847) ثقافة الإمتحان و الصندوق !!

فى إعتقادى إن التركيز على صندوق الإنتخاب ما هو إلا إمتداد لثقافة التركيز على الإمتحان كهدف و ليس كأداة  تقييم، و التى كانت أحد الأسباب الرئيسية فى إنحراف منظمومة التعليم عن أهدافها و رسالتها. سي

 صندوق الإنتخاب ليس غاية و لا حتى وسيلة للديمقراطية... صندوق الإنتخاب ما هو إلا اّليه من اّليات الديمقراطية.. هدف أى حزب شريف و وطنى هو إحساس الناس بالفارق الإيجابى لوجوده بالحكم حتى لو كانوا معارضين لحكمه، و بهذا يستطيع أن يكسب أرضية و إحترام أكبر فى الإنتخابات. 

سي

 للأسف الأجيال التى تربت على إعتبار إمتحان أخر السنة هو الهدف من الصعب إقناعها إن تحصيل العلم و التغيير الإيجابى فى شخصية المتعلم و قدرتة على توظيف العلم هى الغاية، و ليست هى النجاح فى الإمتحان حتى لو بحشر المعلومات أو بالغش. و هذا للأسف إنعكس على الممارسات الإنتخابية كإهتمام و مساعدة المواطنين لأيام أو أسابيع قبل الإنتخابات ، و المحاولة بكل الطرق المشروعة و غير المشروعة الفوز بها.

سي

هذا الشبل من ذاك الأسد ..

M.O.H.@.L.Y

830) "Bab El Khoroug" .. Is it our Way Out?!

Since the mega split that happened in the 19^th of March Referendum, and many Egyptians – if not most of them- are wondering; “What is our WAY OUT?” Where are we heading? .. It has been discussed on TV, Radio, Newspapers, Social Media, everywhere except among those who have the power (SCAF and now Ekhwan). No roadmap was drawn or a path was set that can contain people together and work on the long term (as always mentioned in this blog).

Less than couple of weeks ago I had a board meeting at Nahdet El Mahrousa, and my fellow board member, and AUC colleague Ayman Ismail - a great guy by the way - has insisted that I don’t go home unless I buy a copy of the new Novel for Dr.Ezzeldin Choukri Fishere -a former diplomat and professor of political science at the American University in Cairo-  “Bab El Khoroug ; The Exit Gate or The Way Out”. His persistence made me go buy it and even start reading on the same night … The weird thing is I really couldn’t stop reading till the following night where I spent the whole Friday in reading more than 500 pages till I finished the novel with a floundering mind.

The novel analyzes and predicts the political situation of Egypt from 1990 until 2020 through the eyes of Aly Shoukry, the president’s translator and then secretary for information, as he witnesses the revolution and its aftermath. The novel is written as a letter from the Aly to his son, explaining how he ultimately came to betray his country’s nuclear plans to strike Israel and US presence in the area using secretly acquired arsenal.

It was very daring of Dr.Fishere to publish it in Tahrir Newspaper on periodical daily episodes and committing to his readers without even finishing it specially it is concerned with ongoing actions… Dr.Fishere says, “I have been preoccupied by its plot and main characters for a few months, and I had this urge not only to write it but to get it out to the public. I felt if I didn't do it now, it will be overtaken by events – because it is a novel interwoven with current events.” The beautiful and unconventional thing about the Novel is that although you know the end, you keep a real suspense all over the reading, and you can easily relate to each and every single incidence as if you are an eye witness.

“Bab El Kheroug is not just about the bloody upheavals of a divided Egypt, but also about the life and loves; regrets and lessons learned; joys and struggles of the kind and introverted Aly. The characters in Bab El Kheroug are directly involved in the government or politically active in some way. Empowered, active and hopeful, albeit stuck in a vicious cycle, these characters are the product of Egypt’s revolution; they did not exist before January 25^th, 2011.” says Asmaa Abdallah, a journalist.

“The old world is receding, but the new one is not there yet. Bab El Khoroug is a beginning, a door I am trying to open for myself and my readers. Maybe all I want is to be able, in ten years, to tell the world: I told you so!” Dr.Fishere adds. The interesting thing is that some of the predicted incidents have already happened in the last couple of months after publishing the episodes.

We have to work together and establish a new generation that gets over what we are facing now and looks at the future in a different way. This is in my opinion – Mohaly- is our only way out.

Mohaly

Link to an Interview with Dr.Fishere about it .. Click Here
Link to the Novel ... Click Here
Buy it from Dar El Sherouk.

813) Sar7'et Kalam ... صرخة قلم !

صرخة فى قلب العدم 

صرخة بطعم الألم

صرخة من غير ندم

صرخة حر ضد الخدم

صرخة شهيد إتعدم

و شباب كتير إتظلم

صرخة رافعه العلم

و بتدى الظالم بالقلم

صرخة ملل

صرخة أمل

صرخة تحدى

فى وش البجم

صرخة لكسر الطوق

صرخة علشان نفوق

و نرجَّع رأسنا لفوق

و نحقق الحلم اللى إتحَلم

Mohaly

767) Mothers' Day: Masr Heya 2ommy !

