sincere but lacks any political depth. He seemed disoriented which seemed logical after being blind folded for 12 days. I personally expected more from him, and if he had that political mind that Egypt is in dire need for then I think he would have performed much better.
Then Mona brought in a heart surgeon, artist, TV anchor, and poet. All these guests insisted that they are "not political" but inspired by the youth. They are participating for their children and attend Tahrir square on daily basis. This made me think, since when is politics and being political such a negative concept?!
Tahrir square reflects this mode. No to politics or being political; just having couple of slogans that almost one million people agree on "Mubarak must leave" (this one is all languages and different forms) and "the people want the regime to fall".
I went in the door where I got searched and ID checked. The question that I got was "why are you here as a Jordanian?" I immediately responded "since I am marrying an Egyptian, I have stake in the future of this country". We both exchanged awkward smiles. This was the first alienating move for being foreigner for me.
The entrance to the square had several tanks with Egypts flag on them and people standing on top of them for pictures. Then there were the burnt down police cars where people were also taking pictures.
We entered into a crowd of people singing the Egyptian national anthem. A female speaker with an accent tried to chant support to Egypt and immediately got booed off "get down, we want Egyptians only". This was another alienating move that made me think. Why are they assuming that their revolution is only for Egyptians and not for the rest of the Arab world and humanity even? This revolution is about freedom of expression, call for democracy, no to poverty, and no to corruption. These are all human slogans that are applicable to possible 80% of the world!
We entered into different crowds; the Al Azhar Sheikhs reciting different prayers for the salvation of the Egyptian people, Oud player singing revolutionary songs, little kids chanting 'Mubarak must fall', poetry readings, and many funny signs. Then there are people selling tea and sandwiches, occasionally you get offered dates for free, and many youngsters picking up trash. The square is full of tents occupied by families from other towns that came in to the capital to the sit-in. Most people are discussing and carrying cameras to take photographs.
This is described by everyone as a festival or carnival that is extremely civilized. That is when I felt like a political tourist. I am not politically involved especially that I am a foreigner. At the same time, most of the Egyptian people are not political either. There is a type of simplified politics; two main streams with different variations within them. You either attend Tahrir square to make a statement that you do support the revolution and demand a change. Or you do not to attend Tahrir since you are satisfied with your life, accept the new government, and possibly support Mubarak. We see these views expressed at businesses even. I was sitting at a coffee shop near my house and it had a sign written on it "the people want the evacuation of Tahrir square".
Then Mona brought in a heart surgeon, artist, TV anchor, and poet. All these guests insisted that they are "not political" but inspired by the youth. They are participating for their children and attend Tahrir square on daily basis. This made me think, since when is politics and being political such a negative concept?!
Tahrir square reflects this mode. No to politics or being political; just having couple of slogans that almost one million people agree on "Mubarak must leave" (this one is all languages and different forms) and "the people want the regime to fall".
I went in the door where I got searched and ID checked. The question that I got was "why are you here as a Jordanian?" I immediately responded "since I am marrying an Egyptian, I have stake in the future of this country". We both exchanged awkward smiles. This was the first alienating move for being foreigner for me.
The entrance to the square had several tanks with Egypts flag on them and people standing on top of them for pictures. Then there were the burnt down police cars where people were also taking pictures.
We entered into a crowd of people singing the Egyptian national anthem. A female speaker with an accent tried to chant support to Egypt and immediately got booed off "get down, we want Egyptians only". This was another alienating move that made me think. Why are they assuming that their revolution is only for Egyptians and not for the rest of the Arab world and humanity even? This revolution is about freedom of expression, call for democracy, no to poverty, and no to corruption. These are all human slogans that are applicable to possible 80% of the world!
We entered into different crowds; the Al Azhar Sheikhs reciting different prayers for the salvation of the Egyptian people, Oud player singing revolutionary songs, little kids chanting 'Mubarak must fall', poetry readings, and many funny signs. Then there are people selling tea and sandwiches, occasionally you get offered dates for free, and many youngsters picking up trash. The square is full of tents occupied by families from other towns that came in to the capital to the sit-in. Most people are discussing and carrying cameras to take photographs.
