The topic is the popular uprising in Egypt, going on its seventh day.
Egypt is not a monarchy (like Saudi Arabia, where incidentally women have no voting rights). Egypt is a –sort of- democracy: a perverse system that has kept the same government in power since 1981 (in the US we’ve had 5 presidents since!). How to fake an election? 1- Ban opposition parties (such as the Muslim Brothers),* 2- and rig results, which invariably -and overwhelmingly- end up supporting President Mubarak's Party. 3- Use "terror" as a weapon of dissuasion and conformity. Mubarak has used the terror card of Muslim fundamentalism as a political weapon to rule out opposition. The formula reads: "If I'm not in charge, there will be terror" (in fact, many governments balk at the possibility that Egypt’s crisis could descend into a sort of theocracy like Iran's).
Yet, the democratic argument is that sovereign people should build their own political future at the polls (meaning that voting is free and anonymous, something that does not happen in many cases).
Revolutions are great moments in history, but they're also highly unstable. So the question for many is, will this Egyptian revolution bring greater democracy to its people or would it replace Mubarak's dictatorship with a different kind of despotism?
What do you think? Go ahead!
__________
*A part of the ideology of the Muslim Brothers is establishing an Islamic State based on Shari'a law and the rejection of Western influence. In this case, religion and the State are inseparable, as is the case in Iran. Recently, the organization has taken steps to incorporate greater pluralism, but many people are still skeptical of the true intentions of the organization.
The Egyptian government isn't the problem, its the Egyptain citizens and their culture. Removing or replacing one ruling class with another won't change that fact. Culture is very significant and represents the ideal of a country and its people. Take Iran as an example, their culture is extremely supported by there citizens. The main point that Im trying to focus on, is that it doesn't matter what class or what type of government would be put in place, the people of Egypt will still have the same perception of Egyptian culture. Bill Maher - the guy who conducts the show "Real Time with Bill Maher" at HBO- criticize that religion is always involved with government issues, and that religion shouldn't be involved because what is the point of having a democratic country when religion is associated with politics. That is exactly what would occur if the revolution of Egypt succeeds, even if they become more "democratic", religion and culture would always be associated, because of the people. But, I would also have to agree that even if Egypt does become more "democratic" certain aspect of the country itself would improve, such as the ecomomy and the fact that they will have more "liberal rights". I admit myself that I'm glad that I live in a democratic country rather than living in a communist country, or with any other ruling class, cause one has more freedom and rights as an individual. To gather up my point of view; whatever decision is made in the case of Egypt, there will always be an advantage and a disadvantage. The question is "How would Egyptain citizen adapt to whatever decision is made at the end?" This whole thing depends on the people!
ReplyDeleteMeleny Lastra
I think what is happening in Egypt is a revolution that we as a close ally with are watching every step of. Its amazing to see a president who has fled the country still has as much power as he does, even when his country is mid-rvolution if you will. We are seeing things that many thought were impossible to do, such as cutting off internet to a whole entire country. Also the cutting off of cell phones for the the citizens, yet they still manage to unite and rally for what they believe in. 30 years is a long time for any country to be under the regime of a single president, but whats interesting to see is Mubaraks changes has made ever since the revolution in Egypt has begun. It started off with a change in his cabinet, now promises to not run for reelection. But still his citizens are not satisfied, that want a full on resignation. All of Mubaraks show that it is possible that he may step down as president because of the difficulty of ruling a nation while in hiding. One thing Mubarak is depending heavily on is the support from his armed forces, but if they were to switch sides I believe the violence would escalade and we will have no choice but to watch the 30 year and counting president step down.
ReplyDelete-Brent Knowles
We can all agree that what is going on in Egypt right now will be going down in history, but sooner or later it was going to happen. People have been with the same president “Mubarak” for thirty years, while we have had five different presidents. Of course people will revolt for what they don’t think is right, and not being able to pick their own president is one of them. They have had to oblige to the laws and decision of a man that they have not voted into office. So this is what we are seeing now, thousands of supporters and opponents of President Hosni Mubarak battle in Cairo's main square. The two sides faced off with rocks, fist punches, and bricks. The army was ordered not to intervene. The only thing they would do would be, ring shots of fire in the air from time to time. I honestly believe it’s time for president Hosni Mubarak to leave office and give someone that the people choose, to be the president of their country.
