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The Egyptian Revolution

The Egyptian Revolution. 1952-Present. History of Movements. Egyptian Revolution of 1952 Overthrowing of King Farouk by the “Free Officers Movement” military coup, lead by Nasser and Naguib Wider aims to overthrow pro-Western monarchies 1977 Bread Riots

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The Egyptian Revolution

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  1. The Egyptian Revolution 1952-Present

  2. History of Movements • Egyptian Revolution of 1952 • Overthrowing of King Farouk by the “Free Officers Movement” military coup, lead by Nasser and Naguib • Wider aims to overthrow pro-Western monarchies • 1977 Bread Riots • Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians protest the termination of state subsidies on rice, flour, and cooking oil. • After two days, the army was deployed and the new policies were cancelled.

  3. History of Movements • 2003: Demonstrations against the American-led invasion of Iraq • 20,000 participants, first time the people denounced Mubarak • Also the first time that demonstrators mislead the police, leaving from various mosques • 2004: Wave of strikes after July “government of businessmen” installation • Over 2 million workers participate in over 3,000 demonstrations • Some success: government forms two trade unions and quadruples monthly minimum wage to 400 LE • 2006: Solidarity demonstrations for Lebanon during the Israeli assault • 2008: Solidarity demonstrations for Gaza • In direct criticism of Mubarak’s foreign policy

  4. The Lead-up to 2011 • Tunisian President Ben Ali ousted in December 2010 • Some analysts warn that Egypt is likely to be next • Others refute this possibility, citing Egyptian apathy and illiteracy • Issues: police brutality, unemployment, poverty, low wages, widespread corruption • “State of Emergency” law in place since Sadat’s assassination in 1981, renewed every three years by parliament • Egypt has experienced economic growth, but most has not trickled down to lower classes

  5. Khaled Saeed • Died June 6, 2010 under questionable circumstances in Alexandria • Arrested by plainclothes Egyptian police for theft and weapons possession • Saeed’s friends say he had footage of police in drug deal • Allegedly beat to death while being arrested, with multiple witnesses and autopsy photos • Police claim he died of drug overdose • Named a catalyst of the 2011 revolution • “We Are All Khaled Saeed” group (now has 800,000 members) and silent protests

  6. Key Figures • Wael Ghonim: 30 years old, AUC alum, Google’s head of marketing in the Middle East • Pseudonym “Al Shaheed,” or “The Martyr” • Ran Facebook el-Baradei fan page, “We Are All Khaled Saeed,” and Jan. 25 protest event page • Taken by plainclothes police officers, two weeks in custody with no information on protests • Ayman Nour: former member of Egyptian Parliament, chairman of El Ghad (“Tomorrow”) Party • Imprisoned in January 2005 and from Dec. 2005-Feb. 2009. • Ran for president in March 2005, was first runner-up with 7% • Injured (rock to head) in 2011 protests • Has stated intentions to run for the presidency now

  7. Key Figures • Mohamed al-Baradei: • Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency under the United Nations, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 • Seen as possible Presidential candidate since 2009, but likeliness is disputed by both the people and Baradei • Field Marshal Mohammed Tantawi of the Armed Forces: • Served under Mubarak as Defense Minister, close ally of his • Now functioning as Egypt’s Head of State of International Relations for time being

  8. Kefaya • Means “Enough” in Arabic, a.k.a. Egyptian Movement for Change • Pro-democracy movement, anti-Hosni and Gamal Mubarak • Not a political party- a “national coalition movement” for Mubarak’s resignation • Launched out of 2003 demonstrations against American-led invasion of Iraq • Peak of strength in 2005 constitutional referendum and presidential election campaigns, has diminished since.

