Romanticized Revolutions: Fall of dictators, justice and Syrian diaspora

When Thomas Friedman questions in his article, ‘Will the past bury the future in Arab world or will the future bury the past?’, he seems to naturally tussle with ‘how to define the Arab spring’. Very often, such definitions, do not contain the power of romanticizing the revolution but on the contrary, assimilate them in hollow, abstract units that lose their utter meaning.

‘Difference between Gadaffi, Ben Ali and Mubarak?

In this post, I would attempt to question on certain areas which have yet not been debated, vehemently at the international platform. The first one, remains on how do you describe justice? Justice of the fall of the dictators. In Tunisia and Egypt, both Ben Ali and Mubarak, respectively had not been butchered or assassinated like Gadaffi was. These two dictators, who are still alive, have been toppled and are undergoing trials which do not mention a concrete day of their doomsday in their respective country’s Supreme Courts. Since, the revolution was against their dictatorship, as they has become a murky face of ruthless domination, is subjecting them to court proceedings is what the common man wants? So, should they too, be subjected to be slaughtered by their rebels? On the other hand, the termination of Gadaffi’s lonely breath, meant something greater for Libya. In case, it actually did, for how long and for what kind of utilitarian good? One man’s food is another man’s poison- a proverb coming to life in the Middle Eastern politics. But it still remains a vacuum that were these two fates, one of legislative justice and the other of barbarian justice- the only two fates for these dictators?

‘Real and taught revolution’

Secondly, turning to the difference between a real revolution and a transported revolution.. What happened in Tunisia, sparked the entire Arab uprising. In a real revolution, the citizens know the reason they have to fight for. While, in a transported revolution, they are taught the reason why they should fight for. Like an infectious disease, the wrath mushroomed, each having the loophole of ‘unknown destinations’. It is said, ‘If you do not know where you have to go, then any road will take you there.’. This abstract philosophy can be actually seen in Egypt where people are left wondering, that did they participate in just another military coup or was it a real remonstration. In the taught revolution, there is imitation, lack of leadership and fragmentation. Just because your neighbor did it, you too, should do it. Yes, there was socio-economic disparity, modernized slavery, absence of freedom and expression. But at the same time, at least, there was a representative parliament with its own decorum that knew its ways. Right now, nations fighting for drafting their constitution under the majority of Islamic parties will definitely rely on religion as their new form of domination. So, where is the independence and idea of secularism that needed?

‘Syria’s tomorrow’

Thirdly, what would happen, if Syria too, faces the same destiny as Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. The dictator dies or is ousted, the public still fights against the interim government, more bloodshed and lack of rational unity. Very interestingly, the Arab League has started imposing sanctions on Syria, in my personal opinion, more to shove off the foreign intervention rather than to actually weaken the opposition against Assad. How much would this show off work, depends on time. And so does, the outcome of whatever happens beyond that.

Obama’s Ghost: withering Middle East economy and ambiguity

When Barack Obama talks about how his entire life, he was just wrestling with the ghost of ‘The Old Man’ (his first father), the pertinent fact remains- even though, his father is dead now, he, himself has become the first Black American President, unfortunately, the psychological fight has not terminated. He still thinks, he still fights.

It is difficult, to know a man, of his caliber, mettle and intellect to play a diplomatic mission in the Middle East. Yes, America does not want another Afghanistan. Yes, America did not even reveal how Osama was slaughtered. But here, in Middle East, it needs to. His administration can not keep playing imposing sanctions on Syria, or have secret talks with General Tantawi in Egypt or just write a letter in the New York Times with Cameron and Sarkozy for Libya.

‘No straight point with the MB’

No matter, how much America does discredit the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) for being originated from Al-Qaeda- these two are totally different institutions. Its another fact that several symbiotic revolutionaries from the Muslim Brotherhood have eventually caused terrorism but the organisation does not focus on just massive butchery like Al-Qaeda does. It does not focus on how Islam is portrayed by the West but how the Arabs can flawlessly adhere to what it means for them. Now, with very visible criticism against America in Iraq, the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria, Egypt and Jordan have actually stated that they donot appreciate western capitalism. So, what does Obama gain by those secret influential talks? His own identity of being a Muslim and yet a Christian causes a certain strange equilibrium to adhere to. So, the safest bet, I think, it to let the legislative elections start today and at the same time, fear. Fear of what would happen to American foreign policy and trade if NDP or even the Freedom and Justice Party comes into the parliament with majority. Though, the NDP offshoots might cling to America, the others, will not.

‘Gadaffi: Gone with the wind’

In Libya, the US policy was far too diplomatic. Just like Saddam, they created Gadaffi and now they banished him on the world stage, with not even the ending scripts having the western superpower’s name. Intelligent trick. Hillary Clinton stated no boots on the ground, a decision which was followed. To what degree did it save the millions invested by the EU and France on the ‘No-Fly-Zone’ remains unaccountable. For that matter, how many lives were saved. It was the finest subtle victory.

