Spring 2011 Critical Thinking Research on Middle East Revolutions
Contents
- 1 Background
- 1.1 How Revolutions Happen: Patterns from Iran to Egypt
- 1.2 The Egyptian Protests Are a Many Constituencied Thing
- 1.3 Egypt: Relive the Revolution
- 1.4 Columbia Discovery Service
- 1.5 Social Media Sparked, Accelerated Egypt's Revolutionary Fire
- 1.6 Islamic Mobilization: Social Movement Theory and Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood
- 1.7 The Facebook Freedom Fighter
- 1.8 The Big Test for Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood
- 1.9 New World Order
- 2 U.S. Before and After
- 2.1 WANTED: A Grand Strategy for America
- 2.2 Executive Order--Libya
- 2.3 Egypt Protests Show American Foreign-Policy Folly
- 2.4 Egypt: Lessons for US Foreign Policy
- 2.5 When Allies Tumble
- 2.6 Cautious Pessimism
- 2.7 Obama Hails Hosni Mubarak's Resignation: 'Egypt Will Never Be the Same'
- 2.8 Obama: 'This is not the end of Egypt's transition'
- 3 Egypt Before and After
- 3.1 Credit the Egyptian People for the Egyptian Revolution
- 3.2 Egyptian Voters Approve Constitutional Changes
- 3.3 Egypt Opens Up Political Space
- 3.4 Revolution, Delayed
- 3.5 Which path will Egypt choose?
- 3.6 Saving the Egyptian revolution
- 3.7 Great Egyptian revolution and the future road map
- 3.8 Uniting Egypt's Opposition
- 3.9 Democracy, Egyptian style
- 3.10 For Democracy in Egypt
Background
How Revolutions Happen: Patterns from Iran to Egypt
Almond, Dr. Mark. “How Revolutions Happen: Patterns from Iran to Egypt.” BBC.com. British Broadcasting Company. 13 February 2011. Web. 16 March 2011.
Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12431231
Summary: Dr. Mark Almond talks about several revolutions throughout history such as the Iranian Revolution, Tiananmen Square, the Ukraine Revolution, the Egyptian Revolution, etc. By comparing these revolutions, Dr. Almond makes the point that there are certain recurring elements of a revolution and Dr. Almond believes the most substantial element that causes revolution would be that “Violent death has been the most common catalyst for radicalizing discontent in the revolutions of the last 30 years.” (He gives this as one of the causes of Egypt's revolution, including the longevity of the regime.)
Caitlin Pallai
The Egyptian Protests Are a Many Constituencied Thing
Engler, Mark. “The Egyptian Protest Are a Many Constituencied Thing.” Fpif.org. Foreign Policy in Focus. 11 February 2011. Web. 20 March 2011.
Link: http://www.fpif.org/blog/the_egyptian_protests_are_a_many_constituencied_thing
Summary: Mark Engler argues that the Egyptian protests are decentralized, not controlled by any single figurehead or political party, and are made up of everyday citizens. As such, he goes on to say that the Egyptian Revolution isn't simply chaos, as others seem to think, but rather something that was a long time coming.
Caitlin Pallai
Egypt: Relive the Revolution
Haddad, Mohammed and Gregg Caristrom. "Egypt Relive the Revolution." Aljazeera.net. 06 March 2011. Web. 22 March 2011.
Link: http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/03/2011368587809435.html
Summary: This interactive time-line includes Aljazeera's top news stories for each day of the 18 long revolution. (Article topics range from Mubarak's response to the revolution to what Egypt will do next.)
Caitlin Pallai
Columbia Discovery Service
Cheterian, Vicken. "Columbia Discovery Service." CIAO: Columbia International Affairs Online. Feb. 2011. Web. 20 Mar. 2011.
<http://www.ciaonet.org/pbei/gcsp/0021275/f_0021275_17683.pdf>
Summary: This article discusses two of what the author considers the "main causes of the Egyptian revolution," which are socioeconomic factors (high unemployment rates especially among young people and rising costs of food) as well as ineffective and corrupt government that cannot face the other issues.
