Egypt was once ruled, like all nations, by king and queen. At the end of that however, democracy didn't come - rather a military dictatorship has been in place with Mubarak as the president. And he alone has ruled Egypt for 30years.
And now a bit about al Qaeda.
Egyptians have played key leadership roles within al Qaeda since its foundation. Three in particular -- Ayman al Zawahiri, Mohammed Atef, and Abu Ubaidah al-Banshiri -- helped radicalize Osama Bin Laden, turning him against Arab regimes.
The radicalism of these Egyptians stemmed in no small part from the brutal repressive techniques of the Mubarak era.
It is no accident that many of the radical ideologues al Qaeda has turned to for guidance have also been Egyptian.
Human rights organizations allege that human rights abuses, and even torture, have become routine under Mubarak's rule. The simmering anger that results risks another generation being similarly radicalized.
Egyptians have played key leadership roles within al Qaeda since its foundation. Three in particular -- Ayman al Zawahiri, Mohammed Atef, and Abu Ubaidah al-Banshiri -- helped radicalize Osama Bin Laden, turning him against Arab regimes.
The radicalism of these Egyptians stemmed in no small part from the brutal repressive techniques of the Mubarak era.
It is no accident that many of the radical ideologues al Qaeda has turned to for guidance have also been Egyptian.
Human rights organizations allege that human rights abuses, and even torture, have become routine under Mubarak's rule. The simmering anger that results risks another generation being similarly radicalized.
But now that Mubarak is out, the world will be a better place now that these people are no longer repressed and thus don't have drive themselves to terrorism.
I'll end on two videos:
the start: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HGfFyqJMrk
You know, it always amazes me how things can always come back and bite you. Like these terrorists, somewhere along the line, someone pissed them off, and now they're determined to take them down.
ReplyDeleteIt was obvious from the start that the Egyptian people were not going to endure this much longer, and when their neighbours the Tunisians overthrew their government so easily, there was only ever likely to be one outcome
ReplyDeleteIt still amazing how they actually overthrew Mubarak. Fight the power!
ReplyDeleteVery good post. I hope the feeling spreads.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe Mubarak actually stepped down.
ReplyDeletethank god that dude is out of power! i heard hes richer than bill gates...crazy
ReplyDeleteThis is huge for Egypt!
ReplyDeleteunless the Muslim brother hood masses support and takes the country towards a less secular route - as long as Palestine is occupied they will have all the recruits they need in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteWhat the middle east should do is start campaigning for all Palestinians in israel to have a vote in israelie elections...