Fadfadation

Another Nail in Al- Ahram’s Coffin... The LIARS!

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:49:00 +0000

Unlike the usual me, I decided to read Al Ahram newspaper online today (Al Ahram is a once respected official Egyptian news agency that has been accused over the past 40 years of being a mouthpiece for whomever is ruling Egypt).

To my surprise I found this article.

In an obvious and very pathetic attempt to give some credibility to Hussein Tantawi (Field Marshal of the Egyptian Army and head of the Egyptian Supreme Council that is ruling Egypt currently - whom revolutionaries have been demanding his resignation and the withdrawal of the Army from politics) the article in one part stated the following:

وتقول في موضع آخر أن الجيش المصري قبل طنطاوي كان متأخرا بــ30 عاما عن إسرائيل وفي2005 وقت كتابة الوثيقة كان الجيش المصري قد سبق إسرائيل في الكم والنوع بثلاثة اعوام.”

Meaning:

“The document states (referring to the Wikileaks article they are supposed to be quoting from) that the Egyptian Army before Tantawi was 30 years behind Israel, and in 2005 the Egyptian Army is actually 3 years ahead of Israel’s Army in terms of quantity and quality”

Of course since I almost choked when I read this, I went and checked for myself and here is what I found in one of the cables:

5. (S/NF) Decision-making within MOD rests almost solely with Minister of Defense Field Marshal Tantawi. In office since 1991, he consistently resists change to the level and direction of FMF funding and is therefore one of the chief impediments to transforming our security relationship. During his tenure, the tactical and operational readiness of the Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF) has degraded.

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/199866

The@ #&$ pathetic useless lairs!

I mean; even if what they stated was in Wikileaks (which I seriously doubt as i didn't find it), wouldn’t it have been more professional (from a journalism point of view) to state the above section too?

When will they learn that Egyptians won’t take this rubbish anymore?!

I3lam monafek!

Mood: pissed off!

Part 3/3: Reflections On An Outstanding Revolution… the people and the happening through the eyes of an Egyptian blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:43:00 +0000

The current mood…

To put it in one word, I’d say “gloomy”. And here’s why…

Politically…

A big chunk of the revolutionaries have found what they want; which is “political legitimacy”. And by those I mean the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafi (Islamic) movements. They now have a different priority which is to play it safe and make sure they get into the parliament (MB won just less than 50% of parliamentary seat and Al Nour Salafi party won around 24% of the seats).

Whenever there are skirmishes on the streets between revolutionary protestors and police or army units (for various reasons over the past few months), these two groups (MBs, and Salaifis) stay out of it (unlike during the 2011 revolution).

The rest of the revolutionaries not that they are an insignificant amount of people, they are in the hundreds of thousands across Egypt) still believe:

- The revolution is not over yet

- The Army has to go back to their barrack

- Families of the injured and deceased citizens during the revolution must be compensated

- The army are trying to control things in Egypt from behind the scenes

- The army is trying to gain time during which they will try to strike deals to laydown the red lines that are not to be crossed by parliment or president
I have to say that there is also great resentment towards the MBs and Salafis (I have to note that the young generation within the MBs have been acting on their own to an extent. For instance, attending rallies against the will of the elder MB generation).

On the other hand, people whom don’t fall into the above categories are (sadly to say) sick of all this (the negative vast majority of Egyptians). They just want life to continue.

Safety/Security…

The streets are still not safe. Many stories about kidnaps (for ransoms), burglary, and killings are on the rise (compared to before the revolution). I personally experienced this remotely as stated in my post "The Egyptian Police Service: A Mockery… Our House as an Example".
Some people do think this is a direction by the police authorities to control people via fear. It is a known fact that in Egypt the Ministery of Interior had many thugs on its payroll or pulled favors for them (i.e. the famous 2005 elections thugs scandal).

Economically…

Things are not good when it comes to economy either. Egypt has used billions of its foreign currency reserves. These days there is shortage in gas and petrol. That’s besides the fact that foreigners have pulled out their investments, and the US (along with Gulf countries) are not sending all financial Aid as a way to pressure the Army towards democracy or any other agenda (like UAE is waiting to see what will happen in Hosni Mubarak’s trial). Not to forget, tourism is almost non- existent!

What next?

Since I had put some predictions on my first post during the revolution, I’ll do the same now just for the fun of it (not that our future is to be taken lightly)…

- Mubarak will be announced innocent from accusations of killing demonstratiors (the fault will be on the officers whom actually killed demonstrators, and most probably the interior minister Al Adly). Mubarak might be (I hope) sent to prison for a few years on some political grounds (corruption, negligence…etc).

- Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwan) whom now obviously have a bit less that 50% of the parliament will play politics tactfully (at least for the first year). They will steer away from controversial topics like banning Bikinis, and liquor (those being the topics media keeps accusing them of being the first thing on their agenda). They will also be “VERY” tactful with Copts (Egyptian Christians).
I am almost sure they will not even think of touching the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty (to do other wise would be madness).
Thinking of it, these people (MB) have been playing politics for 80 years…they are not stupid to fall into mistakes such as the ones above…I HOPE!

- The Muslim Brotherhood will continue to take more official (pro-army) point of views on issues and less revolutionary ones (except for things like chasing Mubarak and his old regime icons)

- Al Nour Party (considered right wing Islamic party) will play politics depending on topic being discussed. They will side with liberals on topics and make deals with Muslim Brotherhood on others. This party is the party I worry about. They seem like hardliners and I am not comfortable about them.

- We will have Presidential elections, and my guess (with "Al Baradee" out of the picture now) is that either “Amr Mussa” (x-Egyptian foreign minister and chairman of the Arab League from 2001 till 2011) or a military man (I don’t think “Sahfik”!) will win it.

- The army will go back to their barracks by this summer max

- A deal between the Army and the Muslim Brotherhood (with the knowledge of the Americans since Egypt is such a high stake country for them and the region). The deal will be:

No one (president or parliament) approaches or crosses the line and tries to investigate the Army finances or institutes (note: the army will not accept civilians having full supervision on them)
No one touches the Peace treaty with Israel
MB are to mobilize the people behind the presidential candidate whom supports the above 2 points
The Egyptian economy and security conditions will start to stabilize a few months after the presidential elections ONLY IF the winning president and parliament behave within the above plan. I including a lot of Egyptians believe that the insecurity (robbery, kidnapping, shootings…etc) happening in Egypt are intentionally done to scare people. Scared people are easily controlled!

- After Presidential elections, the return of the Army to their barracks, and the return of security we will witness a hike in tourism and the start of foreign investments flow back into the country.

- Demonstrations about everything and anything will continue for a very long time (affecting how fast our economy will recover).

One thing is for sure though, revolutionaries will not give up...

By The Telegraph UK

My Last words after 1 year on the Revolution…

After a year on our Revolution, I have to say I have mixed feelings of pride, frustration, fear, and hope.

The only constant feeling I had (and still have) throughout this past year would be best portrayed by the notable emotional scene from the movie “i7na beto3 el otobees”, when an Egyptian activist whom was being tortured till he died in an Egyptian prison (during the era of Gamal Abdel Nasser) emotionally chanted:
“Masr 7atefdal 3’alya 3alaya…. Masr 7atefdal 3’alya 3alaya” (“No matter what happens, Egypt will always be dear to me”).

Fe3lan, I say it with all my heart: “Masr 7atefdal 3’alya 3alaya…. Masr 7atefdal 3’alya 3alaya…. Masr 7atefdal 3’alya 3alaya”

Mood: Proud, Emotional, and hoping for the best…

Part 2/3: Reflections On An Outstanding Revolution… the people and the happening through the eyes of an Egyptian blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:37:00 +0000

The Revolution that changed a People…

The most clear of examples - whom proved that my analysis about strong Patriotism being part of our psyche as Egyptians was correct - was a friend of mine “B”.