ReplyDeleteRevolutions are memorable situations in history that cause a big impact in society and normally bring great change. In my opinion I think it would be a wonderful thing if Egypt was able to create a more democratic government. The people will benefit greatly however, I really doubt it will occur do to the religious beliefs Egypt has. .Egypt’s government is similar to the Muslim government; and many Muslims are still fighting for their old ways of life. They believe the U.S.A just went to intrude in their life’s instead of seeing it as a positive purpose. But in the long run I believe the young generations of the Muslims and of the Egyptians will accommodate better to the democracy and benefit from the rights. Mubarak’s dictatorship is standing strong due to the support of many followers. This revolution will open many doors for the people in Egypt. If change doesn’t occur now then I believe it will very soon.
ReplyDeleteBetween ages 11 to 17 I had the pleasure of living in the smallest country of Central America, El Salvador. This country much like Egypt was once ruled by the tyranny of those who had power and could instill terror on those who didn’t. The problem with this is that truthfully it works because most people would rather avoid an altercation than being involved in one. However, this method although effective (for those who apply it), it never lasts because people tend to get tired of being pushed and eventually push back. Unfortunately there’s always a positive and a negative side to everything, in the case of El Salvador the revolution did bring the oppression of the people to an end, but at the cost of one of the most feared worldwide issues to society, the gangs. The reason why I talk about this is that although there’s a revolution going on in Egypt, which is understandable, since President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak has kept himself in the power for a whole 30 years now via doing what’s been necessary good or bad to retain it. The situation in Egypt as a country and its people as a culture won’t necessarily be solved whether President Mubarak continues to rule or not. For although I do agree that every society should have the right to choose who leads it, in the end the people would determine the future of its country for they choose to either follow the rules they’ve been given or not.
ReplyDeleteWhat is occurring in Egypt is occurring solely because of the lack of distinction consistent with religion and democracy. The Egyptian citizens roam the streets/pathways of Egypt protesting the fact that they’ve had the same leader Mubrak for twenty-eight years. Sir, Indonesia has just removed their leader in which case to point ruled for twenty-six years. Egypt is capable of obtaining new leadership in which may bring a more democratic run on things.
ReplyDeleteOn one hand, their futures lies solely on what the outcome of the revolution will be. On the other hand democracy as they see it is at an obsolete for the reason being Mubrak has ruled for over two decades and only by falsely ruling out his opposition, amongst using terror as a card to rule Egypt. Although things may not change due to the revolution a change shall occur.
Religion and democracy can’t coincide with one another and that is what we see is occurring. It would not be right to compare Egypt to Iran, yet religion is playing a huge role in this outbreak.
Mubrak will relieve himself of his position; or so they say, however the controversy between the democratic views remains vivid. The revolution may cause many doors to close. Egypt should be heard and as we know many other countries are following in Egypt’s influential push towards democracy. The aftermath is not yet known but we can conjure up an opinion on the media and the background information. Egypt will have a change; may it be effective or ineffective.
What they are calling the Egyptian revolution really started in Tunisia within the last month. I think these and more revolutions to come in the Middle East are not only the result of poor living conditions and autocratic rules for the last thirty years but the means in which people can communicate with each other.
ReplyDeleteIn the past, the only way you could get a million people to come together to demonstrate would be through television , news paper or the government calling for a rally.These avenues of information have been and are still in control by the government. What Mubrak could not control was the internet, texting and the e.mails that called people into the streets.
If this revolution had taken place a number of years ago, Mubrak and the military would have expelled all foreign journalist, arrested all opposition leaders, dissolved group gatherings with arrest and beatings. The only information coming out of Egypt then would have been controlled by the Mubrak government. In todays world it is impossible to shut down all forms of communication.
I think the key to this revolution has been the military and the police. Coming from the military, Mubrak has had complete control for the last thirty years. Now, because of their refusal to engage the protestors it shows that a change in government is imminent.
Calls for democracy is becoming contagious throughout the Middle East as shown by the rallies in Sierra, Jordan and Yemen.
Unique
It was indescribable to say the least the actions taken by the Egyptian citizens, but definitely necessary for the ancient history of Cairo. After 30 years of ruling and taking the stand for Egypt, President Mubarak is finally up for resignation and it has obviously had a huge impact on the country. I think that 30 years is more than enough time to determine if a person is dependable or qualified enough to represent or continue representing the presidency of any country. Revolutions are without a doubt great moments in history and I believe this revolution will most likely convey a greater democracy within the Egyptian citizens simply because of the unity that was publicized. At the end of the day the people are the ones who will have to adapt to whatever decision is made whether they agree or disagree. Hopefully the change is for the better and not for the worse.