Breanne Flynn
Social Media Sparked, Accelerated Egypt's Revolutionary Fire
Gustin, Sam. "Social Media Sparked, Accelerated Egypt’s Revolutionary Fire | Epicenter | Wired.com." Wired.com. 11 Feb. 2011. Web. 16 Mar. 2011.
<http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2011/02/egypts-revolutionary-fire/>
Summary: This article from Wired magazine addresses Facebook's role in the Egyptian revolution. It was my first exposure to Wael Ghonim, the creator of the revolution's original Facebook page who speaks about how the page helped organize people, but the concerns and want for revolution were already with the Egyptian people.
Breanne Flynn
Islamic Mobilization: Social Movement Theory and Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood
Munson, Ziad. "Islamic Mobilization: Social Movement Theory and the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood." The Sociological Quarterly. Blackwell Publishing on Behalf of the Midwest Sociological Society, Autumn 2001. Web. 20 Mar. 2011.
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Summary: This article helped trace the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and mostly focused on their period of rapid expansion between the 1930s and 1950s. It was slightly outdated for the topic that we are considering, but if we want to examine the Muslim Brotherhood's role at all in today's context, I thought it would be necessary to take a look at their past and this article definitely depicted their basic structure and their rise to their current status.
Breanne Flynn
The Facebook Freedom Fighter
Giglio, Mike. "THE FACEBOOK FREEDOM FIGHTER." Newsweek 157.8 (2011): 14-17. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 22 Mar. 2011.
Summary: This article profiles Google executive Wael Ghonim who is credited with starting the Egyptian revolution on Facebook. Though he had originally planned to keep his identity a secret and under a pseudonym, he was temporarily imprisoned, and once released, everyone knew his name. He stresses that the revolution is really with the people, and that Facebook just helped facilitate. He is NOT the leader of this revolution, nor does he believe there is one. This is a collective effort from Egyptians who are sharing many of the same grievances and can now come together to voice their opposition to the current rule in their country.
Breanne Flynn
The Big Test for Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood
Mirghani, Osman. "The Big Test for Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood." Asharq Alawsat (2011): n. pag. Web. 20 Mar 2011.
<http://www.asharq-e.com/news.asp?section=2&id=24391>.
Summary: This article focuses on the Muslim Brotherhood and how important it's reaction to the Egyptian Revolution is. If the Muslim Brotherhood reacts peacefully then it will finally prove to the world that Islam and Democracy can go hand in hand. However, if the Brotherhood decides to take over the revolution then it will prove to the world that it is not a changed organization and that its new "peaceful" stance is just an act. The Egyptian Revolution is where the organization will prove itself.
Brenna Greene
New World Order
Petrou, Michael. "NEW WORLD ORDER." Maclean's 124.7 (2011): 30-33. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 3 Apr. 2011
Summary: This article again summarizes the situation in Egypt before and after Mubarak's removal but makes some very key political insights, including how Egypt is like "America of the Middle East," meaning that their politics matter and affect others. It also addresses the current military government and the situation can Egypt can expect to see even after democratic reforms are implemented. Tying in the role of the Muslim Brotherhood, Petrou confirms that the United States had been friendly to Mubarak and therefore was even more disliked by certain Islamic groups that still would like to gain control over the country.
Breanne Flynn
U.S. Before and After
WANTED: A Grand Strategy for America
Ferguson, Niall. “WANTED: A Grand Strategy for America.” Niallferguson.com Harvard University, 14 February 2011. Web. 16 March 2011.
Link: http://www.niallferguson.com/site/FERG/Templates/ArticleItem.aspx?pageid=237
Summary: Niall Ferguson’s article begins with Otto von Bismarck’s handling of the revolutionary wave of mid-19th-century German nationalism and then Niall goes on to current day and claims that Obama failed at adequately handling the Egyptian Revolution. From there he goes on to say that “no president can be expected to be omniscient” and that other presidents have failed to handle some foreign affairs. The article then returns to the current crisis in Egypt and Niall concludes with the statement that Obama essentially has no plan.
