I’ve tried to stay clear of discussing overseas politics, mainly because most issues tend to have so much history preceding it and all are multi-faceted, so it’s hard to get the whole story when you’re not internally involved, making it even more difficult to form an educated opinion. Still, the situation in Egypt has been on my mind so much that I thought I write about it.
What I can say, as fact, is that Egypt is on the precipice of a revolution and to most accounts that’s the best thing that could happen to it. I know Mubarak and the current government is not a shining example of a functioning electable democracy but that there is also a fear that a radical Islamic group will take over, if the situation is not handled properly.
So the people protest for freedom, the government tries to ‘control’ the move and chaos break out. With all the issues that we still face here in the U.S. and the rest of the westernized world, it would be silly to preach to those who are struggling for what we take for granted, but it does make me wonder about the Arab world and what’s happening to it (particularly, in the Middle East).
On one hand, I think it’s great whenever a society fights for freedom. Personally, I think that no matter what race or religion you belong to, no one should ever be denied the freedom to speak their voice and everyone should have control over their own destiny (as long as no one is harmed in the process). That isn’t coming from the Christian side of me, that’s my human side.
On the other hand, an uncertain future is so… well…uncertain. Especially with this surge of radical Islamic groups and how they have been able to get such a strong foot hold in other Middle Eastern nations, because of a new-found freedom. Makes me wonder, where are all the options? Again, not that I’m preaching, as my nation is, for all intents and purposes, a two-party government. But even at its worst, I’m glad I live in a country were I don’t have to fear the uncertain and that the actual freedom and availability for options is still open to me.
Actually, what may disturb me the most about what’s happening in Egypt is reading about the historical treasures which are being looted and destroyed. I don’t understand why this is happening. Egypt is a historical and cultural powerhouse. We only need to remember the great library of Alexandria to wonder about how much history was lost then and how much more is currently in danger.
I won’t take a definite stand for either party, because as mentioned earlier, I’m sure the issue has several layers and the possible outcome is so varied, but I wish all sides were a bit more conscious and considerate of their own history and of public property. I think about the riots in L.A. and I have to say, regardless of what side you were on, it was wrong that businesses and innocent bystanders suffered because personal greed, disguised as ‘freedom fighting’.
Personally, Egypt is one of those places I want to visit before I die which makes this situation even more worrisome for me. I regard Egypt’s past as humanity’s past and I believe it’s culture has influenced the entire world. As a human race, we have so many things to be proud of and we’ve accomplished so much in our journey to being ‘civilized’. I just hope we don’t disregard the history of it all. There’s nothing wrong with preserving your past and being considerate of your present as you determine your future.
What are your thoughts? Let me know!!
