What a historic moment! Today, precisely 32 years after the Iranian Revolution (February 11, 1979), the Egyptians celebrate the realization of their long dream. When Foucault was cherishing the revolution in Iran, he in fact embraced the power of unheard millions: "It is perhaps the first great insurrection against global systems, the form of revolt that is the most modern and most insane." The Iranian revolution was followed by a great disappointment for many but we are apparently having a different phase in the Middle Eastern politics after the revolt in Tunisia. Iranians did shout "Islam, Khomeini, We Will Follow You," and "Khomeini for King"; Arabs now are shouting "Freedom," "Democracy," and "Dignity." The victory in Tunisia and Egypt reminded me what Tocqueville's reflections on the French Revolution: "Nations that have endured patiently and almost unconsciously the most overwhelming oppression often burst into rebellion against the yoke the moment it begins to grow lighter." After the hegemonic fear barrier gone, each backward step of the dictators strengthened the revolutionaries. Mabruk Egypt!
No comments:
Post a Comment