Jihad Saad – Expand Your Awareness, Transform Your Life

Tahrir Square, during my visit to Cairo in April 2012

I was taken over by such a strong sudden and strange feeling few days ago, that I am still trying to explain.

From the moment I read the statement by the Egyptian Army Commander on 30 Jun 2013, clearly taking sides in the political events in Egypt and giving an ultimatum of 48 hours before intervening, I was filled with an overwhelming feeling of refusal, anger and indignation.

Prior to that, I was following with interest the developments in Egypt. Being a liberal myself and a huge supporter of Arab Spring, I was enjoying watching the dynamic political landscape in Egypt and the aliveness of the newly born civil society there. Bassem Youssef for me became the best embodiment of the principles of our revolution: Freedom of speech, creativity, liberalism, and genius.

To me, having Bassem (with what Bassem culurally represents) was alone worth all the Arab springs. It was so amazing for me to watch extremism and social conservatism be “destroyed” by sharp jokes, creative production and extremely smart humour. I was a fan, and a follower, of Bassem, and of the new Egypt.

Thanks to Bassem, I was was getting familiar with the Egyptian news, the political intrigues, the Tamarod campaign, and like most people I was hoping for change and improvements in Egyptian governance that would mirror the aspirations and ambitions of the youth and of the people like Bassem. When the Tamarod campaign kicked in, and the large number of protests started taking place, I was happy to watch democracy in the making, and was certain that change would be achieved thanks to popular pressure.

But then… I heard the General Sisi statement.

Its inappropriateness, its illegitimacy, its arrogance, its gross interference in political life, its pledge to use military force to shift power balance, offended my senses so deeply. And the fact that the Army was positioning itself as the defensive of liberal democratic Egypt, and the fact that the so-called “liberal democratic” forces in Egypt were volunteering to justify in advance a military coup, is just as intolerable and offensive to basic common-sense and political correctness.

I couldn’t believe, and still can’t, that such blunder and abuse of power could be made by the so called liberals, including Bassem Youssef and his supporters. I would have personally preferred waiting few weeks or even few months to achieve the desired change in a proper way, then achieve it immediately, the wrong way.

I guess part of me sensed, instinctively, how dangerous such a move is and how much it would backfire and lead to the opposite result. I truly believe it’s wrong, it’s immature, it’s shorsighted, it’s unfair, it’s driven by anger not wisdom, in short, it’s bad!

And I wanted to scream: NOOOOOO.

But the scenario was already written, everyone seemed blinded by high emotions. And who could hear me, anyway.

And the rest is history. Detention, house arrests, humiliation, persecution, shutting down of media outlets, indignation, division of society, mass protests, hatred and intolerance from all sides. And it’s just the beginning.

I honestly feel sad about it. It could have been a different way.

Indeed hatred and frustration can only breed hatred and frustration. Only wisdom, tolerance, compassion and patience could triumph over extremism and hardships.

And I was left to the horror of watching Egypt fall, and more painful, watching well-meaning people cheer about a disaster.

These moments happen in history, and they are painful and take time to heal.

Jesus himself was convicted to the cross with a cheering euphoric crowd. “Barrabas, Barrabas”, everyone was screaming when Jesus was the one chosen to die and Barrabas the criminal was set free.

Little did people realise at the time, that they had killed their biggest prophet, their own “Saviour”.

And fire works and military jets were illuminating the Cairo skies after the coup took place.

And little did people realise, that they had just killed their own democracy, and their own social pact and unity.

When hatred prevails, there is no winner.

Love your enemy, wasn’t it the eternal commandment?

You don’t beat hatred and oppression by hating and oppressing yourself.

I believe what happened is wrong. It needn’t be this way.

Am sorry to say the truth, I know people wouldn’t like it.

—-

And now, I let it all go.

These emotions serve me no more.

What will be, will be.

Egypt road now is rocky. One day, the Light will show at the end of the tunnel.

And sooner or later, all people will realise, that before electricity and economy and employment, there is Love, and mutual Respect, and Solidarity, and Compassion, and Peace, and Unity.

These are the sources of wealth and prosperity.

These are the real liberation, and the only true salvation.

Until then, yes the revolution shall continue.

And so let it be.