Independent media needs you. Join the Tyee.

Blogs

The Hook: Political news, freshly caught

Mubarak's regime still manipulating Egyptian politics?

[Editor's Note: Capilano University Communications instructor Dr. Azza Sedky was in Cairo earlier this year. Now back in Vancouver, she is still following events in Egypt]

An affair between a Muslim woman and a Christian man set off a series of events that ended with the demolition of a church, the deaths of several persons, and most importantly an agonizing rise in hostility between Muslims and Christians across the nation.

From the start of the revolution, I was worried. I had a fishy feeling that things were not going to be smooth sailing as everyone predicted. I was concerned about the revolution's demands exceeding what could be accomplished; the truth getting lost, twisted, and embellished; the state of the economy; the sideline protests that seemed to be popping here and there; and the ordeals of the ordinary Egyptian on the street.

However, as naïve as I am, I wasn't worried at all about the old regime as an entity. I honestly believed that the regime was dead and didn't think that it would try to play havoc with people's lives. Now I'm questioning myself -- is the ex-regime still manipulating the scene in Egypt?

Friction between Muslims and Christians in Egypt is a common occurrence. On and off, after a minor event, such as a love affair or a business conflict, clashes occur. It starts off between two ordinary Egyptians and ends as a showdown between the Muslims and the Christians in that particular village. However, never has it spread nationwide and grown totally out of proportion as it has this time round. It was always contained in the original district, and it never resonated across Egypt.

Why the change? Is it because Christians, like all Egyptians, suddenly feel they have the right to protest, and they want rights they never had and have every right to attain? Or is this a premeditated and preconceived plan to instill fear and mayhem in the society? The former rhetorical question is acceptable, but the latter is quite alarming.

The sectarian chaos created across Egypt seems more systematic than usual. Christians and Muslims in urban areas in Moqattam and Helwan, amongst other areas, are killing one another over an event that occurred in the tiny village of Sol, a good distance away. As a result, I'm on the verge of believing that hidden hands are fanning people's anger. The ex-regime may not be at bay after all but is still there in the background, working towards the destruction of Egypt.

Another good reason why Mubarak's people may be stage-managing the scene is that, for the last forty days, the police force had totally disappeared from Egypt. Three or four days into the revolution, the police force vanished into thin air, and the armed forces took over the responsibilities. Now the chosen-by-the-people prime minister in his first speech to the nation promises that the police force will show up the next day, and it does. Suddenly the police force is quite visible.

What was holding it from doing its job? Where had it disappeared to? But most importantly, did the ex-regime control the force and give it orders not to function so that havoc would preside? It seems highly farfetched and unbelievable, but many Egyptians believe that that is the case. I personally am not sure, but my confidence that this is all not deliberate is waning.

The third reason for my skepticism is the systematic burning of documents and files that took place in the National Defence buildings. And those fires were not extinguished quickly enough. In fact, it is only when the public intervened that the arsonists were stopped. Egyptians again may be right in thinking that these deliberate acts of destruction are the work of Mubarak's followers.

If this is the case, and indeed the old power has a hand in what is happening in Egypt today, what would it gain? In no way would Hosni Mubarak reign once more. The people have spoken and would not allow such an occurrence. So what would the ex-regime gain by being manipulative and destructive?

The ex-regime is, as any regime is, a layered structure. Though those in the highest level on the totem pole were removed, those in lower levels were not. They have so much to lose, and the only way they can overcome this crisis would be to craft instability. How? By having Muslim Egyptians clash with Christian Egyptians, by creating havoc within the society, and by destroying any evidence of previous offenses.

As my notions and ideas change by the day, I'm now more accepting of the Tahrir youth's demands: the more elements of the Mubarak regime you remove, the better off Egypt would be. It seems fairly drastic, but maybe the revolutionists were right in asking for deeper eradication of the powers that used to be and wanting to weed out all the supporting clans. Much to my dismay, though, all this cleansing will put the country on hold for longer than necessary.

The days to come will show if indeed the ex-regime still controls the Egyptian street today. We will have to wait and see.

Find more in:

What have we missed? What do you think? We want to know. Comment below. Keep in mind:

Do:

  • Verify facts, debunk rumours
  • Add context and background
  • Spot typos and logical fallacies
  • Highlight reporting blind spots
  • Ignore trolls
  • Treat all with respect and curiosity
  • Connect with each other

Do not:

  • Use sexist, classist, racist or homophobic language
  • Libel or defame
  • Bully or troll
  • Troll patrol. Instead, flag suspect activity.
comments powered by Disqus