This is described by everyone as a festival or carnival that is extremely civilized. That is when I felt like a political tourist. I am not politically involved especially that I am a foreigner. At the same time, most of the Egyptian people are not political either. There is a type of simplified politics; two main streams with different variations within them. You either attend Tahrir square to make a statement that you do support the revolution and demand a change. Or you do not to attend Tahrir since you are satisfied with your life, accept the new government, and possibly support Mubarak. We see these views expressed at businesses even. I was sitting at a coffee shop near my house and it had a sign written on it "the people want the evacuation of Tahrir square".
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
the revolution is around me in cairo 2
There are always cynical sides to situations or revolutions. On one side, I very much enjoy being around those revolutionaries, Egyptians and foreigners, who have the view of regime change is essential, and governments must serve citizens. Those are mostly concentrated in Tahrir square. Yet, the other side is the rest of the population and their reactions. I cannot say I was too surprised by not sensing the revolutionary sentiments of others, but lets say it worried me tremedously. I certainly wonder, in times of revolution, should everyone I meet be onboard?
Starting from the night before Jan 25, I was out to dinner having Indian food. The plans of an organized revolution was the lively discussion at our dinner table. The few that supported the idea expressed their anti government sentiments. Others seemed apathetic. We had one strong speaker against the idea of protesting. I was certainly surprised to hear their views. They were well trimmed and educated, andmocked the idea of "Che" and deemed it as a too archaic tactic. They said Egypt is already changing towards having a business friendly environment and that was good enough, protests are too dramatic and are not effective, plus Egypt is not Tunis. (Quick disclaimar, after the effective protests on Jan 25, this person actually joined the revolution for couple of days.)
We hear the view of Tunis is not Egypt mirrored by those cynical politicians from the new Egyptian government "stop applying the Tunisian catalogue on Egypt". Can they not see all those similarities? The facts are available; concentrated wealth by the very few, one ruling corrupt party, no freedom of press, strong military,and excessive glorification of the president or king.
Tuesday (Jan 25) has passed with impressive results; Egyptians were permitted to protest peacefully for about 12 hours. People around me where happy that the government did not strike at the protesters or did not succeed to desperse the crowds all day. We were all gathered around the TV anticipating that the police would beat or kill the protesters. Nothing was clear and everyone went to sleep. I could not exactly sleep especially that Bibo was at the protests. I could not call him to know the status as the government has lowered the cell signals in Tahrir square (not sure how that is done). After turning off the TV, I monitored the online R.N.N feeds on facebook. It was 2 AM that they started reporting shootings of all types of bullets and tear gas. I became really scared and worried about Bibo and others. I pateintly waited until Bibo finally made it back at 4:30 AM with blood on his jacket. Apparently the protester next to him got a rubber bullet in his eye which spilled blood on Bibo's jacket. I was not exactly sure what are the right words at this moment.
The next 2 days seemed quit and we were all monitoring the news and internet. We were all very worried, what will this government do after these protests? The older generation certainly expected the worst. On facebook, there was a call for another protest on Friday (Jan 28). Not surprisingly, the government shut off all means of communication - cellphones, sms, and internet. The one forgotten means of communication that was kept open were the landlines which became a bit effective in checking up on people.
I woke up on Friday really scared, Bibo was getting prepared to essentially die for the cause. I forced myself to sleep till 3PM and when I woke up I knew there will be the bad news. The worst idea for me was that they arrest him, since then we would be cut off and they can torture him as they please. I got a call from the hospital. My heart was beating fast and ran there as fast as I can. I found Bibo pale and almost proudly smiling. He had 30 little bullets in his chest and arm which were bleeding. I held his hand and felt proud. The doctors and everyone around gave him the hero treatment. The charity hospital also vowed to protect him since we were worried about police coming in to arrest injured protesters.
The days to come, the government delivered its worst and dirtiest of tactics. They have managed to make us live in fear. But the will was strong and everyone that cares went back to the streets to protest as soon it was possible.
Starting from the night before Jan 25, I was out to dinner having Indian food. The plans of an organized revolution was the lively discussion at our dinner table. The few that supported the idea expressed their anti government sentiments. Others seemed apathetic. We had one strong speaker against the idea of protesting. I was certainly surprised to hear their views. They were well trimmed and educated, andmocked the idea of "Che" and deemed it as a too archaic tactic. They said Egypt is already changing towards having a business friendly environment and that was good enough, protests are too dramatic and are not effective, plus Egypt is not Tunis. (Quick disclaimar, after the effective protests on Jan 25, this person actually joined the revolution for couple of days.)
