Posts tagged egypt

US policymakers hope they can control the Arab Revolution The Center for a New American Security (CNAS), a US think tank is hosting a book launch for “The Arab Uprising: The Unfinished Revolutions of the New Middle East” by Dr. Marc Lynch. US policymakers hope they can control the Arab Revolution and shape the nature of change according to US interests.    In The Arab Uprising, Dr. Lynch examines the emerging regional landscape in the Middle East, one in which, he argues, the old heavyweights - Iran, al Qaeda, even Israel - have all been disempowered, and nations like Saudi Arabia are powering a new cold war. Dr. Lynch highlights the new fault lines that are forming between forces of revolution and counter-revolution and shows what it all means for the future of U.S. foreign policy. Deeply informed by inside access to the Obama administration’s decisionmaking process and first-hand interviews with protestors, politicians, diplomats and journalists, The Arab Uprising is an unprecedented and indispensible guide to the changing lay of the land in the Middle East and North Africa.

US policymakers hope they can control the Arab Revolution

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS), a US think tank is hosting a book launch for “The Arab Uprising: The Unfinished Revolutions of the New Middle East” by Dr. Marc Lynch. US policymakers hope they can control the Arab Revolution and shape the nature of change according to US interests.   

In The Arab Uprising, Dr. Lynch examines the emerging regional landscape in the Middle East, one in which, he argues, the old heavyweights - Iran, al Qaeda, even Israel - have all been disempowered, and nations like Saudi Arabia are powering a new cold war. Dr. Lynch highlights the new fault lines that are forming between forces of revolution and counter-revolution and shows what it all means for the future of U.S. foreign policy. Deeply informed by inside access to the Obama administration’s decisionmaking process and first-hand interviews with protestors, politicians, diplomats and journalists, The Arab Uprising is an unprecedented and indispensible guide to the changing lay of the land in the Middle East and North Africa.

Global Art Uprising Inspired by a Year of Revolutionary Protests, Artists Across the World Seek to Occupy the Public Imagination (Photo Credit: Gigi Ibrahim/Flickr - “Tantawi is Mubarak” reads this street portrait from Cairo)

Global Art Uprising

Inspired by a Year of Revolutionary Protests, Artists Across the World Seek to Occupy the Public Imagination

(Photo Credit: Gigi Ibrahim/Flickr - “Tantawi is Mubarak” reads this street portrait from Cairo)

indypendent.org

The Arab Spring, another development of historic importance, might portend at least a partial “loss” of MENA. The US and its allies have tried hard to prevent that outcome — so far, with considerable success. Their policy towards the popular uprisings has kept closely to the standard guidelines: support the forces most amenable to U.S. influence and control. Favored dictators are supported as long as they can maintain control (as in the major oil states). When that is no longer possible, then discard them and try to restore the old regime as fully as possible (as in Tunisia and Egypt).

The Imperial Way: American Decline in Perspective, Part 2

by Noam Chomsky, Institute Professor emeritus in the MIT Department of Linguistics and Philosophy.

middle-east-online.com

The Khilafah: A bright Model for Women’s Rights and Political Role Much has been written about the role of women in the Arab Awakening, and many stereotypes have been perpetuated by the media about women in Islam. This conference in Tunisia is a clear indication that women in the Arab and Muslim world are no longer going to be subject to stereotypes or oppression.  Women of Hizb ut-Tahrir from across the world have launched a global campaign entitled, “The Khilafah : A bright Model for Women’s Rights and Political Role”” that will culminate in a truly historic International Women’s Conference in Tunisia on the 10th of March, the week of International Women’s Day. The conference will gather female opinion makers from across the Muslim world and beyond to present a detailed vision of what the Khilafah ruling system based purely upon Islamic laws and principles would mean to the status, rights, and lives of women. Both the campaign and conference aim to explain how the Khilafah holds credible, viable, and practical solutions to the multitude of political, economic, and social problems afflicting women across the Muslim world. It will also challenge the worn-out narrative of women’s oppression under Islamic rule. “From Tunisia, a place that was once a bastion of secularism in the Muslim world and hailed as a model for women’s rights by many in the West, the women of Hizb ut-Tahrir will aim to show that it is the Islamic system of governance that can bring true liberation to the region’s women.”

The Khilafah: A bright Model for Women’s Rights and Political Role

Much has been written about the role of women in the Arab Awakening, and many stereotypes have been perpetuated by the media about women in Islam. This conference in Tunisia is a clear indication that women in the Arab and Muslim world are no longer going to be subject to stereotypes or oppression. 