‘Syrian economy: not breathing’

With Syria, sanctions are being imposed. Obama administration are re-evoking all the sanctions on the Central Bank, the trade, travel of Assad and his colleagues, etc. The ‘crisis economy’ would shrink again, this time, with 6%, this year. But then, Syria has Lebanon and Iraq to support. For how long, no one knows. But does the Obama administration really think that such diplomatic measures would not affect the common population? Its the common man out in the streets of Damascus facing the music. If the dominoes affect started, it would be him to be brutally assaulted by it. Not Assad, not Obama.

My entire fear is that, Obama, with the enormous respect he demands, is creating several new ‘Old Men’ for him. He is creating new ghosts to fight, new regrets and nascent unkept promises that would haunt him. For if, he was just another Capitalist, he would never have had the first life long wrestle, in the very first place.

P.S: It is a must read ‘Obama’s autobiography- Dreams from My Father’. Creates the similar frustation that Arvind Adiga did in ‘The White Tiger’

Why no one would win Egypt?

With the cries of ‘national salvation’ mushrooming in around 20,000 people, quite vehemently, at Tahrir Sqaure right now, it speaks that the Arab revolution has still not seen the termination. Unfortunately, as 28th November approaches quickly, the compulsive fact that Egypt would still not be won, stands audacious.

Amr Hamzawy, the liberal parliamentary candidate has stated that it is not the outcome that matters but the entire symbolism that the elections took place. Though, the elected parliament would be transitory but it does not undermine its influence in drafting the constitution of one of the most populous Arab countries that demands democracy and a representative parliament. Though, is it a safe bet then? To have people killed and injured for a mere disguise of victory for the opportunistic capitalism.

‘Muslim Brotherhood: the Bogeyman’

To start with, the Muslim Brotherhood with its Freedom and Justice Party has major chances of victory. One can see what happened in Tunisia. The main Islamist party ‘Ennahada’ won. But this fact has troubled several Republicans in US administration. Muslim Brotherhood, has always been witnessed as a bogeyman by America, like an embodiment of terror without actual mass and flesh. With Coptic Christians being killed in sectarian violence in Egypt, no doubt, Obama administration has been accused of doing exactly what is wrong in the entire Arab uprising. Though, Obama and Clinton are asking the Military council to loosen their grip over the protestors, they do not want to be seen publicly, as making decisions or even influencing the scenario. Or, for the matter, even blunt communication. The Egyptians will not like it. So, once again, America is in a lurch. What to support then? Their own vested interests in their foreign policy or their advertised support to democracy? They already dread that the Muslim brotherhood, often called as the Godfather of Al-Qaeda by Americans, would support their interests if elected?

‘Cracks in the  Military Council’

Now, every government, what so ever, has always witnessed a widening gap between the soldiers and the police. Though, the same happening in an interim government trying to crush down demonstrations is another interesting point. The Central Security Force, ie, the riot control police force has been always seen as low class and less intelligent when compared to the SCAF. (Supreme Council of Armed Forces).In fact, they have been summoned as ‘knuckle-draggers’. Adding to the mayhem, the riot police also holds a grudge against the SCAF as during the intitial January 25 revolutions, they were asked to winthdraw from Tahrir as they could not contain the uprising and hence, the soldiers were appointed. Now, SCAF plays a very intelligent role in the entire process. They do not publicly appear on the streets but they are secretly supplying equipments and vehicles to the riot control police. No doubt, they hold the ultimate executive powers in Egypt. Sadly, the military council is turning into nothing but a black box, with its own cracks appearing, slowly.

‘Fiasco of voters and parties’

Now turning to, who would come to vote? Around 20-30% of the voters would vote for  Muslim Brotherhood. The next 20% would vote for the elite Copt community while the rest of the 50% voters of the 50 million population are in the ‘cant say category’. And to vote for whom? Suddenly, there are tens of parties surfacing in the election scenario. Few strict Islamists, others liberal. Defection from Muslim Brotherhood, inter party conflicts for higher political hierarchy, aims and objectives-everything is a lot of information to gulp down in a  go. The youth who carried on the revolution has to face financial constraints of their own in marketing themselves into a legal party. Few of them, like the April 6 Movement and Coalition for Revolution Change have just become fading names, carrying  a symbiosis with established coalitions.

The slogans have changed. Rather than Mubarak, it is ‘Tantawi, go back’. Did Egyptians fight for what is currently happening? Well, the transition from military dictatorship  to  a civil government will never happen smoothly in the current world, but at what cost do we lose Egypt then?

P.S: Image from Palestine Chronicle.