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.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Dusk Over Cairo
I fell in love with OPI nail polish. The love affair began during my undergraduate program and recently, became ravenous. For this coming week, I applied Dusk Over Cairo. I believe that its nuances in color and shine reflect its name properly. It reminds me of the lush colors that fill the sky as the sun sets over the Cairo skyline. Pink turns into gold which turns into orange and red. This is all usually complicated with the thick smog that hangs over the city increasing respiratory problems among its inhabitants. Along with the glittering colors and the smoke that hangs in the air, there is a strong smell of diesel, sweat and onions. At the end of my reminiscing, I am left hungry for Egyptian food, thankful for deodorant and emission laws.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Yoga
Life has changed considerably for me since the last time I posted. Many new things have happened, but I want to share with you all one thing that I have personally fallen in love with. Yoga. Tara Stiles' yoga to be more specific. I can be having a panic attack, and as long as I have the ability to do Tara's chill out routine, I can usually calm myself down. It's FANTASTIC. Not only that, but I'm becoming flexible! I thought I was doomed to always be unflexible. I'd done yoga in the past, but this is totally different. It's fantastic. Anyways, check out her podcasts and her videos on youtube! Trust me, it's totally worth it!
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Olympics
Many argue, the Olympics wastes international monetary funds that could be used to eliminate poverty. This argument is particularly important considering the major crisis that IS taking place in Haiti.
However, I disagree. I believe that the Olympics symbolizes the international communit. It is a time when States have the ability to unite during difficult circumstances and cheer on their representative athletes (and at times, favored athletes of competing States). It is especially significant, I believe, for third world states, for many citizens find pride to see their state represented at the Olympics, especially the state's first athlete to compete. I would love to know other people's opinions though.
Personally, I believe the more imperative question at hand is that of safety regulation. With a recent snowboarding accident, and now, a fatal accident at the games, the community needs to question if these sports are progressing at much to fast a pace, too fast for safety regulations to keep up. My condolences go out to the Kumaritashvili family, The Georgian team, and to Georgia.
However, I disagree. I believe that the Olympics symbolizes the international communit. It is a time when States have the ability to unite during difficult circumstances and cheer on their representative athletes (and at times, favored athletes of competing States). It is especially significant, I believe, for third world states, for many citizens find pride to see their state represented at the Olympics, especially the state's first athlete to compete. I would love to know other people's opinions though.
Personally, I believe the more imperative question at hand is that of safety regulation. With a recent snowboarding accident, and now, a fatal accident at the games, the community needs to question if these sports are progressing at much to fast a pace, too fast for safety regulations to keep up. My condolences go out to the Kumaritashvili family, The Georgian team, and to Georgia.
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