We hear the view of Tunis is not Egypt mirrored by those cynical politicians from the new Egyptian government "stop applying the Tunisian catalogue on Egypt". Can they not see all those similarities? The facts are available; concentrated wealth by the very few, one ruling corrupt party, no freedom of press, strong military,and excessive glorification of the president or king.
Tuesday (Jan 25) has passed with impressive results; Egyptians were permitted to protest peacefully for about 12 hours. People around me where happy that the government did not strike at the protesters or did not succeed to desperse the crowds all day. We were all gathered around the TV anticipating that the police would beat or kill the protesters. Nothing was clear and everyone went to sleep. I could not exactly sleep especially that Bibo was at the protests. I could not call him to know the status as the government has lowered the cell signals in Tahrir square (not sure how that is done). After turning off the TV, I monitored the online R.N.N feeds on facebook. It was 2 AM that they started reporting shootings of all types of bullets and tear gas. I became really scared and worried about Bibo and others. I pateintly waited until Bibo finally made it back at 4:30 AM with blood on his jacket. Apparently the protester next to him got a rubber bullet in his eye which spilled blood on Bibo's jacket. I was not exactly sure what are the right words at this moment.
The next 2 days seemed quit and we were all monitoring the news and internet. We were all very worried, what will this government do after these protests? The older generation certainly expected the worst. On facebook, there was a call for another protest on Friday (Jan 28). Not surprisingly, the government shut off all means of communication - cellphones, sms, and internet. The one forgotten means of communication that was kept open were the landlines which became a bit effective in checking up on people.
I woke up on Friday really scared, Bibo was getting prepared to essentially die for the cause. I forced myself to sleep till 3PM and when I woke up I knew there will be the bad news. The worst idea for me was that they arrest him, since then we would be cut off and they can torture him as they please. I got a call from the hospital. My heart was beating fast and ran there as fast as I can. I found Bibo pale and almost proudly smiling. He had 30 little bullets in his chest and arm which were bleeding. I held his hand and felt proud. The doctors and everyone around gave him the hero treatment. The charity hospital also vowed to protect him since we were worried about police coming in to arrest injured protesters.
The days to come, the government delivered its worst and dirtiest of tactics. They have managed to make us live in fear. But the will was strong and everyone that cares went back to the streets to protest as soon it was possible.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
the revolution is around me in cairo 1
What an empowering feeling to actually write and publish a blog! This was an idea proposed by my father since I am living through a revolution in Cairo. I have been feeling disempowered in the sense of not being sure how to contribute and be part of this revolution that is happening around me. My father suggested documentation. People here do talk to me and share their perspectives, so it is time for me to reflect on it. Two weeks have passed and I am not sure what to make out of the events. It started on Monday Jan 24, with a lot of talk about "let us protest against this tyrant government". It sounded all very revolutionary and almost inplausable. I am not even sure what has sparked all these revolutionary sentiments. I did join at some point "we are all khaled saeed" on facebook, given that young man in Alex who wrongfully got beaten to death by police. The group played as a watch dog on all the government's wrong doings. I closely monitored with the people. It did arouse me almost every single time and I felt angry and helpless. Why should the Arab world tolerate such awful governments who do not work by "serving citizens?! Egypt for me is part of the Arab world who have this commonality of "dictators", "secret police", "corruption", and "poverty". Any "uprising", "revolt", or "revolution" against those corrupt and badly run governments sounds good to me. At some point, Egypt seemed to have woken up, mobolized by late 20th century technology. The internet users have organized and called for the protests. Change was bound to happen. I siged "At Last!". Yet, what can I do? I am a half Palestinian and half Serbian woman, 26 years old, and a student of Gender and Women Studies in Cairo. More importantly and I have been identifying with this little fact even more lately, since my Fiance is Egyptian. I usely pride in this last fact to people here which elicits the reaction of "that means you care about Egypt since you are marrying one". That might be true, maybe that is why I care about Egypt even more. Other than haven lived in the Arab world for most of my life, and I idenitfy with "Arab Unity", Egypt has become a home with some serious future considerations for it on my mind. What will come out of this revolution that was started by Egyptian youth? So far and the most significant accomplishment is "breaking the barrier of fear from those governments", as my significant other says. And, I will leave all my cynical remarks in another post.
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