In my capacity as a blogger, an Egyptian political activist and director of programs of the Egyptian Democratic Academy, I’ve met scores of politicians and journalists of all nationalities, particularly after the January 25 revolution. In these meetings, we’ve dealt with a host of facets of the current situation, ranging from my specific role in the revolution and my reading of developments to the role of the internet and the more general subject of Egypt’s political future. The interactions have taught me a great deal about how the world views Egyptians – before and after the revolution.
I remember vividly one conference organized by a member of the International Socialist movement a few months prior to the revolution in which I asked about what lay behind Europeans’ refusal to assist Egyptians in working towards democracy. The reply came that Europeans were justifiably concerned about what came after Mubarak. This individual went on to explain his answer, asserting that interests were stronger by far than any sympathy Europeans might harbor in our favor.
I also recall how the situation changed from night to day after the revolution, and how western journalists and politicos listened to us with rapt attention as we attempted to explain the parameters of this thing that was taking place in Egypt, a phenomenon which caught them off guard and whose scope none of them could easily fathom.
Since that time, from citizens of varying countries and ideological backgrounds, I am repeatedly asked the honest but vexing question, ‘what can we do to help Egyptians?’ and ‘How can we participate in establishing democracy in Egypt?’ and finally, ‘What is it that Egyptians need, post-revolution, to transition to a democratic state?’
Many Egyptians might view these questions as disingenuous, insisting that these other countries don’t truly want Egypt to advance and become a free democratic state. I, however, take them at their word that they wish to see a free, democratic Egypt, open to the world, because the only other option is that Egypt go the way of chaos, terror, panic and instability.
Having responded to these questions in a variety of contexts, I decided to consolidate responses in one piece, in the hope that it might serve Egyptians and what comes next for them.
How Can You Assist Us?
Advanced societies may assist those nations embarking on their first steps towards democracy and freedom in a number of ways. Those best suited to assist us, it would seem, are our European and Mediterranean neighbors. This is self evident, given their geographical and cultural proximity, not to mention their colonial history and interests in the region.
We could discuss putting pressure on the Egyptian government to abide by human rights standards and principles, just as we might stress the significance of funding Egyptian civil society, particularly those advocating civic education, enabling the dissemination of concepts of freedom, democracy and human rights in Egypt. But such conversations have typically frustrated Egyptians. A request for foreign pressure on our government - irrespective of its intentions – is a non-starter in this context, and is unacceptable even in democratic societies. Similarly, talk of funding civil society – despite its importance and possible legitimacy – comes off as begging, prompting Egyptians to feel shame rather than gratitude.
It would be wise, therefore, to steer clear of those points and focus on another element that I see as essential, one that shouldn’t be ignored, and about which there is a fair amount of consensus – long-term cultural support.
Culture and Education: Translation, Libraries, Research Centers, Educational Exchanges
If what we genuinely want is for Egypt (and, subsequently, other Arab and Muslim nations) to become a just, democratic country which respects principles of human rights and protects its citizens’ dignity and freedoms, rather than losing its citizens to futile migration bids to Europe or becoming an exporter of terror, then we must collectively work on cultural support for Egyptian society.
In the 19th century, the architect of the modern Egyptian state, Muhammad Ali, relied on translation efforts and educational exchanges to Europe to transform the upper classes of Egyptian society into a cultured, well-educated body, equipped to run the state as a modern nation in an organized, enlightened way. The story is often recounted of the illiterate watermelon salesman who went on to become one of the most prominent doctors of his day as an example of Muhammad Ali’s efforts.
The truth is that we need a new, broad-reaching movement to convey notions of progress and modernity to the Egyptian people as a whole so that no one segment of society benefits from these advances in cross-cultural communication.
In short, you are needed to help develop a new generation of Egyptians, open to engaging with the world, participating in its prosperity and proud of their place in it. Will you help us?
Ahmed Badawy
Egyptian writer and political activist
I remember vividly one conference organized by a member of the International Socialist movement a few months prior to the revolution in which I asked about what lay behind Europeans’ refusal to assist Egyptians in working towards democracy. The reply came that Europeans were justifiably concerned about what came after Mubarak. This individual went on to explain his answer, asserting that interests were stronger by far than any sympathy Europeans might harbor in our favor.