This year we have all celebrated mother's day together, we have all celebrated it with Egypt (2om El Donya). The referendum day was a precious present that Egypt deserved big time. Although I wish that we have got her a better present (a new and soon constitution) by saying No, but the pride I have seen in the eyes of the people, and the millions standing in the streets for hours made me feel that Egypt is finally celebrating its first Mother's day in looooong years. I was optimistic about continuing the revolution and now I have more solid reason to be more optimistic despite of the disappointing results that I totally respect.

"Our Path for Democracy is not over yet, it has just became harder"... it wasn't a game or a battle as much as fighting for reaching democracy in a better way. Anyway, being a strategist obliges me to overcome my sadness, and think more strategically about reaching our goal... I think that there are some important points and lessons that we have to take into consideration after going through the first real democratic experience:

1. Saying Yes or No is over, and hence the split should be over, and we both should focus on reaching democracy in the best possible way taking into consideration the new obstacles resulting from saying yes. (Check The Egyptian Democracy).

2. There must be a coalition of all non-NDP, and anti-theocracy supporters, where we join forces in working together, reaching out, and campaigning so that this coalition can aim for 50% of the new People's assembly. We have to know who is running for each area and what is his/her "agenda" before voting. We have to fight as well for giving the right of Egyptians abroad to Vote.

3. The Internet is the right media for exploring, discussing, and agreeing upon strategies, but it is not the right media for a huge reach out (Cairo 41% said no, while it reached 80+% in some governorates). If we want to make a real difference, we need to be present in all the major cities of all the governorates, specially in "People's Assemble Elections". We need to talk to people in their language, and ADDRESS their concerns.

4. Egyptians love their country, but many of them are illiterate or politically ignorant, and it is the role of the well educated people to educate the first about how not to be bought, and educate the 2nd how to read between the lines and look further than his/her feet.

5. Religion will be part of the game whether we like it or not, so we have to make use of the religious figures who are supporting our approach for democracy (non-Theological), and be ready for all the questions, and assumptions made by Ekhwan, Salafyeen, Gihad...etc.

6. We have to know that the path is still long to reach the civil democratic state, and we should support each other, complete each other, and always think of the overall welfare of the country not ourselves...let's dedicate sometime every week for working on our goal, 5 or 10% of the time, let's forget about summer vacations this year and take the time off in working more toward the goal....

2011 is a turning point in the history of Egypt, and for the first time, we can really make a difference of where this country will be heading.

Happy Mothers' Day ya Masr.

we Bardo Motafa2el :)
Mohaly

766) We are making History .. Let's be up to it !

 19/3/2011 is a historic day in Egypt ... 

For the first time since the establishment of the Egyptian Republic in 1953 (actually since 1924), many Egyptians are going with a free will and after long debates to give their vote knowing that every vote does count and make a difference. This is the first time that we don't really know what will be the real result. Actually, I am expecting that about 20 million people will join and the winning majority won't be like the unrealistic previous differences.

By now, you most probably have made up your mind...and whether you will vote Yes or No, you have to be ready to accept what the majority chooses and start acting upon it and see how you will plan for the next period accordingly. No for Violence, No for protesting, No for attacking, Yes for working together for a real Democracy. Democracy means ... thinking, debating, campaigning, voting, and accepting, then evaluating, thinking...etc.

I am completely convinced with NO, and respect those who will say Yes.

May God Bless Egypt and guide us for its best.

Mohaly

P.S. Please don't campaign for or against in the comments to comply with the restriction made by the Armed Forces for not campaigning pro or against the referendum today and tomorrow.

764) I will GO and say NO !

I usually don't take much time in realizing and taking decisions. However, it took me a whole week to think about shall I vote for or against the constitutional amendments on the referendum taking place after another week (on March 19th). Although I am aiming for having a completely new constitution -since we had a revolution for "eskat el nizam" and starting a new era with new rules, values, and systems- I tried to give it a try and think about the amendemnts, read a lot, watch TV programs, and discuss with friends... After all these activities I have finally decided to go on 19/3 and vote AGAINST the amendments, I will simple say NO.


Why did I reach this conclusion, why will I say NO?

1. Presidential Powers: In a country still having people protesting saying "We are Sorry Mubarak", I don't trust any president with such Devine powers in the constitution. I don't even trust myself if I have all these powers. So what will oblige the new president to call for a consitution that will minimize his or her authorities

to less than half. Please don't say: Tahrir Square, this is like "Wednak Meneen ya Go7a" (Arabic quote for taking the long and sophisticated way instead of cutting it short and simple)! I do support having the next president for 1 term only.

2. The Package voting: (voting for the whole changes) is simply unfair and doesn't make sense because if I don't agree with any of the articles, I have to say No for the rest as well. For example, I am pro cancelling article 179 (Terrorism), but at the same time against some of the modifications in article 75 (Marriage, & No max. Age), and some other points, then simply I can't say yes.

3. No Options:  Even if they will have it as a package there should be 2 options. For example in article 139, I am for obliging the president to have a Vice-President, but I am not for having it by appointment (what prohibits him of getting his cousin, or even son as a VP!). Electing a VP will help us to have more control on the absolute power of the president, and have smooth transition of power till the fixed elections date. I would have preferred to have 2 or 3 clear strategies or plans to choose from.