Caitlin Pallai
Executive Order--Libya
"Executive Order--Libya | The White House." Home | The White House. 25 Feb. 2011. Web. 20 Mar. 2011.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/02/25/executive-order-libya
Summary: In wanting to find out what the United State's current position is on the Middle East revolutions, I went to the White House website and examined the Executive Orders. Currently there is no order out about Egypt, but President Obama has issued statements that we are unfavorable to the government in Libya and the devastation it has wrecked on its citizens. This is interesting because the order talks about Colonel Qadhafi being unnecessarily violent, and maybe the United States does not feel that the Egyptian government has reached the same extent to warrant interference. Or maybe their are other political factors involved.
Breanne Flynn
Egypt Protests Show American Foreign-Policy Folly
Kinzer, Stephen. "Egypt Protests Show American Foreign-Policy Folly." Newsweek.com. 28 January 2011. Web. 26 March 2011.
Link: http://www.newsweek.com/2011/01/28/egypt-protests-show-american-foreign-policy-folly.html
Summary: In this article Stephen Kinzer argues that with revolution erupting throughout the Middle East, the United States must adopt a new foreign policy and that "Never has it been clearer that the U.S. needs to reassess its long-term Middle East strategy. It needs new approaches and new partners." (If the U.S. doesn't, then the consequences could be damaging.)
Caitlin Pallai
Egypt: Lessons for US Foreign Policy
Naam, Ramez. "Egypt: Lessons for US Foreign Policy." ieet.org. Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies. 30 January 2011. Web. 26 March 2011.
Link: http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/naam20110130
Summary: In this article, Ramez Naam criticizes and explains the US foreign policy with Egypt and that "The US has a long history of supporting convenient dictators." As such, Ramez goes on to say that "moreover, all principles aside, it is simply in the long term best interests of the United States and the entire world to encourage democracy, liberty, and widespread prosperity across the whole of the planet."
Caitlin Pallai
When Allies Tumble
"When allies tumble. (Cover story)." Economist 398.8719 (2011): 33. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 5 Apr. 2011
Summary: This article is actually very informative in as a "before and after" look at the United States foreign policy towards Egypt.
Breanne Flynn
Cautious Pessimism
"Cautious pessimism.(EGYPT)." National Review. 63. 4 (March 7, 2011): 16. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. INLAN - Gonzaga University Library. 6 Apr. 2011
Summary: This article criticizes the U.S. position in Egypt, saying that the U.S. muddled its way through the process. The article says that the U.S. needs to take a more active role in supporting groups that stand against authoritarian governments and that if the U.S. had then Egypt would be more conditioned to transition into a democracy now.
Brenna Greene
Obama Hails Hosni Mubarak's Resignation: 'Egypt Will Never Be the Same'
Amanpour, Christine. "Obama Hails Hosni Mubarak's Resignation: 'Egypt Will Never Be the Sam'." ABC News International. 11 February 2011. Web. 6 April 2011.
Summary: Obama hails the Egyptian people for getting rid of Mubarak and praises where they will go next. (Article discusses how happy the Egyptian people are.)
Caitlin Pallai
Obama: 'This is not the end of Egypt's transition'
"Obama: 'This is not the end of Egypt's transition.'" ABC News International Video. 11 February 2011. Web. 6 April 2011.
Link:http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/video/president-barack-obama-egypt-transition-democracy-12895986
Summary: Obama gives remarks on Hosni Mubarak stepping down from his office and gives praise to the Egyptian people and says that Americans, as well as the world, can look up to them for their ability to obtain their freedom through non-violence.
Caitlin Pallai
Egypt Before and After
Credit the Egyptian People for the Egyptian Revolution
Zunes, Dr. Stephen. "Credit the Egyptian People for the Egyptian Revolution." Stephenzunes.org. 17 February 2011. Web. 3 March 2011.
Link:http://stephenzunes.org/category/topic/egypt/ (And then click on title of the article, which directs you to another site)
Summary: Dr. Stephen Zunes argues that the true credit for the Egyptian revolution lies with the people not the military, United States, the internet and WikiLeaks, the Muslim Brotherhood, or a spontaneous reaction to the Tunisian Revolution. Furthermore, the revolution highlights the power of non-violent protest.