I also recall how the situation changed from night to day after the revolution, and how western journalists and politicos listened to us with rapt attention as we attempted to explain the parameters of this thing that was taking place in Egypt, a phenomenon which caught them off guard and whose scope none of them could easily fathom.
Since that time, from citizens of varying countries and ideological backgrounds, I am repeatedly asked the honest but vexing question, ‘what can we do to help Egyptians?’ and ‘How can we participate in establishing democracy in Egypt?’ and finally, ‘What is it that Egyptians need, post-revolution, to transition to a democratic state?’
Many Egyptians might view these questions as disingenuous, insisting that these other countries don’t truly want Egypt to advance and become a free democratic state. I, however, take them at their word that they wish to see a free, democratic Egypt, open to the world, because the only other option is that Egypt go the way of chaos, terror, panic and instability.
Having responded to these questions in a variety of contexts, I decided to consolidate responses in one piece, in the hope that it might serve Egyptians and what comes next for them.
How Can You Assist Us?
Advanced societies may assist those nations embarking on their first steps towards democracy and freedom in a number of ways. Those best suited to assist us, it would seem, are our European and Mediterranean neighbors. This is self evident, given their geographical and cultural proximity, not to mention their colonial history and interests in the region.
We could discuss putting pressure on the Egyptian government to abide by human rights standards and principles, just as we might stress the significance of funding Egyptian civil society, particularly those advocating civic education, enabling the dissemination of concepts of freedom, democracy and human rights in Egypt. But such conversations have typically frustrated Egyptians. A request for foreign pressure on our government - irrespective of its intentions – is a non-starter in this context, and is unacceptable even in democratic societies. Similarly, talk of funding civil society – despite its importance and possible legitimacy – comes off as begging, prompting Egyptians to feel shame rather than gratitude.
It would be wise, therefore, to steer clear of those points and focus on another element that I see as essential, one that shouldn’t be ignored, and about which there is a fair amount of consensus – long-term cultural support.
Culture and Education: Translation, Libraries, Research Centers, Educational Exchanges
If what we genuinely want is for Egypt (and, subsequently, other Arab and Muslim nations) to become a just, democratic country which respects principles of human rights and protects its citizens’ dignity and freedoms, rather than losing its citizens to futile migration bids to Europe or becoming an exporter of terror, then we must collectively work on cultural support for Egyptian society.
In the 19th century, the architect of the modern Egyptian state, Muhammad Ali, relied on translation efforts and educational exchanges to Europe to transform the upper classes of Egyptian society into a cultured, well-educated body, equipped to run the state as a modern nation in an organized, enlightened way. The story is often recounted of the illiterate watermelon salesman who went on to become one of the most prominent doctors of his day as an example of Muhammad Ali’s efforts.
The truth is that we need a new, broad-reaching movement to convey notions of progress and modernity to the Egyptian people as a whole so that no one segment of society benefits from these advances in cross-cultural communication.
- We need a comprehensive translation effort of all world cultural works into Arabic. And when I speak of translation here, I’m not thinking merely of political or philosophical works, but daily articles from world newspapers, movies and documentaries and major internet sites.
- We ought to replicate quality efforts like the Fikra Forum and the experimental website For Me, For You so that there will be a number of avenues for dialogue allowing us to engage without the hindrance of an intermediary language.
- We need a major library in each governorate in Egypt. Imagine the situation if each EU member state established a state-of-the-art library in its name and the impact this would have on elevating cultural standards of the youth, enhancing their openness to other world cultures.
- Egyptian education at all levels must be bolstered and brought to contemporary standards, producing generations of Egyptians able to build, administer and plan in a sound, scientific manner. If each advanced nation built one school, education in Egypt would be altered radically.
- We need to expand Egyptian student exchanges to a variety of developed nations, promoting coexistence with a host of world cultures, sending students to Asia, America and Europe so that they can return with technical and experiential knowledge to serve the furthering of society.
In short, you are needed to help develop a new generation of Egyptians, open to engaging with the world, participating in its prosperity and proud of their place in it. Will you help us?
Ahmed Badawy
Egyptian writer and political activist
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