Egypt: An Opinion
One of my brothers texted me this morning wanting to know my thoughts on what is going on in Egypt so I told him I would write a post about it. We had a good discussion over the phone as well. He’s cool.
From my reading, my experiences in Egypt, working closely with Egyptians here in the US, speaking Arabic and especially the Egyptian dialect (improved upon since my last visit) here are some thoughts.
Egypt is tragically hidden from most of the world. But actually I take that back because Europeans understand Egypt better than do most Americans. What does this look like? If you ask a European about Egypt, they are more likely to talk about the Arabs and only possibly refer to the ancient wonders of Egypt. In the United States, an average American who conjures up Egypt, thinks of pyramids and camels.
And why do I believe that difference is important to emphasize here? Because there is a reason why American focus is not on the Arabs in Egypt. While Europeans are far more likely to do business within Egypt and have other political interests in Egypt, Americans tend to focus on Egypt as a security buffer for Israel, a primary ally. As long as Mubarak appeases American interests, namely to secure peace with Israel and make a show of free press and open elections, Americans will pay little attention to his ruthless emergency-state control. This focus on Israel explains why an average American may be surprised at the opposition to the government in Egypt.
Egyptians often feel that Americans are naive to ignore the blaring hypocrisy of Mubarak’s democracy and farce freedom. Egyptians believe that Americans sometimes arrive in Egypt to see the pyramids but look at the dirt, garbage, and poverty on the street in disgust rather than concern. That’s a little unfair, though, for most. I’d say that many feel the situation seems too overwhelming to solve and are unversed in Arab World dynamics. It appeared to many that ordinary Egyptians give into this dictator.
Looking at Egyptians on television yesterday cleaning and protecting their streets in voluntary orders, bespeaks a different root to the problem. Egyptians, out of control of their future, lose hope and interest in maintaining streets. Egyptians originate many intellectual and cultural icons to the rest of the Arab World which sometimes reach to the West as well. They are known as the Hollywood of the Arab World and are famous for their humor. Looking at that Egyptian humor, though, there is a recurring theme of victimization.
Yet, have you seen inside some Egyptian homes? You can walk in the dirt of the streets oblivious. Simply turn into a home, however, where the order lacking on the streets is hidden inside the control of a meticulous mother and father sweeping and washing, creating order and discipline, the kind of maintenance that would work in the macro of a country if fostered.
Imagine what this wealth of intellect could achieve with the breath of hope for a voice in their future. And on a more rudimentary level. Imagine what Cairo might look like to a tourist with a little more care and management. Hidden behind the dust, garbage, and chaos is a magical city of Islamic glory.
It was very interesting to read your thoughts. Neal and I were definitely undereducated Americans when it comes to Egypt, so it has been interesting to learn so much in such a short time. I’m curious though, what do you think about the issue of Mubarak immediately quitting vs. staying until his term ends and not seeking reelection? Do you think his statements that he is doing that to avoid complete chaos are genuine?
I have been dying to know your take on the events in Egypt. It was great to find them here in your blog!