ReplyDelete-Joel Rodriguez
Revolution in Egypt: An emotional sight of women breast-feeding, young and old men and women protesting together and in peace against oppression and injustice. That, above all, is what we all saw in the Egyptian people that filled the images of our TV screens.
ReplyDeleteAllow me to say that religion is the only way of finding a glimpse of hope for those that live either in misery or under “regimens” that do not permit them to aspire to a better life for their children. For those that know that even with diplomas and many years of University, they might not have a job and be able to feed their family. Young people that graduate with Prizes and exceptional grades only to find out that the place they deserved and that had been earned by their efforts has been given to the son of a General or to someone in the Government. The people of Egypt said ENOUGH in dignity and in peace.
Justice can be achieved only with the support of the world surrounding those countries, may the leaders of our countries have the courage to support what is right. Ethically, there can be no doubt about what is right or wrong in this case. In politics, it is not always the case: interests, money, fear of the unknown, it must all be taken into account. Europe, has taken a stand that says that the Egyptians should vote for a president and that Mubarak must step down immediately. Mr. El Barradai would be a possible transition until a formal election is organized. He is a diplomat, well-respected and well known all over the planet. It would give us all hope if, for once, the preachers practiced and supported what they preached.
Vera Saeme
PS: A Norwegian Senator voted for WikiLeaks to be named for a Nobel Prize, it would be the cherry on the cake!!
Freedom and democracy. This is what Egyptians are clamming for. After almost 30 years of a government marked by oppression and dictatorship, the citizens from Egypt are fighting for justice and more quality of life. It’s been 12 days of manifestations and confrontations between those against this type of polity and those who believe to know what is best to the country. Revolutions like this one in Egypt is more common that we think. What presidents, independent of the type of government, should be aware is that they have the role of make what is the best to the country and its citizens, otherwise revolutions like this one will become more frequently. Counties around the world, such as U.S., France, Germany and UK, are asking to Hosni Mubarak to waive in order to bring peace to the Egyptians. The people will always fight for justice, equality and for their rights; and most of the time, the population win.
ReplyDelete--
Filipe de Almeida
Mubarak’s party is unfair to the people; its force full hand has dealt an almost deadly blow to the citizens of Egypt, as well as its economy. The people have reached their breaking point, it was inevitable, yet can help but wonder at the full effect this revolution will have on our democratic country. This article discusses the fear most of our own government officials are facing; a lasting theocracy in Egypt. There isn’t much I can’t relate to the Egyptians, but if I were in there place I would want my freedom to, even if it meant (over throwing) a government official. From the first paragraph I could tell this article is bias, from reading the first line it is designed to upset the reader, into the disillusion that there corrupt government can have a theocracy set against the U.S.A. I say let them have the choice of theocracy, let them choose their own path; I don’t want our country to be blamed for interfering with their politics almost as much as I don’t want them to be theocratic. So let’s just hope they will do the right thing, or rather, what’s best for their country, and for their people.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great deal that Egypt is finally raising. It is time for them to take the stance and try to better themselves as a country. If it’s to have a revolution then go ahead it is time that they create their own government. If many other countries have done it then why not let Egypt take a stance. Although there are many possible outcomes to this revolution it will bring something better because Egyptians have finally realized that they do have the power to change things. In my opinion it is unfair the way that they have been fooled by making them believe that they were participating and having a “vote”, and it is only fair to them now to take what belongs to them. Hopefully the Egyptian people learn from the mistake of having Mubarak’s as a leader and create a democratic country like they hope and fight for.
ReplyDeleteMubarak needs to surrender his power before there are more incidents. It seems that the Egyptians have really taken their stands and are not surrendering at any cause. It is inspiriting what they are doing and amazing that a cause can unite an entire country that way. Corruption of government has never been right and if the Egyptians feel as if it their time to become a greater country and come out of the cave then I see no wrong in doing so. Egypt has a great space to grow it is their government that had suppress ever opportunity and hope.
Obviously the people from Egypt have made attempts to change their government. Yet because of the corruption nothing has changed “we’ve had 5 presidents since”, and yet still Mubarak has been in powered, and although they have tried to change it nothing has been done. There is something wrong with that system which is what lead to the upraising of the people, because if they can’t change their government the settle way then they will do it the only way that they will be heard. Violence is not always the answer to a desperate call, yet at this point in time the revolution has been called for.