"B" (like the other's i mentioned in the previous post) wasn’t very please with life in Egypt (although never took the steps to leave).
During the height of the revolution’s 18 days with all the anti-revolution propaganda lunged at us by the state’s publications and TV channels (besides some very annoying people on facebook being so pro-Mubarak back then!!), “B” at some point said as he was viscously defending the revolution: “I never knew how much I loved my country… ba7ebek ya Masr”.
This guy not only defended the revolution from emotionally, he actually joined the revolutionaries in the streets!

The stunning inflammatory patriotism displayed by many Egyptians whom (per their saying) didn’t care or felt disconnected from Egypt before the Revolution was AMAZING to say the least.

This also brings to my mind the eruption of creative artistic illustrations and Graffiti that took over Egyptian youth (and displayed on many streets) ...

By Eng_Sam

The Guardian

Anonymous

By PressTV

MissRossen

If this porves something, it proves that Egyptians are quite complicated. They should never to be judged by the “norms”or “generalizations” or “pre-conceived ideas/stereo-types”.

I remember Al-Makrizi (an Egyptian historian whom lived in Egypt about 700 years ago) wrote in one of his books that Egyptians are negative people (especially, when it comes to dealing with their rulers). This point of view was widely believed (even I believed it). Especially, with our 7000 year history of being ruled by Pharoahs, and authoritarian regimes or kingdoms.

I guess this revolution utterly blew off many “generalizations” about Egyptians.

People showing their “REAL” colors…

On the other side of the coin, as much as there was a nice change in personalities (because of the revolution), there also were people whom I was totally shocked by their attitudes or opinions during and after the revolution.

Here are a few…

A colleague from the days of school “S” went totally BERSERK; calling pro-revolution demonstrators: “idiots, don’t understand anything, will destroy Egypt, maniacs, shallow, only see the small picture, part of a conspiracy….etc”.

Another colleague since the days of school “L” whom after a brief discussion about why I am so vocal on FB supporting the revolution and even joining symbolic demonstrations in the country i was in back then, gave me the silent treatment during and after the revolution. I think I was too much noise for her.

Another school colleague whom bluntly stated that he was pro-Mubarak and cursed the revolution. This one I totally ignored as he was acting as if Hosni Mubarak was his cousin :S

A distant relative “K” not only cursed the revolution and all its supporters abroad, he (seemingly) started putting FB comments undermining anything I stated on my FB wall (I noticed that as soon as I stated something, he would criticize that opinion on his wall without singling me out). Calling us (or maybe even me specifically) “shwayet 3eyal” (a bunch of kids) and “a3deen bara wee mish fahmeen 7aga” (living outside Egypt and don’t know what they are talking about”… and a few other niceties from him.

For this one and his likes (about 2 or 3 more), I actually posted this FB note/Blog "How Dare You?!!" as a responce to him and others. I think he got the message!

The status-quo (or maybe even Pro-Mubarak) supporters I despised the most…

The ones whom really got on my nerve were the selfish ones like “K” (the distant relative) above. The reason for that was their selfishness about all that is happening.

Their anger at the revolution (and hatred) was mainly driven (conclusion from their comments and literal wordings in some instances) by their feeling that the revolution disturbed their “normal” life.

This category of people lived in upscale houses in upscale areas of Cairo. Their life revolved around watching football matches, showing off their upscale life, travelling to Europe and spending their summer at the North Coast (where most of middle and high class Egyptians go to to spend summer at the beach).

In other words, these are people whom were happy with their bubble (that had nothing to do with politics, poverty...etc). The last thing they would think of is democracy, (which they truly think Egyptians do not deserve it as they are not ready for it…HE ACTUALLY SAID THAT!!), dignity, and a humane life for Egyptians as a People.

I guess their slogan would be: “I don’t care what happens to whom, just don’t disturb my bubble”.

Being negative is one thing, but being selfish and ignorant to the suffering of a whole nation is another thing I cannot take!

All I could say to such narrow minded “creatures” is: “3alaAmak yabnel #$#@!”.

By 3arabawy

Live and let live…

Having said what I did, I think that any Revolution has to find it in itself to be more noble than its predecessor regime.
I think we (as Egyptians) have to find it in ourselves (including myself) to accept the fact that there are many people whom don’t like this revolution and will continue to blame the revolution for the rest of their F…(...rrr… have to control myself here :S) life.

This revolution showed the world how cultured, organized, peaceful and innovative Egyptian people can be if they had the will for it.

I think we owe it to ourselves and to the martyrs of this revolution (May God bless them all) to raise ourselves above bickering, hatred and show other Egyptians with different points of view, that the EGYPT we revolted for can accommodate us all.

…to be continued…"What next?"

Part 1/3: Reflections On An Outstanding Revolution… the people and the happening through the eyes of an Egyptian blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:17:00 +0000

By Tim Simons

1 year after…

A year has passed on what is arguably one of the most admirable and astonishing revolutions in modern history… “The Egyptian 2011 Revolution”.

On this anniversary, I am sure many blogs, channels, and news websites (or even newspapers) will document the events in full detail (and maybe even mention incidents we never heard of before).

Yet, for me on the Revolution's first anniversary,I wanted to write about the revolution form a personal perspective...

Where we stood before the revolution…

Myself and strangers…

The first thing I did was go back to my blog and checked my first revolution related post "A Day In History: 28Jan11 - The Day Egyptians Threw The Towel". I am glad to say that my expectations at the end of that first post were not so off… (asl makshof 3ani el 7egaab besalamti… NOT! lol).

Since childhood i had this deep love relationship with my country. Egypt to me was a country I loved and cherished dearly.

I remember watching with great passion movies like “A Rosasa Laa Tazal Fy Gaiby”, “Al Naser Salah El Din”, and other simplistic yet symbolic Egyptian movies about patriotism.

I used to imaging myself defending my country and even dying for it if I had to (as a symbol of one of the most noble things one can do for the sake of his country and people).

Over the years (especially, as I started to notice these things as a young man), I met, heard or even read about quite a few Egyptians whom hated Egypt and just wanted to bail out at the nearest opportunity.

The thing is, these people were not of a certain class or level. On the contrary, they were from different takes of life.

I used to read with pity things like: “Egyptians dying on a sunken smuggling ship on the borders of Italy”…etc. I also used to hear poor people speak very negatively about Egypt (can’t blame them :S).

I remember reading polls or hearing Op-eds about how many Egyptians just want to immigrate (out of frustration, bad experiences…etc).

Even for friends… immigration was the answer!

Anyone can understand why poor people were so frustrated and would rather risk their lives to get smuggled into Europe on boats many of which sunk in the sea. Yet, my astonishment was with the middle to high class Egyptians whom just wanted to bail-out and leave Egypt.

Thinking of it, I even had some of my close friends whom either wanted to jump ship or bluntly said they hated "Egypt” or “something about Egypt“.

Here are a few examples…

A school friend of mine “A” (childhood friend), was from a middle class family. He is a relatively well educated bloke whom had an ok job. He always dreamt of immigration and leaving “el makhroba dy” (“This ruined/waste like place” as he used to call it in moments of frustration). He also occasionally used: “Mayeteen Om dy balad” (“curse this country”) as another comment he mentioned during our discussions. I remember his dream was to immigrate to New Zealand (I think he had an uncle there or something). I think he tried to apply but it didn’t go through.

A collage friend of mine “K” also wanted to immigrate. K was also from a well off family, whom had a nice car, good job and lived a good life (except if he was hiding stuff from me :P). One of his most hilarious comments was “3awzeen ne3’ayar el sha3b” (“we want to change the people not just the country”). K’s issue was a bit different... as he stated it in a conversation recently: “we always loved Egypt (the place, the history), but the issue has always been the people themselves (generalization about a significant part of society whom were: ignorant, rude, aggressive, envious…etc). His dream of immigration did succeed though.