4. Obligation for a New Constitution: article 189 obliges People's assembly to call for a new constitution, and says nothing about obliging the president to call for it if he was elected first! In addition, the committee responsible for establishing the new constution should be elected directly from the people like what happened in many countries all over the world (Tunisia will do it in July).

5. People's Assembly elections: Voting yes means I agree on the Supreme Council plan to have parliament elections in June, and this is a scary thought for me. Elections while the revolution is not over yet, and parties are not formed yet, is very risky and won't have real reflection of the street powers specially if we continued electing people the same way we do (single vs. coalition lists).

6. Gaining Time: There should be an extra point in the referendum giving us the option of what will be done if the majority said no (most prob. re-amending, or hopefully new constitution). I think saying No will oblige the Supreme council to consider what the people want and stop the unrealistic plan of finishing everything by August without having clear and solid steps in paving the way for democracy and new parties representation.

The Government has launched a poll to see the overall direction of the people regarding this issue (they finall decide to make use of the IDSC) and it ended up in 59% saying No.

I think the best solution is setting some "Mabade2 Destoreya" that can temporarily replace the illegitimate constitution and make us survive for the next 6 months while working on a new constitution leading to electing a new People's assembly and eventually a new president by the end of 2011.


I didn't write this article to make you say no, it is your vote and you are responsible for it. I was just reflecting my thoughts, findings, and concerns. The only thing I am urging you to do is to go and vote. I am against boycotting it as I see it very risky... Experience having a value and the ability of making a difference.


For me, I will GO and say NO...

Mohaly

Link to Amendments: http://www.almasryalyoum.com/node/332005

762) Being Egyptian 2.0: The Egyptian Democracy !

Since Mubarak's second speech, I have been watching -and experieicing myself- numerous debates between people for and against one issue or another (Mubarak ends his term or not, people leave the streets or not, and the famous debate about Shafik that wasted a lot of precious time and effort). Having different opinion is something needed and very healthy if we want to have a democratic system on all levels, I remember a Japanese proverb saying: "The day we stop discussing different opinions, they day we stop producing". However, what I didn't like is the immature culture of not understanding what debates and discussions are all about. I have seen friends un-friending each other on facebook, I have seen friends insulting and cursing each other...FOR WHAT, for having different Opinions!!



Honestly I was afraid that this will be the Egyptian Version of Democracy, and for a minute I was afraid that what Omar Soliman said about democracy in Egypt was right. But I quickly got these negative thoughts out of my mind, and decided to be more positive through getting engaged in all the discussions and keeping the highest level of tolerance and acceptance till I oblige the other party to respect the conversation without turning it into personal debate or fight.

That is why I decided to write about democracy and how can we have our own positive understanding of democracy in Egypt keeping into consideration our culture and norms. I do believe that there are certain rules about democracy that is common everywhere, but there are some other that have to consider the culture of each country.. So how do I see Egyptian Democracy?

Common Rules:
- Freedom of expression: Listening to each other, and respecting others opinions evern if we disagree.
- Tolerance: Entering any debate with the intention of changing your mind if it makes sense.
- Acceptance: of the opinion of the majority, and the rigths of the minority.
- Faith: Knowing that your voice count even if you are a minority.
Egyptian Flavour:
- Charisma and Kindness: It is part of the culture here that at least 50% of the discussion will be based on the charisma and how kind is your opposition.. We are emotional, and we have to take that into consideration.
- Sarcasm: Ability to mock different parties but within the limits of not insulting them.
- Fazlaka: We may expect too much talking and lengthy introduction to the point, and knowing everything.

What was happening for those for and anti Shafik, and now between Muslims and Christians, Men, Women, black and white lists...etc is not right... I mean everyone has the right to express his opinion but without attacking or fighting others. Your opinion is right but may be wrong, and my opinion is right but may be wrong. We have to realize and differentiate between having different opinions, and those who want us to be always on fire leading to Chaos. We need to reach a win win situation. We can't afford any party losing in such critical time.

(c) Olemdia

How to Turn REVOLUTION to EVOLUTION?
Educate people about Democracy and its values.
Volunteer time to help People understand and share.
Optimism will never let you give up, specially during hard times.
Love will help you not to hate people who have different opinions. 
Unity of different backgrounds and ideologies into one big vision.
Trust is essential for people to cooperate even if they have different beliefs.
Integrity leads to credibility and trust.
Organization of people who share the same values and thoughts.
Non-Violence is the tool of the powerful people (we were a great example for the world).

We have impressed the world with our Egyptian Revolution, and we need to continue impressing them with our Egyptian Democracy.

Mohaly

761) The Arab Kleptocracy of Egypt !

After seeing all this corruption in Egypt by the "National Democractic Party" and the "State Security", I can say that we will be unfair if we called what was happeneing in Egypt as Autocracy.


