It is impossible not to recognize the astonishing profound revolution Egyptians has accomplished in the past year in their journey to advance democratic self-rule, the Egyptian revolution challenged the claims that nonviolence resistance against authoritarianism and structural injustice won’t work in the Middle East. This example Egyptian youth, intellectuals and former government opponents have set with their determination and will to change the reality in Egypt that has been present for the last 60 years.
I have met with several ordinary people, activists, intellectuals and scholars, who participated actively in the revolution, I have read some of the work and books that came out to talk about it in addition to visiting Egypt itself and spend a good time in the streets of Cairo to add to the past year of following the revolution development closely since the day it started till the current time that was marked with hope, fear and belief in people’s potential has revealed the dangers which a country like Egypt in its weight in the region’s geopolitics. The political humor, external actors, Islamist movements and former regime actors sharing the formation of Egypt’s future with the absence of revolution makers contribution which is believed due to lack of education and political experience and fragmentation as well as the rush to see the fruits of achieving what was impossible one day.
Few initiatives showed that there’s hope if the community and revolution makers could understand the elements of success: Education, awareness, estimating chances and dangers, understanding that reform is a long process that doesn’t end when elections are called for or when a president is elected.
The romanticism revolts are holding to is what slows their awakening and in my opinion to understand that the revolution is the first step but not the goal is the door to work on developing democratization and self-rule state.
Nevertheless, I see a number of observations Egypt is now:
1- A country that has been under the militant control for over 60 years needs a longer time than expected by Egyptians to have reform, democracy, change and self-rule take place, the rush from many currents and revolts to make this happen in a year or two is dragging the country back if they didn’t get this in time
2- It is very natural and healthy that many currents, movements and politicians from different background appear on surface after toppling the system in Egypt trying to find a spot under the sun of the new era of Egypt, the frustration that I have sensed in the streets longing for stability and security (which is normal) by ordinary people is also holding the awakening needed in Egypt
3- Initiatives rising to educate, spread awareness and the very hard work to reform media is one of the positive sides I have touched in and I have faith in
4- Despite the confusion the huge number of presidential candidates and movements running for power position in the country I see this as a sign of “breaking the fear” that has been the problem for years in Egypt and delayed the revolution that had to take place at least 10 years ago. The disagreement with the current parliament and the background of most of the presidential candidates should not be worrying as it takes 2-3 governments\ Parliaments to achieve the goals Egypt is waiting for.
Bottom line, Egypt is in a good place and I see hope if Education on both political and Academia level was achieved.
