The Faces of the Egyptian Revolution

As the world watches one of the most important countries in the Middle East and Africa fall into protest, we can only wonder what will result from these tumultuous times. The outcome of these riots is vastly important. Economically, socially and politically, Egypt remains a pillar of stability in not just the region but arguably the world. The possible outcomes that could come to Egypt are shaped by the protesters and the people that are filing into Tahrir Square. The various faces of the protests could hint at possible futures for Egypt. Here are a few significant groups that make up the current protesters and could formulate the future Egypt.

The youth
The youth is the biggest and most significant force in the Egyptian protests. With a median age of 24, Egypt is a very young nation. In Cairo alone, almost three-fifths of the population is younger than thirty. With so many young people making up the bulk of Egypt’s population, the society is volatile.

Practically applied, the boisterous 20-year-old is much more likely to take to the streets than their 50-year-old parents who have more responsibilities. I’m not saying that 50-year-old parents don’t protest, but their kids are much more likely to get out on the streets.

After the inspiration from Tunisia, the young people saw an opportunity to take the disdain they’ve had for the government for years and finally act on it.

To quote Iman Armya, a resident of Cairo in Tahrir Square, “Facebook, (the) Internet and the youth began (these) protests. All others were afraid and waited to see what would happen. (When) they saw that this began to work, (other groups) began to appear in protests. Their number increased and began to force others to continue protests. They found it a way to get what they wanted.”

Clearly it is the youth who are the bulk of the protesters. While they have no central creed, they obviously want Mubarak out and support greater political freedom and democratic reform in general. Because of this and their numbers, it is likely they will take some role in ensuring the future Egypt promises greater political and social freedoms. The degree of influence depends on how motivated and involved these young people are in the protests and reformation.     

The unemployed
With a 9.4 percent unemployment rate and an even higher underemployment rate, the Egyptian people are suffering from economic disparities. While the Egyptian economy is rapidly growing, the average Egyptian has not seen the economic benefits. As such, many are displeased with the government’s economic reform efforts. They figured as long as they were making more money and could live a stable life, they could tolerate a dictator in power. With the stability of the economy rocked by the global recession, many are now questioning Mubarak’s rule. If he can’t get Egyptians the jobs they need, then why is he in power? As such, these individuals are looking for new leaders to bring prosperity to Egypt. Their core goals for the future of Egypt are stability and prosperity.

The Muslim Brotherhood
Founded in 1928 in Ismailia, Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood is a political and social organization that constitutes one of the largest opposition groups to the Mubarak presidency in Egypt. While different members have various beliefs, the core ideas of the Muslim Brotherhood focus on a more moderate interpretation of an Islamic state.

Accordingly, they advocate for a tolerant Islamic democracy where law is based both on the will of the people and the Quran and Sunnah. Their methods of political change are nonviolent, and they have separated themselves from radical Islamic groups who have legitimized the use of violence through the spread of Islam. For decades, the brotherhood has been suppressed and attacked by the Mubarak regime, much after the request of the United States. They have collaborated with other opposition parties, including the Kifaya Movement, to oust Mubarak.

To Americans — especially those alive in 1979 — the Brotherhood is a possible seed to a radical Islamic state that could overtake Egyptian society. The truth of the matter is Iran and Egypt are two very different examples, and the Islamic forces inside each of those revolutions are also very different. As such, while it is possible that the Muslim Brotherhood could have candidates come to power and then become radicalized in a power vacuum, the prerequisites for this happening combined with all the other forces at play in these protests make the outcome of a radical Islamic Egypt
unlikely.  

Other banned political parties
Besides the Muslim Brotherhood, there are also many other opposition parties from various ideological backgrounds that are banned under Mubarak’s reign. Leftist parties and Anti-Mubarak parties constitute the majority of these banned groups. But now working together, all of these political parties have set aside ideological differences to take down the common enemy, Mubarak. Because there are so many opposition groups with various beliefs, it seems they understand the only way to move forward in a future Egypt is to institutionalize these differences in a democracy, which all avidly advocate. Without a key leader or main group, the organization of these parties both now and in the future remains a key question in the future of the Egyptian government.

Anti-Mubarak people in general
Finally, the remaining protesters are out on the streets in Cairo just because they hate Mubarak. The authoritarian dictator has stepped on many toes throughout the past 30 years and with a lack of checks and balances, he did whatever he pleased. My favorite example of this is his tendency to name archeological finds after himself. The obviously self-absorbed dictator, who was trying to get his son to follow his presidency, overstepped his welcome and his legitimacy with the Egyptian people.

While these people are active in the protest, their main goals are simply the removal of Mubarak and a stabilization of the nation afterward.

Together all of these protesters make up a wide array of political and ideological backgrounds. But even so, they have cooperated up to this point and have agreed on one common goal — the ousting of Mubarak.

As they rallied behind Mohamed ElBaradei and a more democratic future Egypt, it seems likely that a future Egypt will be one with more liberal, democratic values. But the future is never sure and all the world can do is wait and watch the Egyptian protests unfold.


E-mail: mdshowal@indiana.edu