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The People Demand: Unpacking the Myths of Democracy and the Arab Uprisings

This piece explores the complex narratives surrounding democracy in the Middle East, focusing on the enduring notions of Western Orientalism and the historical interventions that claimed to promote freedom and self-governance in the region. Examining voices from figures like Lord Cromer and reflecting on the realities of Arab uprisings, the text questions the premise of needing liberation from Western perspectives. It highlights key themes of dignity, freedom, and social justice while addressing the impact of external powers on local movements.

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The People Demand: Unpacking the Myths of Democracy and the Arab Uprisings

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Presentation Transcript

  1. People Demand… The People Demand…

  2. The WEST and the REST • Enduring Notions? • Destined to be despotic; • DEMOCRACY HAS TO BE BROUGHT FORM THE OUTSIDE (by the west)

  3. Expressions of the Orientalist imaginary

  4. THEODORE ROOSEVELT: • IT IS IMPORSSIBLE TO EXPECT MORAL, INTELLECTUAL AND MATERIAL WELL-BEING WHERE MOHAMMEDANISM IS SUPREME. • EGYTIANS ARE PEOPLE OF MUSLIM FELLAHIN WHO HAVE NEVER IN ALL TIME EXERCIZED ANY SELF-GOVERNMENT WHATSOEVER.

  5. British Consul-General to Egypt (1883-1907) Lord Cromer announced, "I am here to liberate Muslim women, I am here to liberate them from Islam" - a view that demonstrates the desire to rescue the Muslim woman, even if against her will. • YET, he was the founder of the Women’s National Anti-Suffrage League (1908-1918) established in London on 21 July 1908.

  6. National liberation movement were always oppressed: • Lord Cromer: The real future of Egypt...lies not in the direction of a narrow nationalism, which will only embrace Egyptians... but rather in that of an enlarged cosmopolitanism.

  7. HOW THE WEST DOES IT? • DEPICT THE ARAB WORLD AS BACKWORD

  8. What about Historical Background? • USA: Support the Mujahidin to get rid of the Soviets in Afghanistan • Taliban took it to the extreme…

  9. THE MYTH IS STILL ALIVE • IRAQ WAR: BRINGING DEMORACY ON A TANK • THE WEST HAS A MISSION TO DEMOCRATIZE THE REGION

  10. ARAB UPRISINGS and THE MYTH OF ORIENTALISM

  11. Clearly don’t need rescue!

  12. What about People’s Movement?

  13. Arab Uprisings • Is it a Spring? • Is it an awakening? • Palestinian Struggle • Poetry – Art • 4000 Strikes and Protests between 1988-2011 • Is it a Revolution? • Revolutionary Process

  14. Demand WHAT? • Dignity • Bread • Freedom • Social Justice Against Neo-liberalism • People DEMAND

  15. Outcome? • For Every Revolution a Counter-Revolution • Facebook – Twitter (Contain the Revolution) • Violence in Syria and the Role of External Powers! • West support in Bahrain for the KSA • Structures and Formal Participation? • Elections • Referendum • Informal Politics • Art?

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