It is a great deal that they have decided as one that they will take Mubarak down at no cause. It is true that another dictatorship could raise but after seeing what the people can do I don’t think they will dare to replace it, and if so I’m sure they will raise again until they are able to have what they want. By the time I am sure that others will join in the rescue of the country. I am forth the revolution and hoping for a positive outcome.
Egypt is a historical country. It’s one of the countries that had various histories, such as the pharaohs, the pyramids, and many other artifacts. Egypt is not a monarch country like some country in Africa that the women do not have the right to vote. Recently in the news, there have been major controversies in Egypt. Egypt is a –sort of- democracy: a perverse system that has kept the same government in power since 1981. I believe that they are doing all of those trouble to overthrow the president. They are using "terror" as a weapon of dissuasion and conformity. When citizen of a country are using terror to accomplish a goal, they are committing crimes. They are destroying their own country. When you are destroying your historical monuments and artifacts, it makes you look bad in public. They are also making their culture look bad. It’s just a bad sign of uneducated actions.
ReplyDeleteBy Reginald Belizaire
It is very gruesome and sad to see what is currently going in the Egypt. As we all know, Egypt is a country that is known for its brilliant culture and rich in history. Generally speaking, it is unfair to the people of a nation to have a government in operation for so many years. It will only cause controversies after a while as that now happening. A country should always change leaders because most politicians get complacent, and not living up to their expectations in running a country in the best interest for the people. The people in Egypt is now calming for freedom and democracy. They have had enough of not able to lend their voices to help solving the solemn problems. The country is marked by dictatorship, so the people are fighting for freedom and a better life. Mubrak has had complete control of the people, and it has made it difficult to abide by rules and regulations. Revolution is now talking its place, so I am hoping that the country will make a drastic turn around for everyone. I am also happy to see a larger percentage of the people fighting are the younger ones.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion thirty years is too long for a person to be in power of the presidency. Especially if it’s not working to the peoples best interest and the majority or the citizens want the president out. It’s important that the Egyptians are taking a stance and fighting for what they believe in. it shows the current government that they are no longer willing to be pushed around and told what to do. All the people that recently died in Egypt due to the protest should be honored, but even though this is admirable it’s also sad. People should not have to die for expressing their opinions publically; this also comes to show that Mubarak is not the right person to be in charge of a country. What the Egyptians are doing is also good for other countries to see for example Cuba, maybe this will inspire them to go after their own communist government. Mubarak should step down and let the people decide what they think is a better candidate for the presidency. They will go through trial and error to find a government that works but it needs to be done.
ReplyDelete-Nicole Encalada
Its crazy to know that egypt has had the same president for 30 years, specially a president who demonstrates terror to the people. its good to see egypt taking a stop to this and trying to raise and make a better government for themselves. i think the most important thing is changing their president, a lot of good and bad things can come from that.. but it takes a few bad moments to happen for things to calm down. sometimes we dont realize thats only because it seems like the us is so advanced and we feel so free in this country that other countries like egypt suffer the way they do, and that the president gets away with so many things like he has. its time for egypt to stand up and chose their own president and start feeling like the citizens have a say!
ReplyDelete-Ellen Ortiz
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ReplyDelete{Re-posted due to error}
ReplyDeleteIf the majority of the people follow El-Baradei's call for a transitional government after the fall of Mubarak, I can undoubtedly see democratic-minded individuals being put forth for the position. The only way I would count on a re-emergence of despotism during this period is if the police force (majorly Pro-Mubarak) begins a sort of underground bribe/assault/intimidation counter-revolution; though I find this highly unlikely to begin with being that the Egyptian Army is looking to play the role of mediator, so that possibility should by all means be kept in check.
Concerning the military, while it is highly admirable to see them hold a position that both follows its duties to the government, but similarly non-aggressively and (almost supportingly) acknowledges the rights and struggles of the citizens, I feel almost saddened of the fact that military coups never seem to occur in the [i]most[i/] justifiable of conditions.
The interesting part in play is that the current regime, or better said, Mubarak, is a close ally of the U.S, with a working relationship. Compounded with the fact that Israel is an even closer ally, U.S influence and opinion would seem almost swayed to keep Mubarak in power by any means; but it appears that even the States can see that Mubarak's time is running out, whether anyone likes it or not. Coincidentally, I'm sure the U.S is at least a little less tense with the fact that a radical, violent Islamic sect has little (if any) chance of running the new government. In fact, I feel the U.S already see the obvious possibility of the Muslim Brotherhood pulling strings even more beneficial than having Mubarak hold on to power; it would show that not only do we truly support democracy worldwide, not just with our own puppet or any pro-U.S governments, but that we are also anti-terrorism, not anti-Islam. It would seem like a win-win for the U.S and Egypt, in my opinion.
