What Education Can Do
By Anila Ali
Irvine , CA
Could these words from the President of the greatest democracy in the world have inspired the Egyptian people?
“Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.
“There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments – provided they govern with respect for all their people.” ( President Obama’s Cairo address to the Muslim World, June 2009)
The Arab world seems to be emerging from a long sleep, a sleep induced by apathy. The cause of this uprising is simply a desire to live freely in a democratic country; it isn’t an Islamists movement to take over Egypt. Prince Abdullah of Jordan heeded the call of his people, sacked his government, and asked Marouf Bakhit to form a new government. Although initially fearful of a revolt against their government, the Iranians also gave a statement in support of the people of Egypt against Mubarak’s oppressive regime. As for the fear of Islamists, from the evidence on the streets, the Islamist groups have so far only followed, and not led, the movement. But we still worry that a repressive Islamist government may take over and that would further destabilize the region. Let’s face it: none of the protestors mentioned anything about Islam or the Qur’an. In fact, most protestors vehemently extolled the democratic ideals of the West as being their guiding light.
This revolution is an example of what education can do. These young and brave Egyptians are tired of a corrupt government, lack of economic reforms, and poverty. They need to be heard. These are not fundamentalists waiting to don long beards and spew hatred for the West. They are revolutionaries, asking for the same freedoms that we take for granted - freedom to have a government of the people, by the people, for the people.
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