الربيع العربيAn International Call to Address the Consistencies of Injustice

An International Call to Address  the Consistencies of Injustice: Arab Spring 13 years later

﷽ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الظَّالِمُون

Innahū lā yuflihuz-zālimūn

Indeed the unjust will not be successful.

(Sūrat al-An‘ām, No.6, Āyat 135)

نداء دولي لمعالجة تناقضات الظلم: الربيع العربي بعد 13 عاماً

In December 2010, the world witnessed a critical event that triggered a widespread and transformative uprising. It sprang not from elaborate speeches or political scheming, but from the desperate action of a single person. Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation in Tunisia served as a poignant reminder of the oppressive circumstances endured by numerous individuals living under autocratic regimes. His sacrifice, fueled by economic hardship and systemic injustice, reverberated across borders and cultures, igniting a wave of protests that swept through North Afraka world and worldwide.

From Tunisia to Egypt (مصر), Syria (سوريا) to Yemen (اليمن), the Arab Spring (الربيع العربي) emerged as a potent reminder of the interconnectedness of injustice, transcending national boundaries and cultural divides. It laid bare the consistent patterns of oppression and exploitation perpetuated by authoritarian regimes, where political dissent is met with brutality and dissenting voices are silenced. In Egypt, the legacy of the Arab Spring remains amidst economic upheaval, massive corruption, and political paralysis. The promise of political reform and social justice remains elusive, overshadowed by the entrenched interests of a ruling elite unwilling to relinquish power. Cairo, once the epicenter of revolutionary fervor, now bears witness to the erosion of political expression and the stifling of dissenting voices.

Yet, the specter of injustice has reached far beyond the borders of the Arab world. In America, the land of the free, injustice is integrated into the structure of the nation, manifesting in biased algorithms and the unchecked surveillance of its citizens. The American flag, a symbol of freedom and democracy, belies the systemic inequalities and injustices that persist within its borders. But the struggle against injustice has no bounds. It is a worldwide call to action that transcends race, religion, and nationality. It demands radical transformation, not mere reparations or symbolic gestures. The revolution is not a singular event but a continual process of building and organizing against the powers of oppression.

President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt resigned on February 11, 2011, in response to significant protests occurring in Cairo's Tahrir Square (ميدان التحرير). The protests were motivated by corruption during Mubarak's leadership, which favored a select group associated with his National Democratic Party (NDP). Following Mubarak's resignation, Egypt underwent a period of military governance until June 2012, when Mohammed Mursi, an Islamist, was democratically elected as president. Nevertheless, his president was of little duration, resulting in the commencement of another period of military governance starting in July 2013. Conditions of repression, injustice, despotism, and corruption have long served as harbingers of impending revolution in Egypt and other regions. The Arab Spring and Jasmine Revolution caught despotic regimes off guard, initiating a radical shift in the dynamics of governance and mass control. For instance, the Egyptian government restricted access to high-speed internet following the 2011 uprising, recognizing the pivotal role of technological revolution in facilitating organization and mobilization among the populace.

In Tahrir Square, the heart of the Egyptian revolution, disparities still linger, a testament to the unfinished work of justice. The question remains: What will we do? The plea to address injustice resonates from all parts of the world, urging a united and proactive response based on solidarity. It is time to dismantle the systems of oppression, to challenge the status quo, and to build a world founded on principles of equity, justice, and human dignity. The Arab Spring was not merely a moment in history but a rallying call for all who wish to challenge injustice wherever it may exist. The time for change is now.

In Egypt and globally, the persistence of inflation and economic instability worsens disparities and undermines prosperity. In Egypt specifically, high inflation rates, economic extraction, and widespread corruption plague the nation, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement across generations. Despite promises of political reform and social justice, meaningful change remains elusive, with entrenched systems and institutions maintaining the status quo of injustice. Moreover, limitations on political expression and freedom of speech persist, both in Cairo and in nations worldwide. Biases present in algorithms and data record-keeping in the United States hinder political expression and sustain systemic inequalities. In essence, injustice remains embedded in the fabric of nations, transcending borders and cultures.

Addressing these systemic injustices requires radical transformations of governments, institutions, and societal norms. Merely retreating from positions of power or offering reparations is insufficient; true change demands a fundamental overhaul of existing systems and a commitment to building more equitable societies. The ongoing struggle for justice is an enduring process that requires collective action and unwavering dedication from individuals and institutions worldwide.

Resources:

https://www.dohainstitute.org/en/lists/ACRPS-PDFDocumentLibrary/Repercussions_of_the_Arab_Spring.pdf

The Power of the Street: Evidence from Egypt’s Arab Spring