An autocracy is a form of government in which one person possesses unlimited power, but this person may be working for the sake of Egypt with a clear vision and doesn't hear except his voice, and this wasn't exactly the case with the former regime.
I think what we had is simply a kleptocracy which is a term applied to a government subject to control fraud that takes advantage of governmental corruption to extend the personal wealth and political power of government officials and the ruling class (kleptocrats). This is done through taking from state funds at the expense of the wider population, sometimes without even doing an honest service. This is the official definition of the word, and I feel that as if it has been tailored exactly on the Egyptian Regime although it has been there since the Greeks. The word has a complete and solid meaning now when you apply it on Mubarak's era. The term simply means "ruling by thieves". 
I am asking you dear readers to use the right word for what we have been through. We were experiencing  a nightmare of a Kleptocratic Regime that had been ruled by Theives, and had been protected by Thugs. We have to be persistent on getting everyone specially the big whales on trial and pursue every penny in Egypt and abroad. It is our children and grand children's right and they won't forgive us if we didn't do our best to get it back.
 "تسقط لصوصية مصر العربية".


So let's work together on removing the traces of this UGLY regime and move on to Real Democracy where we, through consensus, direct referendum, or elected representatives exercise equal control over the matters which affect our interests. Sometimes you will be within the majority, sometime you will be a minority, but this doesn't matter as long as you have a say.


Mohaly

We don't wanna FINISH our Revolution ... We wanna COMPLETE it.

758) Egypt 2.0 ::: DVF > R !!

Many of my MBA or Diploma students will remember this formula, for the rest of my dear readers, let me explain... In order to have any mega change or wide change in a system whether it is an organization or even a country, there is a certain formula that controls this.. DVF>R

D is Dissatisfaction with the current situation that needs to be changed
V is Vision of why, what and how you want to change
F is the First concrete and solid steps that fastens the change process
R is the Resistance to change.

If any of the 3 factors on the left side of this formula is missing, the whole change process will simply fail because it will be equal to zero and multiplying any of the rest by zero will lead to zero, and the resistance will win.

If we simply applied this to our situation now in Egypt, we will find that:
- We was (and still are) dissatisfied with the situation Egypt has been in whether in the day to day life, overall goals, international positioning, corruption, dehumanization...etc. That is the (D).
- We have an incomplete Vision about why and how we are changing and where we are heading; hence, we need to work together and have a transparent conversation with the governing body (Army) to reach consensus about that or else we will lose the (V).
- We have taken 1 concrete step in the change process (taking out Mubarak), but it is not yet enough for the ignition power needed for change and standing on a solid ground, this needs to be reinforced with the real change in our governing system (Constitution) that will be the threshold for building a different system on the short and long term, or else we will risk losing the (F) as well.
- On the other hand, the Resistance is something that we have to take into account big time because the resistance -although it is standing alone on the right side of the equation- is reinforced by many factors like the Shafik's Government, Amn El Dawla,7ezb Watany leaders, and even people who are with the revolution, but don't have the enough pateince and tolerance to ride through this extremely hard and challenging period.

So in short, we have a big role in working together to:
1) Respect the dissatisfaction of some people and try to make them understand the nature of this period, baring in mind that many people seek the welfare of the country even if they have different point of view.
2) Reach a common ground on the Vision of where are we heading at least for the coming period.
3) Focus on the constitution (changes and new one) as it is the most important factor in building a new republic.
4) Push more and more for prosectuing the corruption figures even if in power, take faster actions with having a clean government, and respectful police, and having a Transparent, & continous dialogue with the army to be able to minimize the Resistance.
And above all NOT LOSING THE FAITH in ourselves and our ability to make things happen and shape history ... imagine how proud you will be when you can make a real positive change in your country that will affect its development for years and years to come, and stand one day proud that you didnt give up and completed your war for freedom and development till you accomplish your mission no matter how hard it is.

The more you drive, the less you are driven.
God Bless You, God Bless Egypt..
Mohaly

We don't wanna FINISH our Revolution ... We wanna COMPLETE it.

757) Revolution 2.0 is still uploading !

Mel akher ...

This Revolution was to get back our country, and although I am optimistic about the end in-shaa-Allah, but I am not feeling good regarding what is happening and what is not happening now..

There are direct and clear actions that can make this revolution rest and start focusing on development only:

1. Mubarak's appointed government ( including governors) has to go down, and a transitional independent government has to run the country during the 6 months. By the way Mr.Shafik, it is a Revolution not a Movement as you claim, I hope you can get it.

2. Mubarak's party the NPD has to be frozen till the end of people assembly elections (that has to be after the election of a new president), so that they turn into an opposition party and earn their way up like any other party. By the way Muabark is still officially the president of NDP, and this freezing will cut any kind of offical power for him and its members.

3. The amended constitution has to include the articles tackling the authority of the president and minize it against the legistlative and judicial authorities. It has to be issued as a Temp Constitution that has to be replaced by a permanent constitution before end of 2012 , so that the new president will be obliged to do it.

4. Have Gamal Mubarak on Trial and joining his friend Ahmed Ezz in Jail to stop the fishy stuff that is taking place these days, and start taking serious actions for getting our money back from Muabarak's family and their friends (like Hussien Salem) and assistants (like Safwat El Sherif).

5. Immediate freedom for all those who were detained in Jan 25th revolution (the non-criminals), and change the structure and nature of "Amn El Dawla".

6. Setting a definite date for suspending the State of Emergency, it has to be before the constitutional referendum (i.e before April), and announce the results of investigating what happened on 28/1 and 2/2 so that people can start trusting the Police.

7. Ignoring the desperate trials from some of the old regime tails to split the unity of the Egyptians in one way or another (religious, ideology, money....etc).

