Egypt, History in the making...

@bigal3 (1231)
Thailand
February 12, 2011 3:36am CST
This past week I have been watching history being made in the middle east in a predomantly Islamic country. After thirty years of a dictatorship they finally have had enough. Good for the Egyptians. There may be hope for the middle east afterall. Out of all of the countries in the middle east Egypt is probably the most intellectual. Now my question is how do you think this will effect the population of Iran? They too are a dictatorship and it seems to me they are getting a little tired of it also from what I see on the news. I have two questions; first, what effect if any will Egypt's revolution have on the rest of the Islamic world. As a side note to help you, the reader, make a better determination. Egypt was the first Islamic state to recognize Isreal as a state.
1 person likes this
10 responses
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
12 Feb 11
Hi bigal, I have also watched with interest and think that the Egyptian people should be very proud. There were so many people and yet most protests were peaceful. A great example to the rest of the world. I think that this may be just the beginning of many changes in the world. Egyptians deserve a good government and I hope they get it. Blessings.
2 people like this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
14 Feb 11
Hi Pose...", I never thought in my 65 years on this planet I would ever live to see an Islamic state seek to go democratic. You are right about the rest of the world taking a lesson from the Egyptians and yes, I think you are right about other countries wanting to jump on the "Democracy" band wagon. With the invention of the internet people have virtually instant contact with others throughout the planet and they are becoming more educated about their basic human rights I think. I wish Egypt all the best in the future.
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
14 Feb 11
Thanks "Pose..." for responding to my conversation. Take care.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
13 Feb 11
historically, egypt has always been the most advanced of countries, till the fall when Rome took over. So, hopefully the rest of the middle east will follow and be better for their people. so they can concentrate on survival of this state all countries are getting into.
2 people like this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
14 Feb 11
Hi "bunnybon..., I completely agree and you know your ancient history. My compliments to you. So many times people down a group or society without knowing all the facts involved. Such was the case with Egypt with the exception of the U.S. Egypt was kind of the outcast of the middle east when they recognized Isreal. My hat was off to them then as it is now. I wish them all the best along with anyother mideast countries that want to follow Egypt's path. Thank you for responding and contributing to this conversation.
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
16 Feb 11
Yep, I knew that. I just hope they get a democracy, and not something worse than what they had. I just signed a petition today related to preventing Mubarak from taking money out of the country.
1 person likes this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
18 Feb 11
Hi "dawnald, Thanks for your response. Yep, me too and I hope they practice a more moderate form of the Islamic religion. I have read the "Koran" cover to cover as well as the "Bible" and side-by-side they say virtually the same thing including the names of some of the Islamic profits. Not all moslems are militant and violent. The religion is really supposed to be about peace. However, you know how mankind is and unfortunately some of us twist something good to suit our own evil designs in the name of religion. Throughout history we see mankind has killed and maimed more of his fellow man in the name of religion than anyother reason; "GREED" is the other. When are we gong to learn?
@liuyh0619 (108)
• China
14 Feb 11
I'm also interest in the topic about the Egypt and wish the best for them. But I don't think Iran would follow the way. The Egyptian military is close to the US. They don't support Mubarak, But the Iran goverment definitely control the militray, The Iranian revolution failed by the repression of the military not long before. What impact the revoluation of Egypt will effect in the future to the country around them is still unknow. But if the Egyptian live a better life and the prospect of economic development is bright, The leaders of other Islamic country will worry that something happen in Egypt will be repeated in their country.
1 person likes this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
14 Feb 11
Thanks for the response "liuyh...". I do not agree with you about Iran though. Granted they are "Persian" and not "Arab" as alot of uninformed people think . However, if you look back in history you will find Iran,(fomerly "Persia"), was a world power and had a highly developed civilization. It is good the other Islamic countries take notice. Let's face it throughout history when a population becomes oppressed it ultimately rebels against the oppressor. Ultimately they win out. For example look at East Germany in the 60's. The wall came down did it not? Thanks to the "WILL" of the people.
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
18 Feb 11
I said Irianians consider themselves "Persians" who ALSO happen to worship and embrace the Islamic faith. I can assure you they are "PERSIANS". My suggestion to you would be to check it out in a library or look it up on the internet. You'll find both "ARABS" and "PERSIANS" alike are Islamic. There are alot of nationalities in the world that worship Islam beside just Arabs.
• China
14 Feb 11
I just say Iran is a Islamic country, Are you as uninformed as a lot of people that think "Islamic" equal to "Arab" ? Maybe many years later, Iran collapse down suddenly from inner, but not right now. except that US can rule out the Iranian military's interference.
1 person likes this
• India
12 Feb 11
hey bigal such a nice topic you brought to us. But dear what happened in Egypt will be repeated in some more Arab countries in next coming days. I am more concerned about the future of Egypt than anything else
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@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
13 Feb 11
Hi "akhileshebay". Thank you for the compliment. I consider myself a bit of a student of history and I have tried to learn everything I could about Egypt as I have a strong interest in their culture and history. Out of all the people in the ancient middle east the Egyptians were the most advanced both in science and social issues. They were kind of like the Greeks in that respect. I'm happy for them and I hope they sort it all out.