Women of Hizb ut-Tahrir from across the world have launched a global campaign entitled, “The Khilafah : A bright Model for Women’s Rights and Political Role”” that will culminate in a truly historic International Women’s Conference in Tunisia on the 10th of March, the week of International Women’s Day. The conference will gather female opinion makers from across the Muslim world and beyond to present a detailed vision of what the Khilafah ruling system based purely upon Islamic laws and principles would mean to the status, rights, and lives of women. Both the campaign and conference aim to explain how the Khilafah holds credible, viable, and practical solutions to the multitude of political, economic, and social problems afflicting women across the Muslim world. It will also challenge the worn-out narrative of women’s oppression under Islamic rule.

“From Tunisia, a place that was once a bastion of secularism in the Muslim world and hailed as a model for women’s rights by many in the West, the women of Hizb ut-Tahrir will aim to show that it is the Islamic system of governance that can bring true liberation to the region’s women.”

Morocco’s resilient protest movement On February 20, 2011, Moroccan youth activists, inspired by protesters in Tunisia and Egypt, staged major demonstrations for democratic reform and “freedom and dignity for all Moroccans.” Avoiding the indecision and dramatic scenes of repression seen in other Arab capitals, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI responded rapidly with a televised address that acknowledged the protesters’ grievances and promised major constitutional reforms, including a stronger parliament, free and fair elections, and the protection of human rights. Following a national referendum on the king’s constitutional amendments and watershed elections that brought new leadership to power, what has the February 20th movement accomplished? Who has benefited from the protest movement? One year on, who are the winners and losers? By Adria Lawrence, an assistant professor of political science at Yale University

Morocco’s resilient protest movement

On February 20, 2011, Moroccan youth activists, inspired by protesters in Tunisia and Egypt, staged major demonstrations for democratic reform and “freedom and dignity for all Moroccans.” Avoiding the indecision and dramatic scenes of repression seen in other Arab capitals, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI responded rapidly with a televised address that acknowledged the protesters’ grievances and promised major constitutional reforms, including a stronger parliament, free and fair elections, and the protection of human rights. Following a national referendum on the king’s constitutional amendments and watershed elections that brought new leadership to power, what has the February 20th movement accomplished? Who has benefited from the protest movement? One year on, who are the winners and losers?

By Adria Lawrence, an assistant professor of political science at Yale University

mideast.foreignpolicy.com

Is Arab cinema on the cusp of a potential renaissance?

The Arab spring has focused western attention on the Arab world in an unprecedented way. While events in Bahrain, Libya and Syria have turned progressively more violent, there was a period last year when Arab youth inspired onlookers with their courage and thoroughly modern attitudes. However, for a region of more than 300 million people, and with a rich tradition of folklore and storytelling, the Arab world has been historically underserved by its cinema. Egypt can boast of a proud film-making industry that dates back more than a century but, beyond that, the picture has often been less encouraging.

By Tarak Ben Ammar

Guardian

Wasla Wasla, the first Arabic citizen newspaper was an early indicator of the Arab Awakening; in March 2010, Gamal Eid, the executive director of Arabic Network for Human rights Information said, We issued this newspaper knowing that trouble is ahead. We expect some to adore it and others to bitterly challenge us on it. In fact , those are the Arab bloggers . They address topics in defiance to all traditions and stereotypes. They are determined to claim their full right to expression and opinion. These are thoughts of the youth , their loud voices, assert they exist and have their own opinions , worries and stances with which we should touch base first and then debate.

Wasla

Wasla, the first Arabic citizen newspaper was an early indicator of the Arab Awakening; in March 2010, Gamal Eid, the executive director of Arabic Network for Human rights Information said,

We issued this newspaper knowing that trouble is ahead. We expect some to adore it and others to bitterly challenge us on it. In fact , those are the Arab bloggers . They address topics in defiance to all traditions and stereotypes. They are determined to claim their full right to expression and opinion. These are thoughts of the youth , their loud voices, assert they exist and have their own opinions , worries and stances with which we should touch base first and then debate.

ARAB YOUTHSocial Mobilization in Times of Risk EDITED BY SAMIR KHALAF, ROSEANNE SAAD KHALAF In 2011, thousands of Arab youth took to the streets to demand their freedom. Although it is too early to speculate on the ultimate outcome of the revolutionary uprisings, one auspicious feature stands out: they reveal the genesis of a new generation sparked by the desire for civil liberties, advocacy for human rights and participatory democracy. Arab Youth explores some of the antecedents of the upheavals and anticipates alternative venues of resistance that marginalized youth, from Lebanon, Syria and Palestine to Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Iran, can mobilize to realize their emancipatory expectations. Themes covered in this unique volume include the forging of meaningful collective identities in times of risk and uncertainty; youth militancy, neighborhood violence and youth gangs in distinct urban and suburban settings; the surge of youthful activism in political movements, advocacy groups and welfare civic associations; and youths’ expressive outlets through popular arts, street music and popular culture.

