Maer Um Eldonya!*

No doubt events of the past few days, first in Tunisia and now in Egypt are on everybody’s mind and have brought democracy to the forefront of every discussion pertaining to Egypt and the rest of the region.

People of both nations marched the streets of Tunisia, Cairo and Alexandra in protest, demanding their voices be heard and their respective government to be changed. In Tunisia they got their wish when President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his family fled to Saudi Arabia thus allowing the people to start the democratic process of selecting and deciding their future rule.

Egypt however, has been rioting for six days now, but after 30 years of President Hosni Mubarak’s reign, he finally appointed his first ever vice president. For some, including a number of Western observers, this was not enough but for many and in particular those who are familiar with the culture of autocracy and undemocratic regimes this move hails the beginning of the end.

Every journey begins with a step; Mubarak appointing a VP is that first step and one in the right direction. Because it allows him to quietly and peacefully hand over to the army, step down and disappear with some dignity and without creating a dangerous political vacuum. By not simply cutting and running, he is paving the way for an orderly transitional government, most probably lead by the Nobel Prize winner Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, who although not a politician is still the best bet Egypt have for a unifier – and someone respected by all to lead the country while the politicians and the political parties properly prepare for democratic govern.

The army, which is highly powerful and equally respected, has a huge role to play too – besides keeping order; they have a duty to manage the change that will take place not by controlling or dictating who’s to replace the current administration but as a neutral referee – who can safe guard the smooth transition of a full and free election.

Many talk about the risk of the Muslim Brotherhood hijacking the coming change and the question in everybody’s mind is can it happen? Yes, of course it can. As a unit, they are highly organised, well funded and always ready to fill any political vacuum in the region. If in doubt, then think of this, the Egyptian people were on the streets protesting for days but even when the government cut off all their communication nationally and internationally – the movement managed to gain its maximum momentum but only after a Friday prayers call. It was that call that re-energised the streets, organised and focused the protest. Besides worshiping, Mosques are also a place for social gathering and some are open 24/7, with the opportunity to communicate information en masse at least five times a day.

Egypt is a secular multi-faith nation and for years different religions worked, lived, and worshiped side by side, but for years it also had one of the strongest and oldest branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in the North Africa and the Middle East. Nevertheless, because of the diversity of its population unlike Iran, or even Sudan now it is difficult for them to from a majority rule however they are still amongst the largest if not the largest political party currently.

As a nation and a civilisation Egypt and Egyptian culture has lead the way in the region throughout history time and time again, I am hopeful this time she will peacefully and collectively lead the way once more.

The title is in Arabic and it’s literally translation is “Egypt the mother of the Universe”