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
14 Feb 11
I completely agree with you. Their civilization was one of the most scientific cultures on planet earth at one time. They were doing advanced surgery techniques long before the western world. I am happy for them and I hope it all gets sortrd out. Thanks for the response and take care.
• India
13 Feb 11
Correct bigal, they are among the most developed civilizations, but lost their glory in medieval times. But if they are getting democracy in true terms it will be the biggest gift to people of Egypt for their struggle.
1 person likes this
@ravisivan (14079)
• India
13 Feb 11
I think the revolution in Egypt may not have any impact or effect on other Islamic countries. Egypt was a separate issue. Mobarak was ruling for over thirty years and on account of age and also assumptions, he became ineffective and people wanted a change. The change has come. best wishes
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
14 Feb 11
Hi "ravisivan", I have say I do not agree with you. What you say presumes the people of the other Islamic countries do not want freedom. In the beginning Mubarak was a fairly good leader. As in alot of cases in politics money and power goes to people's heads and I think he was one of those people. If you look back through history you'll find there were many dictators like him and I'm afraid he won't be the last. However, you can supress a people for only so long and then they get tired of it hence this is what I think happened in Egypt. Thank you for responding to this topic.
• United States
13 Feb 11
I can still remember that three way handshake in the 70's between the U.S.,Israel,and Egypt.I was too young to Truly understand but they looked happy so I was. Now I understand that handshake meant so much . I am not sure if the new Egypt will still be friendly to Israel. As I Jew I surely hope so but that does not damper my joy for all Egyptians . They are Free! They did it without too much bloodshed. Us Yanks had to fight three wars until we All were free.To see them gain their freedom warms my heart. I hope they make an Egypt they all can be proud of. Will get serve as an example? I guess it depends. Iran is different than Egypt What is good for Egyptians may not work in Iran. It is up to them , the people of Iran, to choose what works for them.
1 person likes this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
14 Feb 11
Yep, so do I and I tend to agree with you. There hasn't been any trouble between Iarael and Egypt since then. I too hope for the best for the Egyptian people. As one of the first really civilized societies in the world they deserve it don't you think? Thanks for your response it is appreciated.
@dark_joev (3034)
• United States
12 Feb 11
Well Egypt will have an effect on the Islamic World what kind of effect that is really hard to say I can tell you right now that the leaders of the other countries in and around Egypt are worried of what could happen in their respective countries and are most likely working out a plan but as X pointed out most of those countries it seems at least that the Military is with the leaders so unless something unexpected happens in these countries they will most likely be rebellions meaning revolutions that fail. Egypt's Military also are close allies to the United States Military with many of them going to our Military Academies so they where in communication with our generals and getting advice from us on how they should act. I do think that some of the Revolutions will have success like Tunisia http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/791969.stm Tunisia didn't get as much press as Egypt but that is because Egypt is one of our closes friends.
1 person likes this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
13 Feb 11
Hi "dark_koev", You are right on about the U.S. military and the Egyptian military. When I was a young man in the airforce I can remember seeing Egyptian and Saudi airmen training there. The U.S. is kind of tight with the Saudi government too as witnessed after 9-11. Now everyone is talking about the "Muslim Brotherhood" having an effect on the future Egyptian government and the people. Frankly I don't believe it. The people didn't go through all that suffering outside for eighteen days just to be told how to act and what they can and cannot do. From what I could see they really want their country to be democratic. Afterall Egypt was the only Islamic country to recognise Isreal after their little skirmish back in 1977 I think. Other than that they have been pretty cool. What do you think?
@yoyo1198 (3641)
• United States
13 Feb 11
First, I am very happy for the Egyptians. They have accomplished a marvelous feat. However, the revolution is still evolving and everyone is on edge about what is to follow, I think that the fact that it has gone this far is amazing. I hope that Mubarak leaving isn't just a hoax perpetuated on the citizenry just to get the country back to work. The Iranians have already tried a revolution and people were killed by their repressive government. So I'm doubtful if they'll try again. We are already seeing the effect it is having on the rest of the world in that region. Algerians are demonstrating and Yemeni are trying to do the same. Some of the other countries have given their citizens money and even free food for a year hoping to stave off any uprisings. Things have definitely changed over there and I fear for the general welfare of the people who are still under the strict dictatorships.
1 person likes this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
14 Feb 11
Hi "yoyo..., That's an interesting point and well taken. I hadn't thought of that but you are right and it is a distinct possibility. I think it is already spreading to many more other freedom seeking nations. Thanks for responding it was very informative from a different point of view.
• Nigeria
12 Feb 11
yes its time for Africa to be liberated from a type of government i call monarchy Egypt is bigger than one person
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
13 Feb 11
Right on brother! I wish them all the best. Thank you for your response.