A work colleague “MFa” (here in Canada), whom is from a well off family. He was Educated in UK and Canada. "MFa” just didn’t care about anything related to Egypt. To him Egypt was a place his father was born and that’s it. Meen yemoot, meen yewla3…not his concern.

There are many… many other examples of middle to high class Egyptians just leaving Egypt because they couldn’t take it there anymore (out of frustration, disgust or even hatred).

Why were well educated (middle to high) class Egyptians so disconnected?

I always used to wonder, “why do they hate it here so much?”, “why don’t I feel the same way too?”.

I found out that the love I had to my country stemmed out of a few things:

A 7000 history which would make anyone whom read about it (as I used to) feel very proud.
A beautiful, loving, and close family
A good quality of life (within what is available in Egypt during the 80s and 90s) thanks to my Allah and then my parents whom provided that. This includes houses, cars, trips,…etc
Living in a place where I and the people around me felt that we are all part of the same entity (being in this case a country)
Sightseeing all around Egypt which strengthens ones connection to a place (thanks to my father Allah yr7amo)
A father whom kept instilling in me a love and pride towards the country (places, history)

Add to all that a personality (ely howa ana) that is very nostalgic… the result is obvious I guess!

I concluded from this (before the revolution) that pride in ones history, knowing ones country (visits/reading), parents healthy involvement in building ones self-pride, and a quality of life were enough to create a strong bond between a person and his country (or religion if directed to that correctly).
Not to forget that Egypt over the past 30 years didn't have anything to rally around as a nation execpt maybe football matches. In other words, there is no common goal for the whole society to garther around. This too causes disconnection.

As much as this diconnection was spreading (espcially, in the last 10 years before the revolution), I always believed (and mentioned this to friends when the “love of thou country” topic came up):”I sincerely believe that the moment a disaster happens in Egypt most (if not all) the people whom were complaining or dsiplaying dicontent about Egypt will swing to the other side and prove to themselves and to others how much they love their country”
… It took a revolution to prove my point!!

...to be continued:The Revolution that changed a People…

On Arabs, Israel and Black Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:42:00 +0000

Recently, I read a very interesting article “Black Africa and the Arabs”. The Article was written in Foreign Affairs Magazine (one of the best, most interesting Magazines EVER!) by Ali A. Mazrui in 1975.

It mainly discusses the affects of Arabs (and Islam) on Africa, especially on east and west Africa.
Here are some interesting points mentioned in the Article…

On the influence of Arabs (through 12 centuries of contact, enslavement, trade,cooperation, and settling)…

“In the secular field the Arabs have up to this time played two major roles in black Africa: first as accomplices in African enslavement, and then in the twentieth century as allies in African liberation”

Wikilpedia: Slave Trade Routes

“Swahili, now adopted as a national language by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda (and spoken as well in Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi), has come to pose the most serious indigenous challenge to the role of English as a lingua franca in Africa... Perhaps over 20 percent of the basic vocabulary of the language comes from Arabic-including the name of the language itself and much of its political vocabulary (like words for "president" [raisi], "minister" [waziri], "law" [sharia], "department" [idara], and "politics" [siasa])”.”

“Whereas the spread of Islam through East and West Africa provides a cultural bond, it also, in some cases, serves to reinforce separatist tendencies”

“In Africa as a whole, however, it would be misleading to emphasize only those cases where Muslims and Christians have made uncomfortable bedfellows. We should not forget that while the United States was trying to make up its mind in 1960 about whether to elect its first Catholic president, the Muslim voters of Senegal had already affirmed their support for their Catholic leader, Leopold Senghor. Islam in Africa has sometimes shown levels of magnanimity higher than those it has attained in its ancestral home in the Middle East.”

“...OAU in Afro-Arab relations were revealed. The organization is, on the one hand, becoming a mechanism by which the Arabs can politically influence black Africans. On the other hand, it is also evolving into a mechanism through which black Africans might seek economic concessions from the Arabs.”

On how European imperialists tried to build a moral case for their colonization of African nations…

“…the attitudes of most black Africans toward the Middle East at that time were either indifferent or hostile. The Arab slave trade featured prominently in the version of African history taught by English schoolmasters in East Africa, for the British liked to justify their colonial presence in East and Central Africa by arguing that the original motivation was to suppress the Arab slave trade. With one stroke colonial policymakers could discredit both the Arabs and Islam, while at the same time giving their own imperial presence a high moral justification.”

On the change in perception of Africans towards Arabs...

“The Arabs, however, under Nasser's leadership, did perceive the interrelationship between the Middle East and Africa and began to play a role as allies in Africa's liberation”

Gamal Abdel Nasser (x-Egyptian President)

“One of black Africa's foremost ideologists, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, showed some awareness of these bonds even in his more conservative days during the first two years of Ghanaian independence. As Nkrumah became more radical he was less inclined to recognize the Sahara as a legitimate political divide. Symbolically, Nkrumah even married an Egyptian woman to emphasize the solidarity of the African continent”

“The other stimulus to black radical identification with the Arabs was the place of the Arabs in the vanguard of anti-imperialism in the Third World”

On Israel’s cooperation and ties with African Nations:

"Israel entered into special agreements of cooperation with a number of African states: in 1960 with Mali, Upper Volta, and Madagascar (now the Malagasy Republic); in 1961 with Dahomey; in 1962 with the Ivory Coast, Uganda, Gabon, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Cameroon, Gambia, and Burundi; in 1963 with Nigeria and Tanzania; in 1964 with Togo and Chad; and in 1965 with Kenya"

“The voting pattern of Israel in the United Nations has demonstrated how much a part of the Western world that nation is, and how influenced by its connections with Southern Africa its policies have been. When nationalist opinion in much of Africa was aroused against Moise Tshombe's bid to pull Katanga out of the Congo (and protect Western mineral interests in that province), Israel sided with Tshombe in many U.N. votes on the issue. The Arabs were not slow in pouncing on this Israeli ambivalence”

“…the Southern Sudanese Anyanya whom the Israelis were aiding in their fight against the government in Khartoum. In February 1972 a peace settlement for the Sudan was at last reached between contending Sudanese parties at a meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Reports from Southern Sudanese sources at that time indicated that the Israelis were almost the only ones of their major advisers who were opposed to the peace settlement.)”

“General Idi Amin started the new trend when he broke off Uganda's relations with Israel on March 30, 1972”

“On November 28, 1972, Chad also broke off diplomatic relations with Israel, partly to reduce Arab involvement in Chad's own civil war

"... on December 31, 1972, the People's Republic of the Congo followed suit.”

“Niger broke off relations in January 1973, followed closely by Mali. In May, Burundi joined their ranks and then Togo in September...”

“President Mobutu Sese Seko (Zaire) surprised the world by doing likewise. He explained that he had been forced to choose between a friend, Israel, and a brother, Egypt, and also criticized Israeli territorial expansionism.”

“...states like Kenya, the Ivory Coast, and Ethiopia (under Haile Selassie), which broke with Israel toward the end (soon after the war), did so partly because they did not want to be isolated from continental African diplomatic trends or break ranks with other members of the OAU.”

“Some commentators who should know better (including African journalists) have suggested that Africa broke off relations with Israel for the sake of cheaper oil from the Arabs. Such an analysis distorts the sequence of events. By the time the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) dramatically raised the price of oil, much of Africa had already sided with the Arabs...”

Mood: just another day...

The Day I Decided To Go Secular…

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:42:00 +0000

People whom know me on the personal level or read my posts on this blog might get the idea that I am conservative (which I am to an extent).
Those same people might think that I would have backed up (and voted) for the Muslim Brotherhood (the Freedom and Justice political party) in the current Egyptian Parliamentary elections.

Well, they were wrong, and here’s why…

I didn’t vote for the Muslim Brotherhood because I do not want a parliament with a vast majority party that would (over time) morph into another version of the corrupt National Democratic Party (Mubarak’s x-party which has been dismantled after the 2011 Revolution).

Being conservative does not mean being narrow-minded. It does not mean turning a blind eye to the consequences that might occur if we don’t think things through (and see the big picture).

