Shifting Priorities: The Rise and Fall of Arab Revolutionary Discourse | Ramzy Baroud

[Tace]

Ramzy Baroud -- World News Trust

Aug. 12, 2015

Strange how intellectual discussion concerning the so-called “Arab Spring” has almost entirely shifted in recent years -- from one concerning freedom, justice, democracy and rights in general, into a political wrangle between various antagonist camps.

The people, who revolted across various Arab countries are now marginalized in this discussion, and are only used as fodders -- killers and victims -- in a war seemingly without end.

But how did it all go so wrong?

There was once a time when things were so simple, so easy to understand and explain: People, who were long oppressed, revolted against their oppressors (Arab regimes) and benefactors (western powers).

Unable to effect change using peaceful channels -- for Arab civil societies either did not exist or were tightly controlled -- Arab masses took to the streets, each nation with a unique struggle of its own yet united around a set of basic demands.

In fact, in the early months of 2011, Arabs united briefly. A sense of nationhood emerged, from the blood and dust of revolutions, where Arab masses attempted, at least symbolically, to define who they are as nations first, and then their larger identity as Arabs.

It all started with “Al-Shaab yurid isqat al-nitham” -- "the people want the overthrow of the regime!." That much was clear. Hate for oppressive, authoritarian regimes that stifled freedoms and deprived the people from their countries' wealth and natural resources was the unmistakable priority, which was often reduced to the term "Irhall," meaning "Leave."

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http://worldnewstrust.com/shifting-priorities-the-rise-and-fall-of-arab-revolutionary-discourse-ramzy-baroud

[merrily]

1. Thanks. Well worth a read.

In almost every single post-Arab revolt scenario, the responsibility of guiding these nations back to the path, political and economic recovery was handed back to the very elites that either previously ruled or co-existed and benefited from the very dictators who were, supposedly, overthrown.


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Fear is now gripping most Arab countries which once thought of themselves as invincible and of their own people as forever docile. That realization has resulted in a massive regional conflict and political realignments, which has turned every single Arab popular revolt into a regional conflict or war that crossed borders, inspiring extremist groups and inviting yet more western intervention and war.