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Subscribe to RSSOn the first anniversary of the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak's regime, hundreds of thousands poured into the revolution's symbolic center, Cairo's Tahrir Square. NBC's Ayman Mohyeldin reports.
Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images
Temporary monuments are erected in Tahrir Square on Wednesday as thousands of Egyptians gather to mark the one year anniversary of the uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak.
They are scenes reminiscent of Egypt's 18-day revolution that toppled the 30-year rule of Hosni Mubarak.
Men and women, young and old, Muslim and Christian, rich and poor, secular and conservative … all back in the symbolic heart of Egypt’s revolution, Tahrir Square. They are also in cities all across the country.
But the unity seen during Egypt's revolution in 2011 has been replaced by widening differences over where the country stands one year later.
The difference revolves around the transition to democracy. Is it on the right path? Led by the right people? Genuine or simply cosmetic? Actions versus promises. Accomplishments versus rhetoric.
Wednesday marked the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the uprising that ousted Mubarak.
Some gathered in the square to celebrate that revolution. They said the past year had been one of transformation. They cited a newly elected lower house of parliament, new individual freedoms and an explosion of political parties running the gamut.
Those gathered Wednesday celebrated the accomplishments of the revolution. Those accomplishments cannot simply be dismissed. The pace of reform may be slow, but change has been tangible.
Those here commemorating the revolution argued change has been cosmetic. One regime has simply been replaced by another.
"We have changed the driver in the car, but you have not changed the car or its direction," one protester told me. "Only when the direction of the car changes will the revolution be considered successful," he added.
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Those commemorating the revolution said the anniversary should serve as a reminder of what Egyptians can accomplish when they are united. The past year has not lived up to its potential. They cited thousands of civilians in military trials as evidence that the ruling military council -- all appointed by Mubarak coincidentally -- has resorted to the same draconian measures as its predecessor. They said that in the past year, not a single senior officer of the internal security forces or minister has been convicted in the killings of around 800 protesters. So for them, Wednesday was about renewing demonstrations against the ruling military council.
The military council said it's holding the ship steady on the course to democracy. And while it has changed the timetable to elections a few times, it has done so only when events on the ground rapidly deteriorated and protests flared up. On one hand that showed it had been responsive to public sentiments and street protests; but on the other hand, it continued to act unilaterally when it came to fundamental issues concerning the process of reform. It retained exclusive power over the security services and the judiciary. It has refused to delegate powers and authority to the military-appointed prime minister or the newly elected lower house of parliament. At the same time, the military has issued a declaration of constitutional principles that many interpret as an attempt to retain powers after a new government is directly elected.
And of course… there are the new democratic realities that have emerged in post-revolution Egypt. New political parties, but not necessarily new political voices. The loudest so far has been that of the Muslim Brotherhood and the ultra-conservative Salafist movement. Between the two of them, they overwhelmingly won the majority of seats in parliament. Will their mandate from the people be seen as a direct order to challenge the military? Some argue the Islamists are content with the democratic process undertaken by the military because it has paved their way to power. They fear the two have cut backroom deals. The military will move the democratic process at a pace and under conditions favorable to Islamist parties at the expense of the lesser and weaker secular and liberal forces. In exchange, the Islamists will not mobilize their massive street support against the military or hold them accountable for past misdoings going forward.
So whether Egyptians celebrate, commemorate or reinvigorate their January 25 Revolution, one thing is for certain, it has been a remarkable year in the history of this country.
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Leave a Comment:
"Egyptians see remarkable year not living up to its potential" Hmmmmmm....that sounds like what Americans experienced the year Obama was elected president.......
Electing another theocracy to run their government is nuts.
It is kind of like taking spoiled milk out of the fridge, and after a whiff, putting it back in hoping it will be better tomorrow".
"Science flies men to the moon, religion flies men into buildings"
Get home soon buddy, we need you here!
We did so great under President Bush from 2001 to 2009. Many forgot thousands of soldiers died based on lies and brought a Recession. We're learning crimes of the century were committed by Banks but the need for a GOP President to get back in office to stop the prosecutions. Many like to blame Obama because as if he took office in 2001. At lease Newt knows how to treat people like idiots and shocker they follow. Egypt had a Dictator who was friends with the US. Like Gov. Brewer the fear of Obama is only from those who harbor the hate of the pass. But Egypt will grow and form the country the people want. After Obama finishes cleaning up the mess he was handed a new President will be in office. The bad news is the US has moved to far forward to turn back now.
"Egyptians see remarkable year not living up to its potential" Hmmmmmm....that sounds like what Americans experienced the year Obama was elected president.......
"Egyptians see remarkable year not living up to its potential" Hmmmmmm....that sounds like what Americans experienced the year Obama was elected president.......
Revolutions often have unpredictable consequences.In Egypt the military-Muslim Brotherhood circus is likely to continue for sometime to the frustration of the Tahrir revolutionaries.
What did they expect? First the revolution was hijacked by the very group that was killing them, then they elected a terrorism connected organization. Theocracies do not work well.
Amen....the only thing that will happen with the muslims is killing and terorism.
The revolution put them back 30 years. Its going to be another Iran, democracy doesn't work when you already have two different classes of people, rich and poor. And now after Mubarak, the rich is probably richer and the poor poorer.
If Americans had read US history they would see how struggle of change that's along time and isn't over night. 1776 finally a Nation was formed and still many fought as ideas and groups still disagreed. Well even a Civil War and Civil Rights Movement has passed with American still adjusting and struggle. At lease when Foreign viewers this sight understand why the United States 14th out of 34 countries. Egypt has had a Dictatorship and to form a nation of equality takes a long time. As Egyptians watch the US citizens still struggling with equality as we see every day.
I know what you mean. I am white and had to get better grades and work very hard in college, and had to work at a couple of jobs to make ends meet. Others were luckier, the colleges admitted them with lower sat scores, teachers were pressured to give passing grades to them, and the college was pressured because it was a fed assisted school to graduate many underqualified individuals based on their race.
So, could the unhappiness have anything to do with the people foolisly letting muslims into control?
Good point to bad the US didn't invade and make Egypt like the USA with the great Christian Families Values our next President Newt Gingrich has. We invaded Iraq and if McCain had won we would have control the country and their oil. Obama takes office an tells people they can stand up for their rights and all this mess takes place. Gaddafi and Mubarak two Dictators who were good friends with the USA and deals were made, maybe when the US gets a new President, he can help Egypt/Libya get Dictators back in leadership and get back to the way things use to be.
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Do I look fat in this?
Well if nobody got raped this time i suppose its a step in the right direction.
Anticipate the change and remember they are making a democratic transformation of their government. It is not a democratic change of their home. It is going to take time for one department changes just one step, it is going to affect a lot of paper works and procedural issues.
Help their own government change in a peaceful manner. Do not forget to continue to transform in a civil manner which means respect to all sides. Change needs economy or finance. Create jobs...