Otherwise, I dont think this revolution can rest and declare real and complete victory. Time is passing and we need to move on with the development of our country ... The 21st century cant wait more than that for Egypt to catch.

We don't wanna FINISH our Revolution ... We wanna COMPLETE it.

God Bless Egypt,

Mohaly

750) Egypt :: The Time of Wisdom !

The Ignition of the Revolution needed the power of Youth, but at this stage we need the Wisdom of the elder people without losing the momentum of the youth. 

In this endless loop of Egyptian regime and protesters action and reaction to see who will surrender, I think the practical way out of this situation is through "Lagnet El 7okama2"- Wise-men Committee (http://www.shabab-masr.com/) who can negotiate with regime and the protesters while keeping protesting and the right of protesting at anytime anywhere in any number, till we reach what we need (MUBARAK DOWN).

This committee has the best people in the country, and to be more practical:

1) They should be delegated from the protesters and they can lead the negotiations and do all the changes.
2) Mubarak has to leave now, he should just go and spend the remaining time  in Sharm.
3) The committee should divide the transitional period to 2 parts; from Feb to Aug., and from Sept till end of 2012. The first part has to do with the urgent reformations (like 76,77,88 in constitution, canceling emergency law, parliment elections..etc), ending by the presidential elections. The second part is the part where a new constitution needs to be established along with its laws, and the whole new hierahcy and flow of the country, and I think the President elect in 2011 should be leading this part and then call for new elections by end of 2012 (become and Interim President leading the transition) this can be Amr Moussa, Ahmed Zewial...etc. Then have a completely new president then.

By the way..these protests are a real revolution...so please let's refer to it as "Thawret El Ghadab - Rage Revolution" as it started, or "Thawret El Shabab - Youth Revolution", and not just a protest.

May Allah bless this country.

Mohaly

 م"مصر تستحق قيادة أفضل تعكس الإمكانات الهائلة لأكثر من ثمانين مليون مصري، وتعكس مكانتها الهائلة في قلوب مئات الملايين من العرب والمسلمين. "

"For those who want to see results, negotiations should continue. For those who want to avoid starvation, work should start. For those who don't trust the regime, demonstrations continue" Sherif Saleh

749) Gom3et El Bedaya !

Before you read this article, please note that.I am one of those who have been writing on the blog and facebook for a long time regarding reformation in Egypt. I have been a member in many reformation groups on facebook, and have taken part in some of the last week protests and still see protest as a bargaining power. Plz read post 748.


In these very hard days, we need to stop for a minute and think together. This Regime is a lousy one, and proved to be really weak one. Actually the last thing I'd care about is Muabark himself, I do care about OUR FUTURE on the short and long term. I don't even care about who will come as much as HOW he will come.


The regime, and us have solid stand, while the majority of the people are in the middle. The one who will be able to take them on his side will eventually win... We need to change our strategy and tactics when we find the regime winning significant number of the masses.

Although we haven't won the whole war against the old system and anti-reformists, but we won some battles so far, let's explore it together:
- Leading the power of the street, and obliging the regime to do many changes in 1 week that it didn't do in the last 30 years (even it is on the tactical level) which is a great insurance and power point if we found the regime is fooling us.
- Ensuring the good relations and support with the Army (the real insurance of what the regime has promised).
- Having started a real and public dialogue with the current regime to move into a new phase with much better people and figures (with Ahmed Shafiq & Omar Soliman).
- Having a public apology for the first time since Mubarak came to power (today by the PM).
- Having a reputable "Wisdom Committee" by Egyptian figures who can play a great role in supporting and mentoring the negotiations. http://www.shabab-masr.com/
- Having Muabark out in September (potentially).
- Potential Trials for the traitors and corrupted people.
- Potential massive change in the Parliament.
- Changing some urgent articles in the constitution.
- Gaining National & International Respect and Support.
- Last and not least, changing the culture of the Egyptians and awaking all the good traits that were almost gone, and those who tasted it can't allow going back to dirt.

What did we are still missing: (some strategic ones THAT we have to negotiate vigorously this week)
- Cancelling the Emergency law (biggest miss so far and should be no.1 in negotiations).
- Mubarak resigning from the presidency of NPD (should be no.2 in negotiation, this will kill the NDP).
- Cancelling the last elections and calling for a new parliament (should be no.3 in negotiation).
- Dropping the whole Constitution and having a new one (can be postponed to be right after the presidential elections as long as there are open reforms with supervised referendums in the current one).
- Having Mubarak out now (the constitutional dilemma!).

As I said in my last article, this is the time for negotiation, and I was asking to continue the protests while negotiating.. there are MANY people getting into the scene and trying to jump over the revolution...and same thing happening from people inside the regime as well. I think -I may be wrong- but again I THINK we need to change tactics, and go protesting in different places -that don't have to be in Tahrir- while negotiating during the coming days. We need to WIN THIS REVOLUTION.

It is not about the security, daily life, and such stuff, those who are looking for that are short term thinkers..it is about building on what we gained to continue our marsh for democracy, there is no link between Tahrir protests and going back to work as they claim. "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin in 1818

I have studied Strategic Studies, I am teaching Strategic Management, and I am trying as much as I can to have a bird view....

