The Egyptian Revolution

Revolution will be and has been televised!  Congratulations and Glory to the People of Egypt!!!  Remember the date for the history lessons:  February 11, 2011.  The people of the world will refer to it as "2/11", and what ironic juxtaposition and extreme ends of the spectrum it is as it invokes inevitable connotations and reference to 9/11, and on so many levels!

The 18-day protest in Cairo's Tahrir "Liberation" Square has been nothing short of the most incredible history-making display of a people's movement that forced a monumental change in an Arab nation.  "People united can never be defeated!"  It had all the ups and downs, twists and turns of the newest and state-of-the-art thrill ride.  Such liberation, freedom, hope and opportunity for the future of Egypt.  And o so many questions, speculations, and topics to debate, to analyze and to discuss, so many things to say and to express as a mere observer of current events and world history.  It cannot be overstated that the Arab world has rarely seen this type of protests for freedom and have succeeded.

I want to share in the celebration and the exuberance of the Egyptian people, but history does teach us to be cautious and humble observers, as all revolutions have been followed by hardships, shattered dreams and even cruelty.  The French Revolution, the Revolutions of 1848, the Russian Revolution, the Iranian Revolution, Tienanmen Square, the 2009 democratic protest in Tehran.  Even the American Revolution could not avoid a war to gain independence for the Thirteen Colonies.  One had to wonder if Tahrir might become another Tienanmen (interesting to note that the word "Tahrir" keeps getting flagged by the Blogger editor as a misspelled word as it has not yet entered our common vernacular but that will change quite soon).  And let us not forget that there were people who gave their lives and endured bodily harm in the early days of this revolution to bring this change to fruition.

All indications are that this was a true people's uprising in Egypt, not some extremist or subversive group, that demanded Hosni Mubarak to resign, but what now?  Will Egypt become a democratic republic after nearly 60 years of dictatorship by military leaders?  It is reassuring that the military has publicly stated its support for a lawful transition of power and for keeping the peace treaty with Israel.  One can only hope to watch and pray for  peaceful and non-violent events toward the building of a new democratic political infrastructure and governance. The saga continues...and next stop, Algeria!?