ARAB YOUTH
Social Mobilization in Times of Risk
EDITED BY SAMIR KHALAF, ROSEANNE SAAD KHALAF

In 2011, thousands of Arab youth took to the streets to demand their freedom. Although it is too early to speculate on the ultimate outcome of the revolutionary uprisings, one auspicious feature stands out: they reveal the genesis of a new generation sparked by the desire for civil liberties, advocacy for human rights and participatory democracy.

Arab Youth explores some of the antecedents of the upheavals and anticipates alternative venues of resistance that marginalized youth, from Lebanon, Syria and Palestine to Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Iran, can mobilize to realize their emancipatory expectations. Themes covered in this unique volume include the forging of meaningful collective identities in times of risk and uncertainty; youth militancy, neighborhood violence and youth gangs in distinct urban and suburban settings; the surge of youthful activism in political movements, advocacy groups and welfare civic associations; and youths’ expressive outlets through popular arts, street music and popular culture.

saqibooks.com

1/2 Revolution ½ Revolution is a personal, intimate story from the Arab Spring: a group of friends living in downtown Cairo struggle to stay together during the first chaotic days of the Egyptian Revolution. As waves of protests escalate in their neighborhood next to Tahrir Square, directors Omar Shargawi and Karim El Hakim take to the streets to capture the historical events unfolding around them. But as the violence and uncertainty builds, Karim and his young family’s apartment becomes an epicenter of activity as worried friends and neighbors flock together in a bid to survive the counter punches thrown by police and the armed gangs of pro-Mubarak thugs swarming the streets under their balcony. The film is the first film that considers the 25th of January revolution an incomplete revolution, which has been proven by the latest events in Egypt. The film’s name was decided on from the first days of its shooting, where Omar and Karim considered that the title reflects on what happened to the ongoing Egyptian revolution. The film’s team is currently working on the film’s website which is going to be the first of its kind for a documentary film about the revolution.

1/2 Revolution

½ Revolution is a personal, intimate story from the Arab Spring: a group of friends living in downtown Cairo struggle to stay together during the first chaotic days of the Egyptian Revolution. As waves of protests escalate in their neighborhood next to Tahrir Square, directors Omar Shargawi and Karim El Hakim take to the streets to capture the historical events unfolding around them. But as the violence and uncertainty builds, Karim and his young family’s apartment becomes an epicenter of activity as worried friends and neighbors flock together in a bid to survive the counter punches thrown by police and the armed gangs of pro-Mubarak thugs swarming the streets under their balcony.

The film is the first film that considers the 25th of January revolution an incomplete revolution, which has been proven by the latest events in Egypt. The film’s name was decided on from the first days of its shooting, where Omar and Karim considered that the title reflects on what happened to the ongoing Egyptian revolution. The film’s team is currently working on the film’s website which is going to be the first of its kind for a documentary film about the revolution.

half-revolution.com

Revolution vs Revolution The Beirut Art Center hosts an exhibition about revolutions over the last 50 years in light of the Arab Awakening.  The choice not to include any works dealing with the actual situation in the Arab world was deliberate, as the narrative is still in progress in our region. 
The aim of the exhibition is not to be an exhaustive survey of historical events, but to reflect on radical movements and transformations, the context in which they have taken place, as well as their legacy, and more specifically, their resonance in our region today…The title of the exhibition, Revolution vs Revolution, suggests the idea that revolution often leads to other revolutions, either in confrontation with previously established systems, or by inspiring similar changes across time and across borders. (Photo: Tacita Dean - From the series Czech Photos)

Revolution vs Revolution

The Beirut Art Center hosts an exhibition about revolutions over the last 50 years in light of the Arab Awakening. 

The choice not to include any works dealing with the actual situation in the Arab world was deliberate, as the narrative is still in progress in our region. 
The aim of the exhibition is not to be an exhaustive survey of historical events, but to reflect on radical movements and transformations, the context in which they have taken place, as well as their legacy, and more specifically, their resonance in our region today…The title of the exhibition, Revolution vs Revolution, suggests the idea that revolution often leads to other revolutions, either in confrontation with previously established systems, or by inspiring similar changes across time and across borders.