I believe in an Egypt which applies Islamic rulings in things like justice, fighting corruption, helping the poor, cleanliness, opposing what is wrong, respecting other religions, respects human rights, and every other beautiful core concept in Islam.

At the same time, I believe in an Egypt which accommodates other points of view without out-casting them or denying them the right to have a say in their country.

Only through a balanced Parliament can we achieve such an equation.

To say it in simple words…

I voted secular because I believe Egypt has always been great enough to accommodate all cultures, religions, and political ideologies.

I voted secular because I believe we owe it to Egypt to keep it that way… a country we are all proud to be part of.

God bless you my Egypt, God bless you :)

Mood: Hoping for the best ISA

The Decision to Protest in Canada…

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:38:00 +0000

On the 18th of November 2011 tens of thousands of protestors were demonstrating against the delay of Presidential Elections beyond April 2012 (wanting the Military to go back to their Barracks).

After the vast majority left, the Army and Police forces went in full force and attacked the protestors. The result after 3 days of clashes (till yesterday) was 33 dead and 1700 injured.

One significant video showed policemen (some in civilian clothes) dragging dead/unconscious bodies and piling them at the corner of the street in a pile of garbage.

This video (among other ones) infuriated me (and I am sure thousands if not millions of Egyptians).
I then decided to do the only symbolic thing I could do from where I am... I went and peacefully demonstrated with my family outside the Egyptian Embassy in Canada.

A Sign direct to the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (being the ruling council in Egypt which for sure ordered the attack on protestors) states: “My brother is NOT to be thrown in the garbage!” (a symbolic statement indicating that all Egyptians are brothers, and treating my brother like this is unacceptable).

Mood: Praying, and Hoping for the Best

Upcoming Parliamentary Elections in Egypt – GO VOTE!!

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:38:00 +0000

The Voting:

Starting last week the Egyptian government opened a site for Egyptians aboard to register themselves for the next Egyptian Parliamentary elections voting process (from their current location, i.e. Canada…etc).

To date, only around 167,000 (Egyptians Worldwide) have registered online. This is nothing compared to the 7 million Egyptians living abroad.

One might argue that most of them (eligible for voting) will just show up on the day of the elections in their country of residency, and vote.

Yet, I believe we need to encourage each other, and register NOW!!

Link: http://www.elections2011.eg/

Parties To Vote For:

Someone might come and say: “Wait a minute ya rewesh, I don’t know whom to vote for or which party to choose from!”.

Well, I came across the below site created by a German media company for the Arab Human Rights organization. Mainly, what it does it ask you 29 questions about various topics and your opinion about each one of them.

After you finish the survey, it will match your opinions with the Political parties which match your opinions (to a great extent).

Not only that, it also has a section that will give you an idea about each party, and whom are the icons within it.

Try it, it is useful…

Link: http://egypt.electionnaire.com/

The Coalitions:

FYI, some of the voting parties have created coalitions. I found the below image on Facebook (in Arabic) which explains the various pacts/coalitions.

Hope this was helpful.

Mood: Eager to vote!

Canada: Trees, Toast, and Thighs...

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:04:00 +0000

So about 4 months have passed since I immigrated to Canada, and oh my oh my oh my… have they been eventful!

Let me start by saying that immigration is nothing like a mere move to another country to work (i.e. Egyptians whom go to the Gulf states to work…etc.).

Life as you know it is totally different out there (or here is more like it now). Things like mobile phones charges, bills, filling gas, getting insurance for you house, and many other things are not the same.

Trivial things you might think, i have to differ. Believe me, when you move to a new country and have to figure out how on earth will you and our family (if you have one) will live here… it is overwhelming.

Let me start by stating that Canada is one of the most beautiful countries I have been to (I have been to a few). God has blessed it with stunning scenery. Not to forget that you actually do experience all 4 seasons of the year.

At some point, one of my friends asked me about the first things i noticed in Canada… and I said: “Trees, Toast, and Thighs”! and I meant every word.

The Trees:

Everywhere you look around there are trees, in their beautiful colors and shapes.

And oh Lord it is even more beautiful in autumn out here. I feel that I am in a beautiful wallpaper or antique wall picture… it is amazing.

Autumn

The Toast:

One of the good things out here is the food variety (for the likes of me whom LOVE food big time).

One discovery (or even revelation) i came across was toast bread. It smells so fresh, feels so soft, and tastes so YUMMY!

Egg and cheese on Toast...yummy!

The Thighs:

Arriving in Summer here one could not but notice the amount of THIGHS all over the place! I mean this country is like the “Hot Shorts Haven” or something lol.

All over the place you’ll see beautiful, fit women (and men - not that I look at those :P) in hot shorts. It sure is something anyone WILL notice.

It seems because a lot of people here walk to get around, many of them are fit and have strong toned legs (a bit of generalizing here, but what the heck).

No Comment :D

I do not understand how they remain fit with all the food options around them. This is one challenge I think I will fail in… miserably :(

First impressions on Canada: I love it… love it…love it… can I go on?.... yeah, this is my blog so I will… love it… love it… love it.

God bless this beautiful country!!

Mood: Cheerful :)

And So, The Journey Starts...

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 13:34:00 +0000

And finally, the journey I have been waiting for has started.

I decided to blog my experience here, as I might need to say things I do not want my family or some of my friends to see or know.

Over the past couple of weeks a beautiful feeling of relief and happiness took over me. No more stupid managers, no more heat, no more waiting.
Yet, now as i am getting ready to leave my life in this part of the world to take "head on" another life, a feeling of fear started to creep in.

I feel like: "rrrr.... What exactly am I doing??"
When I think of all the "what if"s that could make things go wrong, it is overwhelming.
I decided to just jump in, and take it as it comes. It's like jumping in the ocean and swimming, hoping to make it in the right direction. The comforting part is that I know HE is watching over us, and all will go well (Ameen).

Tomorrow I head out, hoping that the west would gracefully embrace me and my family. I know I will do my best to embrace everything about it :)

"O west, here I come to you with open arms!!"

Mood: hoping for the best be'iznAllah :)

“Egyptian Public Opinion” Survey

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 11:22:00 +0000

As i was reading the news on "The Washington Post" site today, I found an interesting survey about “Egyptian Public Opinion” done by the International Republican Institute (IRI) - Dated Arp11.

Here are the most interesting highlights…

Unemployment and Security are the top concerns on their minds
Health and Education areas are the most important to invest in
After Al Jazeera (Qatari channel), Al Hayat TV (Egyptian private channel) is the second source of news for participants
80% view their financial future positively (after the revolution)
94% approve Hosni Mubarak’s resignation
77% approve the current Government’s (Essam Sharaf’s Government) performance
76% still want the Parliament Elections to take place in September 2011
95% will vote in the next Parliament Elections
68% would rather vote for new parties
64% had joined the revolution’s demonstrations for economic reasons
19% had joined the revolution’s demonstrations for political reasons
67% would rather Egypt be closer to USA than to Iran

Source: The Washington Post

Mood: Optimistic :)

Jokes: On the lighter side...

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Mon, 30 May 2011 05:01:00 +0000

بنائا علي طلب الجماهير تقرر إعادة طرح الأفلام التالية: احلام سلفى و كاميليا، السبحة لا تزال فى جيبى، انا و انت وعذاب القبر، حجبنى يا، النمر و الانثى مع محرم، شورت و فانلة و حجاب، اخوان ولكن ظرفاء، انف و 3 دقون، سهر الليالى فى طاعة الله، ثمن دستة اخوان، طباخ المرشد

Thanks to MR.Y

Mood: Trying to change the mood...

إثبت

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Mon, 09 May 2011 04:20:00 +0000

After the incident where some salafis attacked a church in Egypt because of a rumor that a woman whom converted to Islam was being held against her will in the church, i just wanted to dedicate this to all Egyptian Christians...

