“Finally we are free.” That was the quote from a sixty year old Egyptian protester when their President stepped down after 18 days of protests demanding him to resign. Their President Hosni Muberak had been in power for 30 years and the citizens had seen enough of his rule over them. There were many unique factors of this protest and demand. The location was the Middle East, where uprisings are generally put to rest as soon as they occur. It was peaceful and with the sheer number of citizens involved, this was also an unheard of feat. However, this would be the most surprising; the Egyptian military was present the entire time of the protest and largely did not get involved with dispersing the crown.
We need to look at what brought this about. On the outside looking in, it is a classic case of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. In the thirty years that President Hosni Muberak was in power, it was said that he amassed over $40 billion in assets and these were spread around the world while the majority of the citizens of Egypt were living at or below the poverty level.
This is in mind the Egyptian citizens took to the streets and fought with their voices the lock on power, government corruption and the large differences between the rich and the poor.
Since their voice was heard, the military has dissolved power and has promised elections to the citizens.
This is a brief summary compared to what really happened. This is the point in the future that will interest me. What happens if promises are not delivered? History of neighbouring African nations has proven that this may happen even if the world is watching. What will happen if other uprisings occur in neighbouring Middle Eastern countries? In the end, will the citizens be fully prepared for what may happen next? Not one person will be able to predict what may happen next.
In going back to the protestor that proclaimed, “Finally we are free!” I ask, are they?
Interesting topic, with a few little points to ponder:
ReplyDelete1) Egypt is in Africa, not the Middle East;
2) The military has taken control, which by definition means Egypt is now under martial law.
3) Throughout recorded history, not one instance of the people enjoying life under martial law exists;
4) Muberak amassed a vast personal furtune while in power, at the expense of his people, thus putting him in the same company of virtually every other world leader in recorded history;
5) Approximately 91% of all Egyptians are Muslims, which coupled with the military's vow to introduce elections, paves the way for groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood to step in and take control.
So... are they free? For the moment, at least, they have the illusion of freedom. But despite the liberal spin western media has put on this event, I'm not so sure the people will be much (if any) better off.
Borders have made this country also part of what we would call the Middle East. It has been referred to both in the news and writings.
ReplyDeleteI have read books of other African nations that thought a new leader would correct the previous wrongs. In having this thought, the sins of yesterday would always appear with the new governments. Are they free, I do not think so.
great Article . . . thanxx . . .
ReplyDelete