So whether Mubarak continues to wail for fleeting support, or with the silently ringing sirens of Israel balking at the "extremist" attack on the Arab Gas Pipeline, I'm confident that, at least in this instance, the U.S will bet on the only ones worth betting on: the people!
I think that what is happening in Egypt now is necessary. It may not work immediately but it is a start. The U.S. for one did not start out with all the liberties we have now and even then we still have some kinks to work out.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that everything is so corrupt is not any one person's fault. It is the cause of lack of education and the funds to properly educate people. When you are controlled by having a gun held to your head to make a decision or when your family is threatened if you do not lean a certain way makes it very difficult to try and change the state overnight.
I thought it was funny for the press to call the young people making the stand "the Facebook generation" kind of makes it sound like Facebook is causing a riot though it obviously has nothing to do with it. They just have decided it is time to make a difference. "Be the change you want to see in the world."
The whole reason for a government is to help run a nation, make it prosper and grow into a great place to live and do business. With that it attracts other to interact with that country to do bigger and better things. It only makes sense to nurture a country in a positive manner. Sadly Egypt government is highly corrupted within the idea that they cause the people to have practically no power over choosing what they want as a leader. You shouldn't believe your doing the country a duty of running the whole operation as you threaten them with terror if they choose not to accept it. These people just feel that they want to have this power to do so with what they choose for however long they can keep it up. Egypt is in good need of a positive revolution. Sad to say but its obvious, they are quite behind verses the rest of the majority in many departments. Such as the issue of poverty and disease. They need the leadership of a more stable and trustworthy government.
ReplyDeleteAndrae Williams
To be a leader, you must be able rule and govern with the whole nation in mind but not just what you think will be best for the whole country, but how will it affect the greatest majority. From reading and look at the news Egypt needs to be under a new sovereign where the person with authority power should feel and apply the Kant rule. The action should be reversible in taking in consideration to apply what would happen if he was to be on the other side of court and see if he would like to b treated that way. The country is under all type of distress where poverty and sickness and violence are invading a so very populated country. Where the people has no way to expressing them self by the only mean of violence.
ReplyDeleteIrdwinda jean francois
Anonymous Said....
ReplyDeleteI think we can all agree on one fine point and that is that what is happening in Egypt was in the works for months or even years before. Let’s examine for example Haiti, a country that is supposedly under a democratic umbrella, but for many years the political parties have stolen the election vote and also used force to get the position; but after many occasion the people have taken to streets and said that enough was enough.Now when remember that Haiti was under a dictatorship rule similar to what Egypt was going when one person decides that he should be president and will use fear to make sure that it happens.
The president in Egypt has been in power for over 30 years and has ruled the country with fear. This country is supposed to be democratic, meaning the people decide who gets to be president. In Egypt the president used his power to prevent the people from voting. It did not derail the train of citizen that took to the street and said enough.
A country that is under the democratic umbrella needs to have fair elections, equality in the votes meaning that rich or poor the votes mean the same.
Rose Tania Mainville
The answer is the same for this question as it is for many others: maybe—only time will tell. Even if a government is set up and pronounced, for instance, democratic, the true nature of the system might be waiting to be shown at a later time. This (from a democratic perspective) unfortunate result of a revolution has been witnessed multiple times throughout history. Even the most informed and knowledgeable political analyst can at best produce only a guess as to the long-term resolution of this conflict. The reality is that we can do little but hope this region will become one of justice and freedom, but our anxiety over the outcome spurs us to contemplate the fate of a nation.
ReplyDeleteWith an optimistic perspective, I propose that Egypt will “turn over a new leaf” strewn with protected rights and free from the corruption of its past. The new government will not be perfect—even ours has many, many flaws—yet the improvement upon the past would definitely be a more-than-welcome transition. This view was not born of optimism alone, however; it came from the perception of a youth in Egypt thirsty and determined for change.
Well, I think that this Egyptian revolution is bringing new experiences to Egyptian. It’s a good change. I think a greater democracy would benefit them. The president didn’t make good choices over these 30 years ago and its time for new changes to Egypt. They used to be with fear but now they can decide what’s best for them.
ReplyDelete-Yary Ortiz