مرقص قال لحسن: "زمان كان فيه فى مصر فيلم أسمه حسن و مرقص و كوهين ... من كام سنة نزل فيلم حسن و مرقص ، شكلها كده السنة دي حسن هيعمل الفيلم لوحده". حسن رد عليه و قال له: "إثبت يا مرقص متخليش أبو لهب يشمت فينا!"

Mood: Hopeful...

Ghaddafi's New Album

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Thu, 05 May 2011 08:04:00 +0000

Mood: Cheerful :)

A Close Encounter With The Man Who Shook The World... Usama Bin Laden

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Wed, 04 May 2011 12:22:00 +0000

A must read my Robert Fisk:
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/fisk/robert-fisk-a-close-encounter-with-the-man-who-shook-the-world-2278035.html

Mood: ...

Are Demonstrations & Revolutions Allowed In Islam?

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Tue, 03 May 2011 08:04:00 +0000

I was watching the famous Egyptian talk show “Al Ashera Masa’an” on Dream TV, and they were discussing the Camilla Shahata issue (a Christian woman whom had converted to Islam a few months ago, but was “allegedly” forced back to Christianity by being detained in a church somewhere).

One of the guests was a Salafi (Salafi comes from the word “Salaf” which mean the early followers of islam, as in: people whom follow the early followers of Islam before any alterations or impurities went into the application of Islam), this guy said something that is also mentioned by other Salafis (and was used by pro-Mubarak fake religious figures as a way to discredit pro-democracy demonstrators in Egypt). He said that he does not believe in demonstrations and that it is NOT part of our religion or accepted per Islam (per his interpretation).

Other Salafis have said more than that, others said that going against the ruler is forbidden (Haram/sinful).
But just out of fairness, I have to say, that there are other Salafis whom say the opposite of that.

For me the right to peacefully demonstrate is given and logical. Yet, I thought I’d do some research.

What do Salafis say?
1- Demonstrations are not part of islam and they never happened in our history.
2- Going against (revolting) the ruler are not part of islam.

Their Proof (main two):
1-

في الصحيحين من حديث عبادة بن الصامت قال: "بايعنا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم على السمع والطاعة في العسر واليسر والمنشط والمكره وعلى أثرة علينا وعلى أن لا ننازع الأمر أهله وعلى أن نقول بالحق أينما كنا لا نخاف في الله لومة لائم. وفي رواية: وعلى أن لا ننازع الأمر أهله إلا أن تروا كفرا بواحا عندكم من الله فيه برهان"

Part of this Hadeeth (Saying by the prophet) states that Muslims promised the prophet not to argue or go against the people whom are leading something rightfully. And that one must always say the truth and what is right no matter what.

Answer:In islam hadeeths and Quran verses are not separate, they continue each other and build an overall weaved fikh (Islamic rulings). Maybe here the prophet said “not to go against someone whom is leading”, but other hadeeths do state that we have to go against them if they are corrupt (check the proof later on in this post). One would conclude from that (and from the fact in this very hadeeth states that one must always say the truth no matter what the consequences will be) that going against the ruler is not something to be taken lightly. Yet, if the ruler is unjust or systematically corrupt…etc. we must stand against him!

2-
- في صحيح مسلم من حديث حذيفة رضي الله عنهما "يكون بعدي أئمة لا يهتدون بهداي ولا يستنون بسنتي وسيقوم فيهم رجال قلوبهم قلوب الشياطين في جثمان إنس "قال حذيفة: قلت: كيف أصنع يا رسول الله إن أدركت ذلك؟ قال: تسمع وتطيع الأمير وإن ضرب ظهرك وأخذ مالك فاسمع وأطع".

In this Hadeeth, the prophet is advising his followers that when times are tough and rulers are brutal make sure you follow the ruler even if they beat you (torture you…etc).

Answer:This hadeeth is obviously in cases when a muslim cannot do anything against the corrupt ruler (certain death and having no support).

Ibn Hazm (an Islamic philosopher and researcher whom lived in Andalusia about 1000 years ago) was once confronted by people whom used the same argument. His answer was simple: “Your argument (letting a ruler rule even If he does everything wrong) means that muslims can be forced to pay unjust taxes, their chidren can be killed by the sword, their women raped, all this only if the ruler is said to be a muslim” does that sound logical?!!!

Proof From Quran & Suna That Demonstrations & Revolutions Are Allowed:
1-
قوله تعالى: "فَاسْتَخَفَّ قَوْمَهُ فَأَطَاعُوهُ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَوْمًا فَاسِقِينَ [الزخرف/54]

During the time of Prophet Moses, God in this verse said (meaning of) that the people whom obeyed the pharaoh (Feroon) are evildoers. In other words, Moses and his followers (the Israelites and Egyptians whom followed him) whom went against the Atheist Pharaoh (the ruler) were righteous, and the others whom followed the brutal Pharaoh were evildoers.

Since Islam is a continuation of Judaism and Christianity (as per Islamic belief) , and since Moses went against the ruler (to worshipping God and wanting to leave Egypt to go worship in peace elsewhere), then it is not something non-religious to go against an unjust ruler (especially in peaceful ways as the Jews did).

2-
OK, as for demonstrations, the prophet and his followers during their early days in Makkah (Mecca), when they first decided to go public as a group with their religion, the first thing they did was a peaceful demonstration. The prophet (Mohamed) and his uncle Hamza were in front of a two columns made up of all the followers in Makkah. They then peacefully headed to the Kaabah (worshiping area) walking (demonstrating) peacefully through the streets. This was an obvious peaceful way of showing themselves in front of people.
If demonstrations were not allowed or not part of Islam, do you think the prophet would have done this??

3-
OK, someone might say, that the above was about going against an “Atheist” not a Muslim ruler.

If so is said, then this is the answer:

After the decease of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (4th Islamic state ruler after the prophet passed away), Abdullah Ibn Marawan (islamic state ruler) was denounced in “Al Madena” city because of his injustice which lead to war in the Higri year 63.
So, here you have the followers of the prophet (whom learned about Islam first hand from the Prophet) whom lived in Al Madina all revolted against a “MUSILM” ruler because he was unjust.

4-
Also, during the rule of Ali Ibn Abi Taleib, a lot of the prophet’s followers (of them were Talha Ibn AL Zubaier, AL Zubaier Ibn AL Awam, and A’esha Bent Abi Bakr the prophet’s widow) went against him because per their point of view that he didn’t want to chase the killers of Osman Ibn Affan (3rd ruler of the Islamic state after the prophet passed away).
If going against a “Muslim” ruler was unacceptable or not part of religion or only done against non-Muslim rulers, then how come Ali Ibn Abi Taleb when in confrontation with them never used that argument. Don’t you think of all people Ali Ibn Abi Taleb of all people knew our religion well enough to use such an argument (if it was valid)?

5-

-"إنه سيلي أموركم من بعدي رجال يطفئون السنة و يحدثون بدعة ويؤخرون الصلاة عن مواقيتها . قال ابن مسعود: كيف بي إذا أدركتهم ؟ قال: ليس - يا ابن أم عبد -طاعة لمن عصى الله . قالها ثلاثا ".

Part of this hadeeth states very clearly: “There is no obeying to whom disobeys God”. When a ruler is unjust, forges elections, imprisons people because of their political views, allows torture, does not fight corruption…etc Isn’t that considered disobeying God and his rules of justice, freedom of believe, Shura – ballots and public opinion, being merciful to everything even animals…etc (per our Islamic believe)?

6-

-في صحيح مسلم من حديث عبد الله بن مسعود أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "ما من نبي بعثه الله في أمة قبلي إلا كان له من أمته حواريون وأصحاب يأخذون بسنته ويقتدون بأمره، ثم إنها تخلف من بعدهم خلوف يقولون ما لا يفعلون ويفعلون ما لا يؤمرون، فمن جاهدهم بيده فهو مؤمن ومن جاهدهم بلسانه فهو مؤمن ومن جاهدهم بقلبه فهو مؤمن، وليس وراء ذلك من الإيمان حبة خردل".

