Recently, Sarah Palin claimed she wanted to know the true intentions of the protesters in Egypt. Well, Ms. Palin, here it is. If you don't believe this, which I doubt you will, you won't believe anything. For the rest of the people who are actually looking for truth instead of rhetoric to uphold their preconceived notions, this is a must read.
Statement of Protesters in Tahrir
Monday, February 07, 2011
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Egyptian Protests
I must confess that my sjogrens got the best of me on Saturday, and I was unable to attend the protests in Houston. I have many different thoughts and feelings towards the protests in Egypt that change and vary from hour to hour (mainly depending upon how the atmosphere is in Tahrir). When I lived in Cairo, I was located just down the corniche, a short walk away from Tahrir. I never imagined that it would be the center of protests.
I once asked my friends why Egyptians were so eager to protest on the behalf of Palestinians, but they never cared about their own rights enough to protest for themselves. Therefore, I must say I am proud of Egypt. yalla ya masr! It is amazing to see the future of Egypt changing before our eyes. History being made, and it is being made by young adults! As one young man said, "Mabrouk took away my father's future. He is not going to take away mine." Awesome! What an amazing sight it is to see Christians protecting Muslims as they pray, and Muslims protecting Christians. People of all different faiths, ideologies and backgrounds have united together in Liberation Square to demand their rights to a democratic government! WOW!
On the other hand, I"m terrified for my friends. Friends who I know are terrified to leave there houses and are unable to sleep from stress. The rising food prices that effecting the poorest of the poor and making life even more difficult. The attacks on the gas line leading to Israel and the church in the Sinai. These are things that shake the confidence of such a movement. It is the part of change that makes Egyptians afraid (watch Christiane Amanpour's round table event from this morning).
However, I still hope with all my might, and I believe that it is possible to see a democratic Egypt. I was asked by a friend to join a facebook group praying for peace in Egypt. I had an instant reaction against this group. I could not figure out why. Then I realized. I have been in a peaceful Egypt before. I have only ever known a peaceful Egypt. A state imposed peace that kidnaps those that threaten and frighten the pyramid of power. It was then that I realized that I no longer pray and hope for peace in Egypt. I pray and hope for democracy. ana behebik ya masr. yalla.
I once asked my friends why Egyptians were so eager to protest on the behalf of Palestinians, but they never cared about their own rights enough to protest for themselves. Therefore, I must say I am proud of Egypt. yalla ya masr! It is amazing to see the future of Egypt changing before our eyes. History being made, and it is being made by young adults! As one young man said, "Mabrouk took away my father's future. He is not going to take away mine." Awesome! What an amazing sight it is to see Christians protecting Muslims as they pray, and Muslims protecting Christians. People of all different faiths, ideologies and backgrounds have united together in Liberation Square to demand their rights to a democratic government! WOW!
On the other hand, I"m terrified for my friends. Friends who I know are terrified to leave there houses and are unable to sleep from stress. The rising food prices that effecting the poorest of the poor and making life even more difficult. The attacks on the gas line leading to Israel and the church in the Sinai. These are things that shake the confidence of such a movement. It is the part of change that makes Egyptians afraid (watch Christiane Amanpour's round table event from this morning).
However, I still hope with all my might, and I believe that it is possible to see a democratic Egypt. I was asked by a friend to join a facebook group praying for peace in Egypt. I had an instant reaction against this group. I could not figure out why. Then I realized. I have been in a peaceful Egypt before. I have only ever known a peaceful Egypt. A state imposed peace that kidnaps those that threaten and frighten the pyramid of power. It was then that I realized that I no longer pray and hope for peace in Egypt. I pray and hope for democracy. ana behebik ya masr. yalla.
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