  9. Muslim Brotherhood • During the 2011 revolution: • Has officially rejected violent means to secure its goals, gained popular support by providing social services • Denied responsibility for the beginning of the protests • Members of the Brotherhood were detained and later released throughout the demonstrations • Involvement in the revolution is highly debatable: many sources state that they had very little influence, while others claim that the Brotherhood is waiting to take over the fragile new government

  10. April 6 Youth Movement • 2008: Egyptian Facebook group started by Ahmed Maher • January 2009: 70,000 members; 98,737 as of last night • Originally to support workers planning to strike on April 6, 2008 • Promoted “Million Man March” February 1, 2011 • Core concerns: free speech, democracy, economy, fair elections • Members have been arrested and attacked at least three times • 1/29/2011: Wikileaks document shows US considers group goals “unrealistic” • One of 10 groups to meet with the Armed Forces Supreme Council on February 16

  11. National Police Day Protests • Day 1: January 25, 2011 - the “Day of Rage” • “Police Day” commemorates a British attack on an Egyptian police station, sparking anti-British riots across the country • Six months later, Nasser led the Egyptians to revolution in 1952. • -The Police were seen as heroes, and a symbol of the resistance against foreign occupation. • -Modern Egyptian police are known for corruption and brutality. • This is a government holiday in Egypt, so businesses and schools were closed, allowing many people to participate in 2011. • Nationwide protests against Mubarak’s regime began. Tens of thousands of protesters filled Cairo’s Tahrir Square, and other Egyptian cities, including Alexandria and Suez. • The Muslim Brotherhood denies responsibility.

  12. The 2011 Revolution • Day 4: January 28, 2011 • Riot police remain in Tahrir from the January 25th protests, though no major demonstrations take place in Cairo until Friday, the 28th. • After Friday prayer, hundreds of thousands take to the streets. • Mobile phones & internet service is cut off by the government. • Protesters clash with riot police, armed with tear gas (made in the U.S.A.), water cannons, batons, and rocks. • A curfew is set for 7 PM, but not enforced. • As night falls, the National Democratic Party Headquarters is torched, and police retreat from the streets.

  13. The 2011 Revolution • Day 4: January 28, 2011, continued • In the absence of the police (and perhaps on governmental orders, in an attempt to scare protesters back to their homes) looters take to the streets and the National Museum. • Neighborhood watch groups are set up. • Prison breaks are announced. • The military arrives to the welcoming arms of the people. • Mubarak addresses the people shortly after midnight, stating that he will dismiss his cabinet, but will not step down.

  14. The 2011 Revolution • Days 5 and 6: January 29-30, 2011 • Mubarak appoints a Vice President, Omar Suleiman, for the first time in his rule. • al-Baradei addresses protesters in Tahrir Square. • Embassies begin to encourage foreigners to evacuate. • Curfews are continuously established and extended, but not enforced. • Internet is still widely blocked. • The US offers statements from President Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Robert Gibbs.

  15. The 2011 Revolution • Day 7 & 8: January 31- February 1, 2011 • Internet is still widely blocked. • Mubarak names his new cabinet on State Television. • Worldwide, leaders call for “free and fair” elections, the reinstatement of internet access, and nonviolent demonstrations in Egypt. • Media outlets experience difficulty broadcasting: Al Jazeera Arabic is blocked, while State Television continues to broadcast calm images of the Nile River. • Mubarak announces that he will not run for re-election and will reform the constitution. • Clashes between pro- and anti-Mubarak protesters break out in Alexandria. • February 1st is named the “Million Man March”.

  16. The 2011 Revolution • Days 9-13: February 2-6, 2011 • Internet services are partially restored. • The press is oppressed, with cameras broken and CNN’s Anderson Cooper attacked. • “Pro-Mubarak” protesters enter Tahrir Square on the 2nd, with some riding horses and camels. • February 4th is deemed the “Day of Departure”. • The leadership of the ruling National Democratic Party resigns, including Mubarak’s son, Gamal. • Cairo attempts to start returning to normal: banks reopen for 3.5 hours, and traffic police return to the streets.

  17. The 2011 Revolution • Days 14-16: February 7-9, 2011 • Thousands remain camped out in Tahrir square. • The Egyptian government approves a 15% raise in salaries in an attempt to calm the protests. • Labor unions join street protests. • Suleiman announces a list of constitutional amendments. • Death tolls range from 50 to 302 since the beginning of Egypt’s uprising.

