The consecutive Arab revolts have been called ‘Arab Spring’ to reflect the essence of the concept. Some have accepted the term, others have ignored it, and others have changed their regimes according to it. However, some countries fell into the traps of demagogy and confusion, which opened wide the doors to foreign intervention and what is known as the ‘deep state’ intervention — which has special agendas and goals.

This type of interference is perceived to be planned for years in order to extend influence and consolidate colonial, economic and intellectual bonds, left behind in the form of military and material influences during the past century.

In those days, the existing regimes were the right hand of colonial powers and assisted them in completing their projects and extending their influence. That is why we find that countries that were overpowered by such influences are still busy putting together strategies, plans, and budgets, which they did not set up in the first place.

The prevailing circumstances forced them to achieve the objectives of the masses and their increasing demands. Regrettably, these objectives were mostly private and factional.

This delayed the revolution’s process and was a hurdle against any attempt at development that could have convinced the ordinary people that change will bear some good and that the people are in a presumably better position than they were compared to their previous situation under the rule of the former regimes.

It seems that most of the masses in these communities have adopted the notion of change regardless of the price to be paid for it.These masses, however, were not ready to sacrifice for the sake of building new structures for development upon revolutionary methods or in facing their consequences.

Detached from reality

It also seems that the masses have hinged their movement upon false concepts and abstract emotions. They had dreams that were far detached from reality and they went further off in their illusions to unattainable lenghts, to places where other communities which started off earlier never made it to. In their dreams they hoped to reach utopia without building a firm foundation or the means of getting there. They dreamt of democracy in its formal concept without paying the suitable price for it.

Lastly, these masses set off towards change without wise and inspired leadership, like what happened in the western spring revolutions during the time of the Renaissance. There were intellectual, social and political revolutions, which were led by pioneers who sacrificed their lives and all they owned for the sake of obtaining their goals. They were imprisoned and burnt and many of them were accused of heresy and atheism.

Hence, the Arab communities which treaded the road of the Arab Spring did not harvest what the masses wanted when they first started marching on this road leading to the unknown. This road or course was greatly publicised by the masses inside and outside these communities. Everyone wanted change in the Arab world. But sometimes these changes entailed a complete disbelief in everything the revolutionary pioneers believed in.

Despite all that, it is undeniable that the Arab Spring has had a clear impact on the Arab masses and regimes. Now if we disregard some of the hurdles that are embodied in changing political regimes and their struggle for power, we find that the demands for reform in some cases resulted in a fruitful outcome and brought change in some regimes’ thoughts and their views towards the importance of achieving comprehensive development.

The Arab North African countries. including Egypt, have been highly influenced by the Arab Spring. We can also claim that the area is an important junction in the movement. And even though it has stumbled on its way due to the poor management of the revolution’s affairs, it is treading towards its goals, albeit with measured and slow steps.

This is the result of poor management of the revolution and society by its leadership. It may also be the result of the naive understanding of the forces of conspiracy and the power of the ‘deep state’ .

That is why it is paying dearly through the blood of its people and their livelihoods. However, lessons from history have proven that those who walk the path will reach their destination and, those communities will emerge in a good shape whose people remain loyal to their revolution and put an end to foreign intervention in their internal affairs.

 

Dr Khalifa Rashid Al Shaali is an Emirati writer who specialises in legal affairs.