As part of this hadeeth the prophet states that rulers whom “say what they do not do, and do what they do not say” have to be stopped if not by hand or tongue, then at least by the heart (as in by pleading God to stop those rulers).

7- And Finally, the knockout by Abu Bakr!

أبو بكر الصديق: "يا أيها الناس إني وليتُ عليكم ولست بخيركم، فإن رأيتموني على الحق فأعينوني وإن رأيتموني على باطل فسددوني، أطيعوني ما أطعت الله ورسوله، فإن عصيتُ الله فلا طاعة لي عليكم"،

Abu Bakr (the first ruler of the Islamic state after the prophet passed away) said the following after being announced the ruler (meaning of): “O People I have been assigned as your ruler, yet I am not the best of you. If you see me doing what is right, help me continue it. And, if you see me doing something wrong, stop me. Only obey me if I do what adheres to the rulings of God and his prophet. If I do not adhere to them, then you should not obey”.

It is obvious (to me at least) that going against the ruler “IS” part of Islam and “IS” allowed if the ruler is unjust, corrupt, brutal…etc.

We need to remember that the current revolutions in the Middle East were peaceful (Egypt and Tunisia), they were for just causes, against injustice, corruption, demanding dignity and equality.
Another point we need to remember is that the two rulers Hosni Mubarak (Egypt) and Zein El Abedeen Bin Ali (Tunisia) stayed in power for over 30 years through brutality, forging elections, detaining (or destroying) any opposition…etc. They by no means deserved to give them “another chance” or “maybe they will change”…etc. These rulers, didn’t just do one or two mistakes, they systematically over 30 or more done many wrongdoings to their people and country.

For someone to tell me that I (or muslims) should shut up and not revolt against unworthy dictators because “THIS IS ISLAM”… that is way out of line!!
To me Islam has many meanings. One of the most important ones is “Hope”.
Hope in a better life in the grace of God…
Hope to live in justice, dignity, and to treat and be treated in fairness…

Hope that can best be illustrated by the look in the eyes of this Egyptian woman…

HOPE in the eyes of an Egyptian woman as Mubarak stepped down on 11Feb11

Sources:
- Ismalonline Fatawa
- Dream TV

Bin Laden Dead... ABOUT TIME!

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Mon, 02 May 2011 10:43:00 +0000

Bin Laden

President Obama has announced that Usama Bin Laden has been shot (in the head) dead in a compound in Pakistan. It is said that he is buried in the sea.
Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13256676

I had no doubt that they'd get him eventually. I find it strange that it actually took the strongest nation in history that long to nail one guy!

What can i say, he totally @$&@ all of us (muslims and non-muslims).

This saying comes up in my mind: "You reap what you sow". But, i guess he knew that from day one.

Mood: Meh...

The Indonesian Carbon Copy...

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:22:00 +0000

An Indonesian colleague said this to a friend of mine: “You guys should not worry or be in such a rush. Your revolution is almost carbon copy of ours. Starting with the countries situation, the build up to the revolution, the following events. Even our first Parliament election was not as we wanted. It took us 5 years to get on the right track”.

I find it amazing how people think that all the (expected) benefits from the Egyptian revolution would happen at once. If people would just read about other revolutions they'd find that it took years for democracy to take place.

Not to forget that in each successful revolution (that moved society towards democracy) a lot of problems and pains were experienced.

When i heard what our Indonesian colleague said, i went and read about their revolution. And what do you know, he was correct, it was very similar.

Reading it, and thinking of what he said, made me feel more confident.

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Suharto

Patience my fellow Egyptians…patience

Mood: Optimistic

The Egyptian Police Service: A Mockery… Our House as an Example

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:53:00 +0000

Wala 7awla wala kowata ila BelAh

Since the Revolution (25Jan11 – 11Feb11) a lot of stories have been circulated about the police not going back to work full force or the police not doing their job...etc.

I have been hearing many weird incidents. For example, people calling the police asking for help, and the response they get was: “Let the Army protect you, isn’t this what you people wanted?!”

This attitude is obviously driven by the fact that the police had their @$$es kicked (by the people) during the revolution because of their brutality, corruption..etc. over the years.

I never imagined that we would experience this firsthand…

M (the guy whom takes care of our house), went back to his hometown for his usual monthly vacation (a few days). He came back Thursday night, and slept in his room.

In the morning (Friday), my mother went to the house and as she entered into it, she found things on the floor.

Our bedroom was the worst (condition wise). All our stuff was on the floor. The Kids bedroom, TV room, kitchen and Dining room were all very obviously checked for valuables.

The good thing “al 7amdo lelAh” was that the thieves seemed to be only looking for jewelry & money. And since we have been abroad for years now, none of that was in the house.

Nothing much was stolen except maybe some of our old clothes (not sure yet). And, some women’s accessories.

The odd thing was that our Satellite receiver was thrown on the floor (as if they were going to take it, but left in a hurry or something). The video device also wasn't stolen.

My mother and relatives made a police complaint. Of course the police just sent one guy to look around, he didn’t even think of bringing someone to check for finger prints. When asked, the police replied: “we only do that when there is a murder”!!!!??!!

Mashy ya sedy 7aneb2a nemawetlak 7ad 3alashan teshoof sho3’lak 3edel :S

Another annoying part was the Blacksmith. My relatives brought him to fix the windows and make them more secure. He knew we needed him (being a Friday and all), so he sort of squeezed more money out of us. 3alam wes7'a!

Thinking of it…. this is the first time since i was born that this house has ever been broken into!!!

It is obvious that whoever did this knows M’s leaving schedule. I think someone living in the area could be behind this. The reason I think so is that the building adjacent to ours was also broken into (another empty flat) during the same week. And, a new car at the end of our street was broken into.

Our area seems to be a target now.

M told me the police are not doing anything like before. He said: “We no longer see MOKHBEREEN (plain dressed policemen) walking around to check that the area is secure (yes, people tend to know them).

I think this is what's triggering the thieves coming into our area.

You think my story is over… NOT YET!

The following day, M found a 12ish (pre-teen) year old girl clicking on the intercom (by 7.30PM).

He stood from afar to see what she was going to do. Our neighbor upstairs (old man living by himself) opened for her, yet she didn't go up.

M then went to her, and asked her what she wanted. She said she wanted money, and then she said i am lost, and then she said her father is a carpenter, and then a plumber, then she said she is from “Hadayek Al Quba” area. When asked where exactly from there, she said she cannot remember the name of the street. She just kept lying all the time.

M, my aunt, her daughter (whom arrived at the same time), and a lot of neighbors kept asking the girl what she wanted... no proper straightforward answer was given.

They called the cops... imagine how long did they have to wait? An hour and a half!! And even after that no one showed up.

Whenever they called the police to ask where on earth is the police, the answer was: “we will send someone.. we will send someone…”

My Cousin H had to come all the way from the other side of town, take M and the girl in his car and drive her to the Police station (5 min drive). M didn’t want to take her on foot beucase she could easily scream on the way and say that M was kidnapping her or something.

The interesting part was that as they took the girl into the police station, they found the police station filled to the brim with policemen and plain clothed policemen. They were all just sitting inside the station doing nothing. 7AGA WES7’A!

So, instead of going out to secure their area, they just sat in there till it was time for them to leave (nahayet el wardeya beta3ethom).

This is an obvious dirty trick to show that they DO go to work, but that doesn’t mean they HAVE to walk around in the streets or answer for calls of help.

el mante2a ba2t mal2af weee OM EL POLICE 7ale2!

For us, this is a firsthand experience and proof that the police is trying to teach people (the revolution) a lesson that: “if you want us, it will be on our terms (police terms”. In other words, we’ll have to accept their way and their rules.

Note: I sent a complaint to the Minister of Interior…I doubt anything will happen though.

