I re-read my last post and realized that it seemed very disconnected. I apologize for that and plead mercy for a new blogger. I want to explain.
I initially set out to present a comparison of the Tianamen Square uprising in China in 1989 with the current uprising in Egypt. I realized that without mentioning the difference in technology available then and now the comparison would be incomplete. When I started writing about the technology it took up so much space I decided to make it a separate entry-sigh. So, now I am going to assume you have read the previous posting about technology and continue on with my observations about then and now.
I am not a specialist in the areas of neither Chinese history nor modern Egypt. I just want to share with you some of my thoughts as I have watched the news coverage of the huge protests in Egypt and across the African continent.
The people of these nations are all so different and yet their struggles are all alike. The majority of these protests are being held to demand change in the leadership of these nations. Why do so many people want change? Largely I believe it is because so many of them are not given any voice in their government and many are living in abject poverty. The students at the universities and the intellectuals who get involved in the protests want their governments changed to more democratic-like governments where people get to vote for their leaders. They want to get their countries out of poverty and into better economic times. They want a better life.
I know that is very simplistic but I do think these are the two of the greatest forces underlying why so many people are revolting.
In 1989 Chinese University students organized a protest at Tianamen Square. They were protesting against the government and demanding a move towards democracy. They were calling for the leaders of the Communist party to resign. The Communist party was known for widespread repression of freedom of religion, speech, and gathering. Tens of thousands turned out to support the protests.
After three weeks of massive protests the government sent its tanks to squelch the protests. The military opened fire on their own people killing and injuring many. At least 300 people died and some journalists estimated thousands may have been killed. Thousands were injured and even more were arrested and sent to re-education camps or prison. Martial law was enforced. The world was stunned by the actions of the Chinese government. To say the least there were no concessions to the protesters and the government shifted to an even more repressive regime.
Currently in Egypt massive demonstrations are taking place throughout the country with the largest being at Tahrir Square in Cairo. Wael Ghonim, a Dubai-based marketing executive, is the administrator of a Facebook page called "We are all Khaled Said,". The page is named after an Alexandria activist who was allegedly beaten to death by police. The page is widely credited with triggering the first protest January 25.
Egyptian citizens and activists organized mass protests on January 25 calling for economic reform and an end to President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year repressive rule. They have continued to protest and are demanding the Mubarak resign and his government with him. This uprising is significantly different from the Tianamen Square uprising. This uprising was inspired partially by an uprising in Tunisia where the ruling party was overthrown. It has been ignited by the use of current technology primarily Facebook, Twitter, and in general the Internet. The Internet was shut down for 5 days or more in an attempt to stop the massive demonstrations. Many people have co-opted the demonstrations including the Muslim Brotherhood a powerful Islamic group who wants to rule the country. The Vice-President of Egypt, Omar Suleiman, a man liked by the people and viewed as a moderate has been called into a mediation role. Mubarak has refused to leave office, but most recently stated he would not run again in September when his term expires.
The entire nation of Egypt is suffering severe economic conditions caused by the massive demonstrations. Tourism has stuttered or died-at least temporarily. Nations across the world are being impacted as the days pass by. My question is how long can this go on without another Tianamen Square episode happening? Will the military ultimately have to be called in to disperse the crowds? It is significant that the people of Egypt think highly of their military and the military leaders are hesitant to move against their own people. Thank you God! Will the Muslim Brotherhood or another extremist group hostile to Israel be put in place? Is the United States abandoning Israel by not acting more on its behalf as these protests go forth?
I am praying that God stay the hand of the military from responding with violence against their own people. I am praying that the people know when to stop and return to their homes. I am praying that God’s will be done in this unprecedented situation. As a Christian, I must remember God is my strong tower and I need not fear. I must trust that God, in His sovereignty, will not abandon His people no matter where they live and no matter what the impact these uprisings have in their lives.
The world is changing faster and more dramatically than ever before in history. It is important to cling to God’s promise “Psalms91:14
“Because he[b] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
References
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB16/documents/index.html#12-29
http://globalvoicesonline.org/specialcoverage/egypt-protests-2011/
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2091&version=NIV