• I can say that with all the dangers that may be or not be planned by the regime, we have to focus now on negotiation and make them (whomever they are; regime, ekhwan, or others) miss the chance to ruin our revolution....... 
• We just have to keep alert and active during the coming days of negotiations, and then go back if nothing happens or if they didn't ensure what will be agreed upon in public. We need either to grow Trust with the new VP & government, or lose it forever. 
• They have to be worried all the time.. we cant just leave him till September, he must know that we can come again on ANY Friday if he is not committed to what they promised.

When this revolution started it had many aims, and we need to keep focusing on them and only them. Let's have this as GOM3ET EL BEDAYA (Friday of Starting a new phase in the Egyptian History). Mafeesh Thawra Belta2seet.

Again I may be wrong, this is my "Ijtihad"... If we have to continue going to the protests today anyway, PLEASE make sure that everyone in the protest is clean as we did on Tuesday. We can't afford further clashes, we really can't.

To all Muslims & Christian guys and girls: please go to the mosques & churches today at noon and let's pray together at the same time for our beloved Country asking God to do the best for the country and its people.


May God bless us, and help us to pass these critical days and months.

Mohaly

P.S. BTW Wezaret El 2elam lazem tetnesef.

748) To Egypt ... with Love !

I celebrated my birthday this year as I have never did before... I celebrated it in the streets whether standing defending my home and family or in the protests (of Jan 25, Jan 29, and Feb 1) defending democarcy (picture to the left of me taking part of Feb 1st Million Protesters peaceful Protest).

After all the ups and downs that happened this great historical week, I think the people have started to gain a lot on the tactical level, but still way to go on the Strategic level. I mean some serious changes happened (VP, new government, ..etc), but the real deep root change hasn't yet.

This can be summarized in (if Mubarak really wants to continue his presidency safely):
1) Having a Supreme Committee of independednt reputable people to put a new demoratic consitution and have a national referundum about it.
2) Calling for new Elections (supervised by the Judges and watched by the national and international entities) for the Parilment, and the winning party/ies form the real government of the people and for the people.
3) Cancelling the Emergency Law effective Immediately, along with a public trail for those who betrayed the country.
4) Resigning from the presidency of the National Democratic Party (there wont be a party if he resigned, I assure you).
5) Passing the day to day work and public communication and real power to the Vice-President and not appearing again till the end of the presidential period.
These stuff are STRATEGIC and guides us where to head durin the coming months and even years, regardless of who is governing us. It is about HOW and not WHO.

The best outcome of what happened is that it showed us the we are good and still alive. I was there and part of what happened... I have been there for the last 4 years over the internet, but it feels so different when I am part of the events myself (see the youngest protester to the right).

This is the time to start negotiation in parallel with keeping peacful protests. The negotations should include all needs, and its results should be announced by the army as an insurance. The problem is who will negotiate, and they will play on this point, and this may lead to clashes between pro and anti-regime protests that requires the interference of the police under the name of keeping the safety of them both..

If they dont negoiate soon in one way or another, then people have no choice other than continuing massive street protests with all its consequences.


I was optimistic till yesterday, now I can't say I am still optimistic...There is something wrong in the equation, and it will end up with unpredictable results.

Democracy has a price and we have already paid a big chunck of it.

God Bless Egypt & Egyptians
Mohaly

744) Wala We 3amalouha el Tawansa !

اذا الشعب يومآ اراد الحياة فلابد ان يستجيب القدر

This was said by the Tunisian great poet "Al Shaby", and as if he was predicting what will happen in his country.... What happened during the past week ending up with the impeachment of President Ben Ali is something that deserves respect from all the Arab countries. The Chaos happening now is a product of the long years of suppression, but I am sure it is a phase that will pass. AND I HOPE THAT EGYPT WILL BE NEXT on JAN 25th :)


Mohaly

ان الله لايغير ما بقوم حتى يغيروا مابأنفسهم

733) Wa7ed ... Etneen ... Baladna Ra7et Feen?!

Since I see this whole fuss about the Egyptian Parliament elections is just a big fat joke... I'd like to share this small clip from an old egyptian movie produced in the 80s (Al Bedaya) where it shows how the Autocratic leader is telling his people about democracy and how do they react..
Mohaly

719) El E7sas El 3asry Lel Ensan El Masry !!

I am Egyptian ...

Ana Masry ...

What do you feel when you say that?

In other words Law Sa2ltak Enta Masry te2oli eih?

Do you feel Proud? ... Challenged? .... Frustrated? .... Worried?....or you simply don't care? or even worse you are Ashamed?

I am personally having a mix of all these feelings..

Proud of the ability to survive all these years and all these challenges

Challenged to make any difference

Frustrated coz I can't see any real development

Worried about the future and our kids

Don't care about the fictional democracy and meaningless speeches

and Ashamed of what we have become in &  to the world.

Am I being Pessimistic? or I am just as Realistic as it gets and dreaming of a major change coming soon !!

Mohaly

700) Tribute to Justice & its martyrs; Khaled Saeed & others!

Every 100th post I dedicated it to someone who has/had/will have an impact on my life. This time I am dedicating it to some people whom I never met, but moved a lot of feelings and thoughts inside me, they made me act more, and fear less, on top of which of course Khaled Saeed and all those who lost their lives and will lose with without a reason except that they don't wanna lose their rights ...