Caitlin Pallai
Egyptian Voters Approve Constitutional Changes
MacFarquhar, Neil. "Egyptian Voters Approve Constitutional Changes." nytimes.com New York Times, 20 March 2011. Web. 21 March 2011.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/world/middleeast/21egypt.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp
Summary: Most Egyptians voted and approved a referendum of constitutional changes on Sunday. This action will lead to elections for a new leader; however, there is concern that the Muslim Brotherhood and religion crept into the voting process.
Caitlin Pallai
Egypt Opens Up Political Space
"Egypt Opens up Political Space - Africa - Al Jazeera English." AJE - Al Jazeera English. 13 Mar. 2011. Web. 16 Mar. 2011. .
<http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/20113138251454812.html>
Summary: This is an al-Jazeera article written about the proposed Egyptian constitutional amendments which have since been ratified. The single article taken by itself is now kind of irrelevant and outdated, but we should definitely keep checking al-Jazeera because they report so frequently on the topic and have very reliable and up-to-date information.
Breanne Flynn
Revolution, Delayed
Massimo Calabresi, et al. "Revolution, Delayed." Time 177.7 (2011): 30-36. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 22 Mar. 2011..
Summary: In addition to addressing the revolution more from the perspective of Egyptians living through it, this article also addressed the current government; and now that Mubarak is out of power, what his right-hand man, Suleiman is doing differently or not doing to control the revolution and/or alleviate the concerns of the people.
Breanne Flynn
Which path will Egypt choose?
Mirghani, Osman. "Which path will Egypt choose?." Asharq Alawsat (2011) Web. 21 Mar 2011.
<http://www.asharq-e.com/news.asp?section=2&id=24173>
Summary: This article focuses on what path Egypt should chose next. Among the recommendations are having the military stay out of the governmental process and having the government bring in independent experts that can help guide the government in the correct direction. The article offers hope for Egypt as it sees the core values of the revolution as Egyptians looked out for each other during the toughest times. The article also recognizes that the hardest part of the revolution is to come as change is the hardest.
Brenna Greene
Saving the Egyptian revolution
"Saving the Egyptian revolution. " Daily News Egypt 4 Mar. 2011, ProQuest Newsstand, ProQuest. Web. 21 Mar. 2011.
Summary: This article says that Egypt must have a government that combines secular and Islam because if it doesn't then the country will break out into civil war. The article also calls for the US to offer free trade in order to enable the economy and calls for the army to stay out of the way of the new government because if they don't then the old regime will resurface.
Brenna Greene
Great Egyptian revolution and the future road map
"Great Egyptian revolution and the future road map. " Daily News Egypt 18 Feb. 2011, ProQuest Newsstand, ProQuest. Web. 21 Mar. 2011
Summary: This article was incredibly interesting because it provided an anti- American perspective. The article called for the U.S. to stay out of the process of making a new Egyptian government and looked upon the Muslim Brotherhood as a good institution. It also called for many changes in Egypt that must be done immediately under the new government including freedom of the press and creating an elections commission.
Brenna Greene
Uniting Egypt's Opposition
Abaza, Khairi. "Uniting Egypt's Opposition: Who are the protestors and what do they want?" Foreignaffairs.com. 9 February 2011. Web. 26 March 2011.
Link: http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/67371/khairi-abaza/uniting-egypts-opposition
Summary: "Egypt’s various reform factions share a belief in an orderly transition to representative government but have wildly divergent political ideologies. How will these groups coexist in the post-Mubarak era?"
Caitlin Pallai
Democracy, Egyptian style
Tasneem, Sajida. “Democracy, Egyptian style.” Al- Ahram. Al- Ahram Organization, 17 Mar. 2011. Web. 27 Mar. 2011.
Link: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2011/1039/op151.htm
Summary: In this article, Sajida Tasneem asserts that Egypt must deny Westerm aid in order to remain free from Westerm control. She says that this article has proved every Westerner's opinion of Muslims on it's back and that Egyptians have managed to succeed without the help of Americans, so why do they need them now?
Brenna Greene
For Democracy in Egypt
"For Democracy in Egypt." Nation 28 Feb. 2011: 3+. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 5 Apr. 2011.11
Summary: This is an opinion piece from Nation magazine that provides one example of possible U.S. foreign policy towards Egypt now that Mubarak has been removed. It is very critical of the United States' stance at this point.
Breanne Flynn
