Egyptian Protesters Statement

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

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.

Gaza War and Idealogues

While I lived in Egypt, I spent a long vacation with a, now, Israeli Jewish friend. During this time, I spent a lot of time with Israelis, and people who I would never had communicated with otherwise. I am very frustrated and discouraged by the ideologues that I have seen on both sides. When discussing the Gaza war, my friend refused to discuss reports that condemned Israeli action and accused the IDF of using white phosphorous. The response was always, they lie. They are anti-Semetic. I find this to be very sad. The Economist recently wrote an article on this issue. It observes that the recent report is a missed opportunity. That is it's a missed opportunity for both sides to observe where they may have wronged the other. Many I know who are Israeli will automatically deny the report's validity because the UN is (according to these Israelis) is anti-Semitic.

Meanwhile, My Arab friends will shake their heads, and ask, why does the world refuse to stand up against Israel when such reports confirm what we believe? They will conveniently forget the part of the report that condemns Hamas for targeting Israeli civilians.

I wonder how it is possible to engage in dialogue when the reports produced and the evidence that is found is not considered reliable. Many Israelis ask, why do other states who may have committed war crimes not receive the same attention. I agree with this. I do think there are other conflicts that deserve more attention than they receive, but I believe that should not deflect the dialogue away from the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. I also would like to point out that these military acts are coupled with discriminatory regulations towards Palestinians, and it's simply the nature of the conflict.

I agree with the Economist, the report is definitely an opportunity lost.