The best thing I can publish here in this tribute is the beautiful short  story written by Dr. Alaa El Aswany regarding this issue ....

I hope that you will enjoy it, and I hope that the blood they sacrificed will be a incentive pushing us to only accept justice and nothing but justice till we join them in Jannah in-shaa-Allah..

Mohaly

بعد أن أغلق خالد باب الشقة ونزل عدة درجات على السلم، توقف فجأة وكأنه تذكر شيئا ثم صعد مرة أخرى وفتح الباب ودخل.

كانت أمه جالسة فى الصالة تشاهد التليفزيون، سألها خالد إن كانت تحتاج إلى شيء يحضره معه عندما يرجع بالليل، ابتسمت
وقالت إنها لا تحتاج إلى شيء والحمد لله. تطلع إليها خالد. اقترب منها وقبل جبينها فاحتضنته وهى تدعو له بحرارة.

فكر وهو يخرج إلى الشارع أن الله قد أنعم عليه بأم رائعة وأنه يجب أن يفعل كل ما يستطيع لإسعادها.

عزم خالد على أن يمر على مقهى الإنترنت ليقابل بعض أصدقائه ثم يذهب بعد ذلك إلى محطة الرمل ليشترى بعض اللوازم لجهاز اللاب توب الخاص به.. بدا كل شيء عاديا فى الشارع، الزحام والضجيج وأصوات السيارات وصياح الباعة.

دفع خالد بيده باب المقهى ودخل لكنه ما إن قطع بضع خطوات حتى أحس بحركة خلفه.

التفت فوجد شخصين يتوجهان نحوه وهما ينظران إليه بغضب. توقف ليسألهما ماذا يريدان لكنهما، بلا كلمة واحدة، انقضا عليه. أمسك أحدهما به من القميص وبدأ الآخر يضربه بيديه وقدميه بكل قوته. صاح خالد معترضا لكن الرجل الممسك بقميصه راح يضرب رأسه بقوة فى حافة المائدة الرخامية.

حاول الزبائن الموجودون فى المقهى إنقاذ خالد لكن أحد الرجلين صاح:
ــ احنا بوليس..

عندئذ خاف الناس وابتعدوا. تدفق دم خالد بغزارة ولطخ ثيابه وبدأ يسيل على الأرض. استمر الرجل يضرب رأسه فى المائدة فأحس خالد بألم رهيب وصرخ:

ــ كفاية.. حرام عليكم..

قام الرجلان بسحله على الأرض وهما يكيلان له الضربات ثم دخلا به باب العمارة المجاورة وراحا يخبطان رأسه فى البوابة الحديدية للعمارة بكل قوة.

هنا صاح خالد:

ـ كفاية. أنا هاموت..

فصاح أحد الرجلين بصوت أجش:

ـ أنت ميت ميت يابن الكلب.

ظل خالد يصرخ لكن الرجلين استمرا فى مهمتهما: واحد يضرب بيديه وقدميه والآخر يخبط رأس خالد بكل قوته فى البوابة الحديدية.

صارت آلام خالد فوق الاحتمال وفجأة حدث شيء غريب. تلاشى الألم تماما.

أحس خالد براحة مدهشة كأنما كان ينوء بحمل ثقيل ثم تخلص منه فجأة فأصبح خفيفا وحرا.

اختفى المشهد من أمام نظره وساد ظلام حالك. لم يعد خالد يرى شيئا، أحس كأنه نائم ثم فجأة بزغ نور قوى ووجد خالد نفسه فى مكان كأنه حديقة جميلة.

أحس خالد بدهشة بالغة ثم نظر إلى جسده وتحسس وجهه فلم يجد أى أثر للدماء والجروح.

ظهر أمامه رجل عجوز تبدو عليه علامات الطيبة وابتسم وقال:

ـــ أهلا وسهلا يا خالد..

هز خالد رأسه وهو مازال مأخوذا. قال العجوز بود:

ـــ لقد صعدت إلينا هنا لأنك فقدت حياتك من الظلم. من الآن فصاعدا لن يعكر صفوك شيء أو مخلوق..
ــ أشكرك..

هكذا قال خالد وهو يلتفت حوله. كانت الحديقة مليئة بأشجار وزهور بديعة لم ير مثلها فى حياته. ابتسم العجوز وقال:

ــ ستعيش هنا مع أفضل مخلوقات الله فى راحة تامة وبهجة خالصة. بعيدا عن العالم الظالم الذي جئت منه. الناس هنا سعيدون جدا بمجيئك وقد أرسلوا إليك وفدا ليستقبلك. انظر..

نظر خالد خلفه فوجد ثلاثة أشخاص: وجد رجل فى الخمسين من عمره يرتدى الملابس العسكرية وطفلا فى العاشرة وامرأة محجبة فى نحو الثلاثين من عمرها.. كانوا الثلاثة يضحكون وقد ظهرت عليهم السعادة. قال العجوز:

ــ أقدم إليك الفريق عبد المنعم رياض والطفل الفلسطيني محمد الدرة وهذه الدكتورة مروة الشربينى..

صافحهم خالد بمحبة واحترام وأراد أن يتحدث معهم قليلا لكن العجوز سحبه من يده قائلا:

ــ سيكون لديك وقت طويل للكلام معهم. أريد الآن أن أريك المكان الذي ستعيش فيه إلى الأبد..

