The revolting Arabs
Amir Taheri:
...This is the movement that George Bush supported that many said was impossible. How impossible is certainly going to be tested. We must also watch carefully to see if the Islamic religious bigots are lurking to take advantage of the unrest and steal the countries in the process.
How might this wave change the political landscape?
First, almost all the demonstrations have been largely spontaneous, attracting the "average citizen" who is simply fed up with an oppressive and corrupt regime. This isn't a movement launched by political parties wishing to settle scores, so it can't be stopped by arresting a few leaders. The regime and an angry citizenry may become locked in a confrontation with no political interface.
Second, the key slogans are freedom (hurriyah) and democracy (dimuqratiyah) -- with little sign of the old catchwords of Arab chauvinism and Islamism. Also gone are Palestinian keffiyahs (male headgear) and flags. In fact, the flag most often raised is Tunisia's -- the new symbol of the freedom struggle.
In some protests, especially in Cairo, the Tunisian slogan Degage! ("Get the hell out!"), addressed to the dictator, is used in the original French, although few Egyptians know the language. Another slogan borrowed from Tunisia is Nihayah! ("That is The End!"), again addressed to the despot in charge.
Indeed, many new words and phrases -- "pluralism," "accountability," "transparency," "rule of law" and "change of governments through elections" -- have pushed their way into the Arab political vocabulary. In most cases, pro-democracy activists invented the slogans.
Third, the armed forces and (in some cases) the police seem reluctant to crush the protests with the usual brutality. The demonstrators are now testing that theory. If it proves true, anti-regime movements may snowball into an avalanche.
...
Comments
Post a Comment