Mood: Pissed off :(

Egypt: A Few Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:19:00 +0000

A few thoughts that crossed my mind since the toppling of Mubarak's regime...

فعلا... مصر بلد المتناقدات...
أحلي ناس في مصر عملوا أطهر ثورة في التاريخ المعاصر و بقت مثل يحتذى به و يقلد من سلم و فداء و نكت و حماية...
و أسوأ ناس في مصر عملوا أحقر أعمال من بعد الثورة و بقت فوضى من سرقة و بلطجة و إثارة فتن و مظاهرات فئوية...
والأن هي صراع الإرادات.. ترى لمن تكون الغلبة؟ ...الإجابة عندك أنت!

For the first time in a while, Mubarak stated a threat that he actually kept... "either stability (him remaining) or chaos". His minions are delivering their master's threat very well... Allah yethabet Ahl Masr!

Robert Fisk: “Muslims have not lost their faith. Under the stones and coshes of Mubarak's police killers, they counter-attacked, shouting "Allah akbar" for this was indeed for them a "jihad" – not a religious war but a struggle for justice. "God is Great" and a demand for justice are entirely consistent. For the struggle against injustice is the very spirit of the Koran”.

Al Qaradawi (From Tahrir Square):"The victory of this revolution belongs to all... Muslims and Christians", "We are all believers, we are all Egyptians".

دا إحنا حنشوف أحلا غسيل aya qu’est ce qu’il y a حيتنشر الأيام و السنين إلي جاية! :)

With the Revolution bringing down Mubarak, we owe gratitude (in order) to the protesters whom paid their lives for our freedom, the protesters whom repelled the police/thugs, the protesters whom joined later on, the protester supporters in Egypt, and the Army. Not to forget the Egyptians in diaspora… “You guys did some serious Pro-Revolution PR abroad”… SALUTE!

Mood: Thinking of Twitting for a Change...hmmm

How Dare You?!!

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 04:57:00 +0000

I dedicate this to all Egyptian Revolution supporters living in the Gulf states

ردا علي كل من إنتقد أو إنتقص من مؤيدي ثورة 25 يناير من المصريين في الخارج...

أنا: الأنا هنا و إن كانت عني (أنا كاتب هذه السطور) و لكنها أيضا تضم كل مصري مؤيد لثورة 25 يناير من المصريين المقيمين في الخارج و خصوصا المصريين العاملين في الخليج الذين ساقهم حظهم العثر"المهبب" لسماع مثل الهراء الأتي ذكره.

إنت: إنت هنا تنطبق علي كل ذكر (أو أنثى) سمح لنفسه أن ينتقص (بلبلدي كده "يلسن") علي أنا (ومن هم مثلي من مؤيدي ثورة 25 يناير من المصريين العاملين في الخليج خصوصا) تحت بند "إنت عمال تسخن و إنت مش عارف الدنيا هنا عملا إزاي" و "إنت أصلك متعرفش" وأي نوع من الإستخفاف و الإتهام الصريح أو المبطن إني أجلس هنا في الخليج في التكييف و يعتقد إني "بق" و "كلمنجي" و عامل فيها ثورجي علشان أنا بعيد و إني لو كنت في مصر، كنت حستخبي في البيت و أسكت ساكت (و أظهر علي حقيقتي إلي هو فاكرها عني).

الرسالة دي كنت عاوز أكتبهالك من بداية الثورة. لما كنت أنا بشجع الثورة و فجاء’ لقيتك يا إما مش مع الثورة أو مش عاوز دوشة... لأ و إه وصلت بيك الوقاحة إنك تديني كلمتين من إلي ذكرتهم فوق. دا طبعا غير التلميحات و الهمز و اللمز على، في حين كنت سيادتك ما قدمتش حاجة طول وقت الثورة.

أحب أرد و أقول لك يالي متهمني إني "بق" و "كلمنجي" و إني عامل أسد علشان في أمان هنا (في الخليج)... إني (و أمثالي) و إن كنت خارج مصر و لكن بعد علمي بما حدث يوم 25 يناير و أنه هناك إتجاه في مصر لخروج إحتجاجات ضد النظام يوم 28 يناير "سخنت" كل المصريين الي أعرفهم هنا و قلتلهم إني رايح أتظاهر أمام السفارة المصرية هنا يوم الجمعة 28 يناير.
مع العلم إنه في الخليج...
معناش تصريح (لو كان فيه حاجة كده أصلا)
المظاهرات هنا ممنوعة تماما و ليست شيء مقبول
أعداد المصريين ليست كبيرة حتي نشجع بعضنا و نحتمي ببعض
لوحد إتمسك بيتطرد من البلد

ولكني خرجت و تعرف كام واحد من المصريين إلي أعرفهم جم المظاهرة؟ 2 و لقينا واحد كمان لما وصلنا هناك. عدد المتظاهرين كان قليل بالعشرات. يعني ممكن نتلم في ثانية واحدة و نطرد من البلد. و لعلم سيادتك إني كنت فعلا حتشد من أمن العاصمة فعلا بعد لما سخن عليا ضابط من بتعهم لولا ستر ربنا.

عامل فيها بطل؟ لأ،الأبطال هما إلي في مصر، إلي هزموا الشرطة.. إلي ماتو و إلي دافعوا عن الثورة لحد يوم التنحي. بل وإني لا أنكر إني كنت خايف و أنا رايح المظاهرة... بقدم رجل و أخر رجل... بس رحت. رحت لأني كنت حموت، نفسي أبقى مع أهلي في مصر في المظاهرة ضد النظام الفاسد!

مش بس كده سيادتك...و أنا في المظاهرة مراتي كمان بعتتلي رسالة تقولي إنها جية تتظاهر معانا (و تركت العيال مع صديقة) و بعد خناقة و نرفزة مني عليها (خوفا عليها) عارف يا "روح أمك" قالتلي إيه و من بعدها سكت؟ قالت لي: "أنا عاوزة أساند بلدي، أنا عاوزة أقف مع أهل بلدي، مش إنت بس إلي وطني و نفسك تعبر عن وطنيتك... وأنا كمان !"
مراتي يا "دكر منك له" الي طلعت أرجل منك و من أمثالك... حطتت حياتها الهانئة هنا علي كفها (مع إحتمل الطرد من البلد) بس علشان تعمل حاجة رمزية علشان بلدها و أهلها و أخوتها إلي وقفوا في التحرير و السويس و كورنيش الإسكندرية علشان كرمتي و كرمتك. في حين إن سيادتك كنت قاعد في البيت تمصمص شفايفك وأنت بتتفرج من البيت علي الثورة مع كباية شاي، في الوقت الي الباقيين في شوارع مصر بيكتبوا التاريخ.
و جي بعد كده تلسن عليا؟!

ما بتحبش المظاهرات... حقك، لك رأيك و أنت حر فيه و ممكن نتناقش فيه بتحضر.
ما بتحبش الفوضي بسبب الثورة... حقك، لك رأيك و أنت حر فيه و ممكن نتناقش فيه بتحضر.
ما بتحبش الثورجية... حقك، لك رأيك و أنت حر فيه و ممكن نتناقش فيه بتحضر.
ما بتحبش التغيير... حقك، لك رأيك و أنت حر فيه و ممكن نتناقش فيه بتحضر.
بتحب حسني مبارك... حقك، لك رأيك و أنت حر فيه و ممكن نتناقش فيه بتحضر.
بتحب الوضع القديم... حقك، لك رأيك و أنت حر فيه و ممكن نتناقش فيه بتحضر.
إنما تقل أدبك و تلسن و تشكك في (و أمثالي) تحت بند إني "بق" و لو كنت في مصر كنت حبقي قاعد في البيت زي الجبان... لأ... جت كسر حقق... يا......يا إبن ال....... (أرجو ملء الفراغ بكل ما تستطيع إضافته من ألفاظ معبرة!)

