By Ahmed Kadry
If nothing else were to happen for the rest of 2011 in the Middle East, it would still qualify as the most important year this region has experienced since the Arab-Israeli wars, the last one fought almost four decades ago. If we were not to see any more protests around the Arab world or long standing presidents make long winded speeches that only antagonize their people even further, 2011 will remain etched into the history books.
While Tunisia and Egypt have successfully managed to usurp their respective presidents who held onto power with a stubborn grip before finally succumbing to the voices of the people, neighboring Libya, Syria and others remain deadlocked with their tyrants. Just like in Tunisia and Egypt, the world is watching and waiting for the next chapter to unfold.
But throughout this Arab revolutionary saga that has gripped the world’s attention since its infancy in Tunisia, I am reminded of perhaps the most important revolution in the history of the modern world, the French Revolution of 1789.
The year 1789 saw the overthrow of the monarchy with France’s last king, King Luis XVI, eventually being executed by guillotine in 1793 for conspiracy and treason against France. But the King was just one of many who died that year, the infamous year known as the Reign of Terror.
The French Revolution is considered by many to be the underpinning of Western social civilization and customs. Ask any French national about the revolution and three words will most likely come out of their mouths; Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité. These core values are at the heart of social civility. Start thinking about the opening sentence of the Declaration of Independence in the United States and you will find obvious parallels.
It is these concepts that the French fought for against their King and what Americans like Thomas Jefferson believed in when writing about their independence from the British. Fast forward just over two hundred years and the Arab world is following their lead.
July 14 is a very important day in France; Bastille Day. It commemorates the beginning of the revolution where King Louis XVI began to acknowledge that his people had a voice, a voice that they continued to use until they realized their dreams of freedom and equality. Bastille Day is a day of celebration and the retelling of heroic revolutionary stories all around the country. But Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s former Prime Minister, sees things very differently.
On July 14, 1989, on the 200 year anniversary of the revolution, Thatcher, a guest in Paris during the celebration, made her feelings clear on where she stood on the matter when she explained “1789 equaled 1793”. Her mathematic equation was simple; the revolution brought death and more tyranny. The revolution brought forth the Reign of Terror where experts estimate up to 40,000 people were killed in the name of politics, freedom and the ever present greed for power.
After all the bloodshed and killings, France was not left with Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité. It was left with Emperor Napoleon, a man that history tells us was a great soldier and commander but also a man with little regard for human rights. Thatcher concluded her thoughts on the subject in her typically blunt manner when she proclaimed “All the French Revolution created was a pile of headless bodies with a dictator standing on top.”
Her argument is not without merit. It was not until decades later that France put into practise the dreams it had prior to July 14, 1789, but many lives were lost in the process and interim oppressors enjoyed their time amidst the transition to freedom.
What does this have to do with the Arab world? Well, for a start, Arab people are chanting for the same things the French did over two hundred years ago. They are clamouring towards a dream of equality and the possibility to prosper and being part of a society that values the life of each member.
Moreover, Arabs are extremely vulnerable to counter revolutionary tactics that France witnessed post 1789. Not only must Tunisia and Egypt be alert to internal figures who seek power for their own gain and replace one tyrant for another, they must also be aware of foreign powers who have their own agenda within their borders.
On a positive note, it is encouraging to see that despite it being over two months since Hosni Mubarak was ousted from office, Egyptians remain active and aware of the daily issues and decisions being made. Whether it was the referendum last month regarding constitutional amendments or the nomination of Dr. Mustafa El Fiqqi to be Secretary General of the Arab League, Egyptians remain observant and active.
But let us not forget the French Revolution. Even the best of intentions such as trying to bring equality and freedom to your country are going to encounter oppression in every corner. For every person who wants social liberty, be prepared to fight ten power hungry individuals who will kill to bend the revolution to their advantage.
France had to endure the Reign of Terror and lose countless lives before it came to realize its goal. Many mistakes were made along the way and they were made to pay for every single one.
Tunisia and Egypt must now do two things; pray and aid its brothers and sisters around the Arab region who are in rising against their own King, and second, open up their history books and read how revolutions are won and lost.