ــ انه مكان رائع لم أر مثله من قبل.

ـــ هل تريد شيئا يا خالد..؟. كل طلباتك مجابة..

ـــ أريد أن أطمئن على أمي..

ابتسم العجوز وأخرج من جيبه بللورة براقة ومستديرة تماما، فى حجم البرتقالة وناولها إلى خالد وقال:

ــ إذا أردت أن ترى أى شخص من العالم الذي جئت منه. يكفى أن تفكر فيه وسوف تراه بوضوح فى البللورة..

أمسك خالد بالبللورة وفكر فى المخبرين اللذين ضرباه حتى الموت فظهرا فورا على سطح البللورة.. كانا يجلسان فى مكان يشبه غرفة المباحث فى القسم وأمامهما طعام يأكلان منه بشهية ويتبادلان الحديث والضحكات مع العسكري الواقف بجوارهما.

ثم فكر خالد فى ضابط الشرطة الذي أعطى الأمر للمخبرين بقتله فظهر فورا. يبدو أنه كان فى يوم الراحة لأنه كان يرتدى تريننج سوت فى غاية الأناقة وقد تمدد على أريكة وراح يتابع مباراة كرة القدم فى التليفزيون.

ثم فكر فى الصحفي الذي اتهمه ظلما بإدمان المخدرات فظهر على البللورة فى وضع مخجل جعل خالد يصرف نظره بسرعة ثم قال للعجوز:

ــ لا أفهم كيف يستطيع الذين ظلموني أن يستمتعوا بحياتهم..

ابتسم العجوز وقال:

ــ كل هذا باطل. لن يهنأ الظالمون بحياتهم أبدا.. لقد كتب الله عليهم المعيشة الضنك حتى تحين ساعة الحساب.

فكر خالد فى أمه فظهرت وقد جلست على فراشه فى حجرته. راحت تقرأ القرآن وتبكى. أحس خالد بالحزن من أجلها فقال للعجوز:

ــ من فضلك. هل يمكن أن تخبر أمي أنني بخير.؟!.

ــ لا أستطيع.

ــ قلت لي إن طلباتي مجابة..

ــ إلا الاتصال بالعالم الذي جئت منه. ممنوع. عموما اطمئن يا خالد. أمك سيدة صالحة ومؤمنة وسوف تصعد إلينا يوما. عندئذ ستسعد بصحبتها إلى الأبد.

ساد الصمت بينهما لكن العجوز بدا عليه الغضب فجأة وقال:

ــ ماذا يحدث فى مصر يا خالد.؟!. أنا حزين من أجل المصريين. لماذا..؟

ــ فى الماضي، كان معظم المصريين الذين يصعدون إلينا من العسكريين.. جنودا وضباطا قتلهم أعداء مصر وهم يدافعون عنها. الآن ومنذ سنوات يصعد إلينا كل يوم مصريون قتلهم مصريون مثلهم..

هز خالد رأسه وقال بأسف:

ــ حياة المصري لم تعد تساوى شيئا..

قال العجوز:

ــ تصور يا خالد إننا أنشأنا قسما خاصا للمصريين. إن عدد الذين يصعدون إلينا من مصر أكثر من الذين يصعدون من أي بلد آخر. تعال معي..

تبعه خالد وسط الأشجار والورد حتى وصلا إلى ساحة كبرى احتشد فيها آلاف الناس ملامحهم جميعا مصرية. كانوا يبتسمون فى بهجة.

أشار إليهم العجوز وقال:

ــ هؤلاء جميعا مصريون قتلهم ظلما مصريون مثلهم.. هنا ستجد الذين ماتوا غرقا فى عبارات الموت والذين احترقوا فى القطارات والذين أصابهم السرطان من الأغذية الفاسدة والذين ماتوا من الإهمال فى مستشفيات الحكومة بالإضافة طبعا إلى الذين ماتوا من الضرب والتعذيب مثلك..

ــ شيء مؤسف..

ــ أنا لا أتخيل كيف يتحمل إنسان ذنب هؤلاء جميعا أمام الله.

ــ وهل المسئول عن موت هؤلاء جميعا.. شخص واحد.

ــ طبعا.. انظر..

نظر خالد إلى البللورة فرأى وجها مألوفا لديه. سأله العجوز:

ــ هل عرفت الشخص الذي أقصده..

ــ نعم..

ــ هذا الرجل لديه فرصة أخيرة..

ــ فرصة أخيرة..؟

ــ لقد أمد الله فى عمره ليمنحه فرصة أخيرة حتى يقيم العدل ويرفع الظلم. أتمنى أن ينتبه ويسعى إلى الإصلاح وإلا فإن موقفه سيكون صعبا للغاية.

ـــ فعلا.. عندما يصعد إلى هنا كيف سيقابل كل هؤلاء الضحايا وماذا سيقول لهم..؟

ــ إذا استمر الظلم فإن هذا الرجل لن يصعد إلى هنا أبدا.. سوف يذهب إلى الضفة الأخرى..

وماذا يوجد فى الضفة الأخرى..؟!

نظر العجوز إلى خالد ولاذ بالصمت.

المصدر: صحيفة الشروق.