  18. The 2011 Revolution • Day 17: February 10, 2011 • Gaber Asfour, Mubarak’s newly appointed Culture Minister steps down • Mubarak addresses the people yet again amid rumors that he will be stepping down. • Instead, he promises the end of Emergency Law, repeats that he will not run again, and will “continue to shoulder” his responsibilities during this “peaceful transition”. • Protesters in Tahrir react furiously, waving shoes in the air and calling for mass protests the next day, Friday.

  19. Mubarak Steps Down • Day 18: February 11, 2011 • Background: • President from 1981-2011, and Chairman of the National Democratic Party • Vice President under Sadat until assassination, survived an estimated six assassination attempts himself • Air Chief Marshal in Egyptian Air Force • On February 11, 2011, Vice President Suleiman announces resignation of Mubarak after 18 days of protests. • Power is handed over to the Army.

  20. Effect on Middle East • Major uprisings in Algeria, Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Western Sahara, Yemen • Tunisia’s Ben Ali flees to Saudi Arabia, Mubarak resigns, Jordan’s King Abdullah names a new prime minister, Yemen President Saleh won’t seek another term in 2013 • Minor incidents in Iraq, Kuwait, Mauritania, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria • Use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter prominent, as well as common demands

  21. International Response • Obama: Refrain from violence, maintain universal human rights, unblock internet, concrete steps towards reform. • “We support the people, but cannot dictate actions.” • Criticized for not backing up rhetoric with action. • David Cameron, Britain’s Prime Minister • First world leader to visit Egypt since Mubarak resigned. • Met with Tantawi, but not Muslim Brotherhood • “What’s so refreshing... is this is not an Islamist revolt.”

  22. Israel’s Response • Fear of “New Egypt”: • “...privileges Israel’s peace treaty with Egypt over internal Arab affairs.” • Statements for Stability: • Israel calls on the US and European countries to curb criticism of Mubarak to “preserve stability in the region.” • Mubarak means sustained stability, even if he doesn’t mean democracy.

  23. Israel’s Response • President Shimon Peres: Hope the Egyptian people will be granted the “freedom and hope they desire.” Only history can judge the toppled regimes. • Defense Minister Ehud Barak: Recent events in Egypt do not risk Israel’s ties with its neighbor to the south.

  24. Muslim Brotherhood • Participated in talks with Suleiman as a “banned but tolerated” organization in opposition groups • “Few signs” of aspirations to transform Egypt into a repressive Islamist state. Just want to participate. • Will apply to become an official political party as soon as necessary changes are made to Egyptian Constitution • “No secret agenda... or eyes set on the presidency.” Calls for gradual approach to peaceful popular reform. • “...Rights for all: not just for Muslims, but for all Egyptians.” • Spokesman says the peace treaty decision is up to the entire Egyptian people

  25. Muslim Brotherhood • Will not field a presidential candidate this year, and will compete for no more than 1/4 of parliamentary seats. • “Give a chance to other groups to form...create a balance- secular, liberal, religious.” • Reasons for low profile- avoid stirring fear in West and secular Egyptians? • Critiques: is what they say what they want? • Until now, was only counterweight to Mubarak. • Now faces more opposition from emerging parties, and internal discord between liberals and fundamentalists • Broader voter turnout could vote out Brotherhood

  26. Now What? • Pan-Arabism • Possible resurgence around common drive for democratic freedoms • Temporary military rule in Egypt until elections can be held- as soon as 6 months. • Generals imposed Martial Law on February 13th while dissolving Parliament and suspending the constitution • Pledge to remain committed to “all international treaties” - including the 1979 Israel peace treaty.

  27. Now What? • Former ministers being brought to court for profiteering and abuse of public funds. • Requests for freeze on Mubarak’s assets signify he may be held accountable for actions. • People stress need for follow-through • Release of political prisoners detained without charge on February 20 • No presidential candidate from the “military establishment” • Rumors of Mubarak’s health condition in Sharm al-Sheikh • Egyptian court licenses a moderate Islamic party

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