أهدي هذه الرسالة إلي كل من تعرض مثلي لما ذكرته... لو حد ألك الكلام ده، حت الرسالة دي في بقو! (مشيها بقو)

Mood: Pissed

Hafez Ibrahim's Poem About Egypt

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:24:00 +0000

As i was browsing around, i read an article talking about the relevance of what has happened in Egypt and what was stated in a beautiful poem by Hafez Ibrahim (1872–1932) called "مصر تتحدث عن نفسها" (Egypt Speaks About Itself).

Hafez Ibrahim

The below part really struck me...

ما رمانى رام و راح سليما... من قديم عناية الله جندى

كم بغت دولة على وجار ... ثم زالت وتلك عقبى التعدى

قل لمن انكروا مفاخر قومى... مثل ما انكروا ماثر ولدى

هل وفقتم بقمة الهرم الاكبر؟... يوما فرايتم بعض جهدى ؟

While i was searching around, i found out that Um Kalthoum sang this poem. Hope you like it...

Mood: Proud

Bon Jovi & Wyclef Jean Dedicate Songs To Egypt's Revolution

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:10:00 +0000

Bon Jovi... "No Apologies" (I dedicate this to Mubarak!)

Wyclef Jean... "Freedom" (I dedicate this to all of the Revolution's supporters)

Mood: Pleased :)

Egypt: Answering Pessimism About The 25th of January Revolution's Prospects

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:41:00 +0000

As expected, with Mubarak and his regime ousted… there have been (and will be for days and years to come) many ex-Mubarak regime members (whom have been excluded from the regime at some point the past) coming out now and acting like angles. Some of them were well known to be corrupt in their time of service, and now are coming out to “tell it all” about the regime and how corrupt it was.

On another hand, a few Mubarak regime officials (i.e. ex-Prime Minister, and ex-Interior Minister…etc) have been prohibited from travelling abroad till a full investigation takes place.
One of those people is a guy called Rashid Mohammed Rashid (ex-Ministry of Trade and Industry Minister).

I was watching the TV yesterday, and as I was browsing through I found an interview with Rashid Mohammed Rashid (he is aboard now…left as soon as the government was removed by Mubarak on 02Feb11).

Rashid Mohammed Rashid

Understandably he was defending himself (which he has the right to do as any human being). But, he said a few sentences which were not that easy to swallow.

Rashid said to the Al Arabiya interviewer (meaning of):
“We will have a revolution that will be hijacked by people we do not want. Check what happened to the other revolutions…
The French revolution, Napoleon kidnapped it for his own glory and ruined it.
The Russian revolution, was kidnapped by the communists and ruined.
The Chinese revolution, was kidnapped and ruin too.
The Iranian revolution, was at the beginning a normal revolution and then was kidnapped by the fanatics and check where they are now”.

When I heard that part I was like: “WWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooo, hang on buddy…keep your pants on!”.

So, this guy (Rashid) simplistically generalized three major historical People’s revolutions which were all under different contexts, had different goals, and all happened at different times in history (with failures and successes through history). And he boldly labeled them all as failures! COME ON!!!

Cheeeez! Where shall I start here????...

A little history check about those revolutions…

First of all, the Iranian revolution (1979):

I am not sure where he gets his info from, but he was totally misguided/misinformed (or mis”BEYSTAHBEL”) on this one.
Regardless of whether we agree or disagree with Iran’s political/social ideologies, it is a disgrace that he said something wrong about a revolution just to prove his point.
It is a known fact that the Iranian revolution was an Islamic revolution from day one. It was fueled by the supporters of Ayatoulah Khomini (whom was in France). And by far he was its leader.
So, please Mr. Rashid… get your facts right!

The French Revolution (started 1789):

Summary: “Old ideas about hierarchy and tradition succumbed to new Enlightenment principles of citizenship and inalienable rights.”

The Russian Revolution (1917):

The date referred to is 1917 which actually was 2 revolutions in the same year.
Nov 1917: “October Revolution (November in the Gregorian calendar), the Bolshevik party, led by Vladimir Lenin, and the workers' Soviets, overthrew the Provisional Government in St Petersburg (Feb 1917 revolution). The Bolsheviks appointed themselves as leaders of various government ministries and seized control of the countryside, establishing the Cheka to quash dissent. To end the war, the Bolshevik leadership signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany in March 1918”. A civil war broke out and the Bolsheviks won (as a result peasants took over and redistributed land).

The Chinese Revolution (Started 1911):

Although there are other ones in 1913 and 1949 but this was the start.
Summary: “motivated by anger at corruption in the Qing government, frustration with the government's inability to restrain the interventions of foreign powers, and the majority Han Chinese's resentment toward a government dominated by an ethnic minority; the Manchus.”

Facts…
Let me put it this way...

French revolution: Labeling the French revolution and what it did for France as a failure just because of Napoleon at some point in time lost for England is inaccurate and unfair.
The French revolution paved the way for the modern state in France. France now is part of the free democratic world and is one of G8 countries. That is besides it is one of the most powerful military super powers.

Russian Revolution: “The Russian revolution paved the way for the Soviet union. Which was the second major world power last century. Even now Russia (after the Soviet Union lost the cold war, and broke down in 1989-1990) is part of the G8 countries, and one of the BRIC countries (the rising powers that are foreseen to play a major role in the near future). That is also besides the fact that it is one of the most powerful military super powers.

Chinese Revolution: “The Chinese revolution paved the way for the current Chinese state. It (throughout the third quarter of last century) was one of the major world powers. Even now China is one of G8 countries, and one of the BRIC countries. That is also besides the fact that it is one of the most powerful military super powers.

The question to Mr. Rashid should be … "if those countries (he mentioned) ended up into such powerful nations… wouldn’t you want OUR revolution to head that way too?
Do you think Mubarak and his regime were helping us head there with their repression and corruption? "

All revolutions usually start with noble goals, go through mistakes (maybe even disasters), and over the long term work themselves out. Especially, if the revolution’s goal was democracy.

Yes, wrong things will happen in our Revolution;
Yes, wrong decisions will be taken at some point or the other;
Yes, it will be missy;
Yes, maybe someone we do not want will hijack it (or at least try) for a while.

But remember two things…
1- People have now tasted the power of standing up for their rights. They will not give in easily to an oppressive regime any time soon.
2- Yes, we will suffer on the short term (with wrong decisions or bad turns here and there because of our Democratic evolution)…but if History teaches us anything, it is that what happened (the toppling of Mubarak’s corrupt/repressive regime) was the BEST thing that can happen to us on the long run. And that Democracy is an ongoing evolution to the best.

The changes and pains we will be going through are already years overdue, and they are something that HAD TO HAPPEN (a long time ago) for the benefit of Egypt, and for the benefit of the generations to come.

Resourses:

- Wikipedia

- Al Arabiya News channel

Mood: Optimistic :)

Egypt: Mubarak Steps Down... Viva La Revolución!!

noreply@blogger.com (Fadfadation) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:39:00 +0000

YEEEEEEESSSSSS! MUBARAK HAS LEFT!
I cannot believe that I lived to see this day… Allahoma laka Al 7amd… Ta7ya Masr! Ta7ya Masr! Ta7ya Masr!

On Fri 11Feb11 at 6:03PM (Cairo Local time) the Egyptian Vice President announced that Mubarak has stepped down.

Just 24 hours before it when everyone thought he would actually step down, he stunned the whole world by not stepping down (even the CIA driector thought he was going to step down). He decided to only delegate his powers to the VP.

People in Egypt (and diaspora) were outraged. Massive demonstrastions took place all over Egypt (estimated 20 million took the streets).

And the THIS happened :)

At about 8:30PM (Cairo Local time) an Army official came out on national TV and saluted the martyrs of our great revolution...

I now leave you with President Obama's excellent speech about the Egyptian revolution and the stepping down of Mubarak (released around 10:30PM Cairo local time)...

Mood: PROUD TO BE AN EGYPTIAN :)