Chaos and uncertainty post Arab Spring

Those following the developments in Arab countries will no doubt be perplexed by what Arabs precisely want! Republican political regimes which came to power using military or semi-military force called for change in Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Yemen, Algeria and Tunisia. At that time, injustice, oppression and suppression of freedom was widespread; horrific crimes were committed against people. There are enough instances of regimes assassinating people in the name of maintaining security and stability. Accusations of treason against detractors was a norm, creating an environment of persecution.

Most of these regimes signed peace treaties with Israel — overt or covert — with the blessings of Europe, the US, and other related countries, to the benefit of many countries across the globe. However, the media machine has not changed its ‘language of terms’ for three decades.

The media has placed itself opposite an enemy that it has not fired one shot against, and who may well be its friend and party mate at gatherings that are off limits to ordinary people.

All talk about security and stability is aimed at maintaining and preserving the interests of these regimes and governments and to suit their purposes.

Playing the game

The Muslim Brotherhood and other political parties have also taken part in this game; at times we find that they are against the destructive ideology of liberals or progressives or whomever they oppose in principle.

At other times they call for the establishment of an Islamic state without defining its features, because they do not know how to do that unless it is through use of glittery slogans that have outlived their relevance.

Chaos and uncertainty prevails in most Arab countries, especially after what is erroneously known as the ‘Arab Spring’.

The percentage of unemployment has increased, so has the marginalisation of women. The number of children working for a living — instead of going to school and obtaining an education — has also shot up. Is it possible for such a situation to prevail in countries that are blessed with rich natural resources, or is the Arab citizen destined for a fate without education or learning?

If we follow up on what is happening in Egypt — which has been a pioneer in education, labour rights, and free services in many sectors — we will be shocked to read the Constitution’s draft which was rejected by many social sectors in the country.

Bleak future

Reading through the draft constitution, we realise that the Muslim Brotherhood government may disassociate itself from international conventions and treaties such as the equality of women and men and the outlawing of the marriage of minors. 50 per cent of labourer and farmer rights were also wiped off from the Constiution in a sheer act of injustice against these part of the population, although many of them sacrificed their lives for these very civil rights.

Last but not least, the general conditions in these countries stress the fact that Arabs need to reclaim their rights from those who have seized power and are today in a position to control the people’s fate through power and influence.

Those who are in power in these countries seek to degrade the human being who searches for freedom and integrity after calling for change towards improving systems and the lives of people.

Dr Mohammad Abdullah Al Mutawa is a professor of sociology.