Professor’s Nook: TWU perspectives on the revolution in Egypt

Posted by admin on Mar 29, 2011 in Academy | 0 comments

Inspired by the recent Tunisian Revolution, Egyptian protestors began demonstrating in Tahrir square on January 25. They demanded the government take action on political and economic issues, including high unemployment, widespread corruption, and police brutality. Less than three weeks later on February 11, President Hosni Mubarak stepped down after 30 years in power. Trinity Western University’s Dr. Paul Rowe, who has studied Middle Eastern politics extensively, weighed in on these recent events Egypt and their implications for the future of Egypt and the surrounding region.

Dr. Rowe suggested that this was bound to happen. He pointed out that Egypt is perhaps the best-educated and most culturally liberal country in the Middle East. When these factors were combined with an autocratic and corrupt regime, it was only a matter of time before people demanded change. Librarian Abraham Brake added that an Egyptian revolution was developing before any of the protests in Tunisia, and would have occurred regardless.

Despite several hundred deaths — of protestors, policeman, and bystanders — Dr. Rowe called it “an exemplary revolution, as far as revolutions go.” It was quick, and at its worst, protests devolved into riots instead of civil war. At times, violence was sparked between Christians and Muslims, but bloodshed was overshadowed by an impressive unification of the Egyptian people. Not unimportantly, the revolution was marked by significant roles played by women and Coptic Christians indicating that the revolution did not only represent the majority. However, he was quick to add that the journey the Egyptian people have undertaken is far from over, and that anything can happen in the coming months.

The army is currently in control of the nation, with an election planned for the fall. Ultimately, there will be growing pains. Dr. Rowe recalled the fall of communism in Eastern Europe; today, several of those countries have succeeded in becoming excellent democracies. Yet others have been treading water and remain poorly run and corrupt. It is important to realize that the Canadian, American, and British transitions to democracy were also drawn-out affairs that saw continued rioting and extreme positions; thus we can’t condemn Egypt when its road has speed bumps.

Dr. Rowe believes that the Egyptian government structure will not change too much. The presidency will remain the strongest part of the government, with the most important change being regular elections. He named Amr Moussa as the most likely candidate to take over the presidency. Although he is seen as a rival to Mubarak, he does still have ties to the previous government. Thus corruption may be difficult to root out completely. Brake points out that it is hard to erase 40 years of corruption with just a few weeks of revolution. Senior biology student Carol Tadrous also expressed concern that tensions between Christians and Muslims may inflame as the country grows. However, she also expressed excitement over the direction that the revolution takes the country in.

Egypt is viewed as a leading power in the Middle East, and was often seen by the U.S.A. and Israel as an ally. Rowe believes that Egypt will not go to war with Israel. He pointed out that it has done so in the past, and to do so again is not in the best interests of the nation. In truth, Egypt’s relationship with Israel wasn’t great to begin with. At least it won’t get worse. Brake suggested that Egypt’s role as a regional leader will have reverberations around the Arab world. Already, protests have taken place in countries such as Syria and Yemen. As conflict winds down in Egypt, the media’s attention has shifted to an escalating conflict in Libya where Colonel Gaddafi’s forces have fought back against protestors. Decades from now, 2011 will be looked back on as a pivotal time for the Middle East. This is only the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Arab World.

For those who are interested in further discussion on conflict in the Middle East, TWU’s Religion, Culture, and Conflict Research Group will be conducting a symposium on campus March 24-26.