(Photo: Tacita Dean - From the series Czech Photos)

Mosireen is a non-profit media centre in Downtown Cairo born out of the explosion of citizen journalism and cultural activism in Egypt during the revolution. Armed with mobile phones and cameras, thousands upon thousands of citizens kept the balance of truth in their country by recording events as they happened in front of them, wrong-footing censorship and empowering the voice of a street-level perspective.

Mosireen, in just three months of production, has become the most viewed non-profit YouTube channel in Egypt of all time.

(Video: Our Revolution Continues by Mosireen)

One Year Later: Wael Ghonim at Stanford University Wael is promoting his book, ‘Revolution 2.0: The Power of the People Is Greater Than the People in Power’ across the US, and today he is speaking at Stanford University, at an event organised by TechWadi. In one of the many interviews Wael has conducted, we particularly liked this answer to a question in the Boston Globe: Q. Given the role social media played in the Arab Spring uprisings, and in Occupy Wall Street here, is this phenomenon likely to accelerate? A. I believe so. The power of the Internet and social media is threefold. One, it allows people of similar interests to connect - if you feel isolated, you’re less likely to take action. Two, people can work together in crowd-sourcing ideas and making decisions that way. And three, mainstream media have become decentralized. Twenty years ago, a few large TV networks were telling people what happened, in their own way. Now someone can upload a YouTube video and within a couple of days, it’s seen by 2 million people. The big challenge is how governments will deal with this.

One Year Later: Wael Ghonim at Stanford University

Wael is promoting his book, ‘Revolution 2.0: The Power of the People Is Greater Than the People in Power’ across the US, and today he is speaking at Stanford University, at an event organised by TechWadi. In one of the many interviews Wael has conducted, we particularly liked this answer to a question in the Boston Globe:

Q. Given the role social media played in the Arab Spring uprisings, and in Occupy Wall Street here, is this phenomenon likely to accelerate?

A. I believe so. The power of the Internet and social media is threefold. One, it allows people of similar interests to connect - if you feel isolated, you’re less likely to take action. Two, people can work together in crowd-sourcing ideas and making decisions that way. And three, mainstream media have become decentralized. Twenty years ago, a few large TV networks were telling people what happened, in their own way. Now someone can upload a YouTube video and within a couple of days, it’s seen by 2 million people. The big challenge is how governments will deal with this.

thepoliticalnotebook: Cairo. Revolutionary singer Ramy Essam (who is responsible for the Egyptian revolutionary anthem, Irhal, and whose new album is available for free download on his website) takes a rest amidst protests and clashes with police on February 4th. As the photographer, Mostafa Sheshtawy notes, he has been “there since the beginning.” Photo © Mostafa Sheshtawy.

thepoliticalnotebook:

Cairo. Revolutionary singer Ramy Essam (who is responsible for the Egyptian revolutionary anthem, Irhal, and whose new album is available for free download on his website) takes a rest amidst protests and clashes with police on February 4th. As the photographer, Mostafa Sheshtawy notes, he has been “there since the beginning.”

Photo © Mostafa Sheshtawy.

thepoliticalnotebook

We need a new revolution…People are still poor. We have no money, and prices are rising. Now fuel is hard to find and the government says it has no money. I heard people are killing themselves because they don’t have jobs and can’t provide for their families. This is what is happening. But at societal level I do see a lot of changes. People are more willing to come out and talk about issues. This is good. But we still have to fight for our rights and this is not an easy thing to do when the military is in power.
Interview with George Ishak, an Egyptian democracy activist and founder of the popular “Kifaya” protest movement

en.qantara.de

Revolution Paintings: Graffiti and Arab Public Places An exhibition at the Casa Árabe in Madrid shows work by graffiti artists and anonymous citizens expressing their revolutionary spirit in painting, banners and murals. Work is shown from cities in Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Tunisia. Noticeably, no work from Syria appears in the exhibition. To reflect the inability of Casa Árabe’s sources to document graffiti in a country sliding closer toward what many fear will be a civil war, one wall remains blank, with “Space reserved for graffiti from Syria” written in black.

Revolution Paintings: Graffiti and Arab Public Places

An exhibition at the Casa Árabe in Madrid shows work by graffiti artists and anonymous citizens expressing their revolutionary spirit in painting, banners and murals. Work is shown from cities in Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Tunisia.

Noticeably, no work from Syria appears in the exhibition. To reflect the inability of Casa Árabe’s sources to document graffiti in a country sliding closer toward what many fear will be a civil war, one wall remains blank, with “Space reserved for graffiti from Syria” written in black.