I had just returned from Malta, assisting partnering events focused North Africa and the Middle East, when the news came that President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt would step down. Yes, the protests fueled by Tunisia and then social media had reached their successful conclusion. A few thoughts.
* Smart phones and the Internet fueled the revolution in Egypt (and now elsewhere in the Arab world). Social media also helped curb the violence — because the world was watching in real-time everything that President Mubarak were doing. The biggest stories were of international journalists getting hurt!
Social media, especially Twitter and Facebook, was one of the main forces that ultimately led to the overthrow of a dictator. I am challenged afresh by power of social media. How can we be more effective at using this tool for the cause of of the poor and marginalized? How can I use it for my organization?
* We all hope that the transition in Egypt does not get violent or extreme. Egypt is the strategic center of the Sunni Muslim world. If this revolution goes well, it could have huge impact throughout the Arab world. However, we need to pray that whatever new form of government that happens will result in greater freedom of religion. I remember one scene during the demonstrations and before Mubarak stepped down, Christians linked arm and arm around Muslims as they prayed and protected them from the police. They also worked together to protect their homes and to clean their streets. What a symbol for the new country that Egypt could become.
* Finally, I am always suspicious of big conspiracy theories (probably why Glenn Beck does not sway me). Many are saying that the revolution in Egypt was fueled by Islamic fundamentalists whose desire is to eliminate Israel. Could be. Probably not. Are there concerns we need to be aware of? Of course. Will the Muslim Brotherhood be worth watching? Absolutely.
But as my friends in Egypt were telling me, "we are hopeful, we are optimistic, we are engaged -- perhaps for the first time we can remember. But we are also unsure of the future; unsure of what to do next."
And then this note came through from a good friend: "Brian, you can feel and smell how people are scared in their hearts, please pray that we may not be scared to share our love with others during this time." Now that is a good next step.
