Sharmaine C.

Kalaw 2010-27979

January 18, 2012 Prof. L. Bolinao

The Promise of Tahrir Square

Lecture 2 Social Movements Strategies and Modes of Engagement with the State and Non-State Actors: Comparison between the Old and the New Social Movements of Egypt With the fall of the Tunisian government and the consequent exile of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Egyptians are wont to be inspired to end the autocratic government there. The significant effects of January 2011 were definitely due to the peoples inherent and collective hate for it. The movements that led these protesters varied strategies were something that contributed to the success of the revolution. Some key points in the lecture were that old versus new social movements had different holds or influences in the society. Old movements needed a long time and their influence would only show signs of improvement if they become affiliated with more of the already established civil organizations. Old movements not only work with different organizations, but also have history with being allied with the government as well. New movements are the opposite when it comes to time. They desire a more abrupt revolutionary transformation. Also, unlike old movements they would rather protest directly through riots and demonstrations, deeming affiliation with civil organizations a drag and sometimes the very hindrance to their cause. However, they have a commonality, they all experienced repression under Mubarak. There were many causes that sparked the start of all the revolts in Egypt, such as: their freedom practically inexistent, their state as a nation being significantly poorer in comparison to their neighbors, prevalent youth unemployment, rigged elections and the thought that Mubarak would lead the country again for another term. The movements that sought to lead the revolts definitely had a say for each of these indignations. Economic Stance The Islamist Group had promised the improvement of the lives of the Egyptian people. However, the group seems to avoid plans for the distribution of wealth. The

group emphasized the need for a discussion on it with the other parties. It focuses on business, reviving the stock market and revitalizing tourism. To say the least, Egypts economy is struggling. The long process of the ousting of the former leader had led to such a crash in their economy that a currency crisis is imminent since their foreign reserves continue to shrink. Its budget is struggling with the major deficits. Reviving this crashing economy seems to see light through aid from the International Monetary Fund, among other foreign donors. Protecting private businesses and loaning money to small and medium-sized enterprises is a priority as it opens the opportunities for many in the form of jobs as well. Most importantly, it supports the freedom that the Egyptians had been deprived of. Divided Leaders Ever since Mubarak was overthrown, the economic policy in Egypt had remained in a midpoint wherein those who replaced him had been too afraid of new revolts from the people to propose reforms. Foreign and local investments were also at a standstill since the policies were all uncertain. The final result of the elections are yet to be announced but there are already estimates that the Muslim Brotherhood had won around 46 percent of the seats in the parliaments lower house, and the Islamist Salafi Al-Nour Party, around 23 percent and the rest would be won by different liberal parties and independents. (As of January 18, 2012, Reuters) The parliament is one that is differing, if not contradicting with itself. That being the case, deciding harmoniously on a policy would definitely be a challenge. Still, the political system is still not clear, so nothing could ever be concluded yet. The balance of power between the presidency and the parliament is something that is yet to be decided too. The Groups The old movements had been outright rejected by the Sadat and Mubarak governments. Members were harassed. In Sadats time, some were imprisoned, while in Mubaraks time, they were put in a position wherein they werent able to be of any influence.

The January Revolution changed these. Leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood participated with direct talks with senior officials and cooperated with the military council. Opponents of the Muslim Brotherhood denounced this though. Maybe they (liberal and leftist groups) are right since the Muslim Brotherhood had experienced much electoral victories. But, though they are the single largest opposition group in Egypt, The Muslim Brotherhood was not at the forefront of the protests. They are actually trying to get involved in this. Facebook groups were actually effective. They didnt experience repression since its influence was underestimated. But it could mobilize a huge number of people. The antiMubarak demonstrations had reached its culminating point when the internet had been shut down for the avoidance of more and more protests and riots from the people initiated and propagated via social networking sites. All contact outside Egypt had been halted. Apart from that, Mubarak had also ordered a curfew that would ban all in Cairo to remain in the streets from 6pm to 7am. This had even ended up in a nationwide range. But the citizens dont regard the curfew as anything to obey. These people shunned cooperation with the government (Supreme Council of the Armed Forces). They cooperate with professional associations though and human rights groups as well. They dont trust the parliament that it would be capable of a revolutionary transformation. Being this candid, they have few electoral successes but they believe that the masses are with them. As it is, they rely on a revolution that would bring them to higher places in the state. As it is, the old movement proves to be effective since its leaders are about to control the country significantly after the revolution. But, if the people dont see the changes that they expect, remain poor, remain oppressed by the ruling force, I agree with Dr. Mustapha Kamel Al-Sayyid. It would probably give way to the masses preferring the new movements and them having stronger influence.
Source: Torchia A. and Elyan T., Analysis: Egypt parties edge toward economic policy consensus. [http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/18/us-egypt-policy-politics-idUSTRE80H1 4Z20120118] January 18, 2012.