I had the chance to speak to two Egyptians at the critical time when their country is battling calls for reform and regime change- one in favor of Democracy and the other, a Mubarak loyalist.
Joanna:
What is happening in Egypt now?
“Massacres by the police against their own people, bloodshed and destruction, civil disorder and anarchy. This isn’t the Egypt I know and love, this is hell.”
Why aren’t Mubarak’s promises of reform enough?
“He’s been here for too long and enough is enough, besides, when we asked for reforms initially, he met our peaceful protests with violence- there’s no room in our government for bullies and thugs, this has been Egypt’s reality for too long.”
Why is the time for change now of all times?
“It just feels right, the Egyptian youth moved at the same time and I joined in, I never dreamt of the day in which I could openly say Mubarak, you ruined the livelihood of Egypt and its people, you are corrupt and you need to leave us- and now!”
What do you want to see happen in Egypt?
“Against all the odds, we are all speaking out against dictatorships in our country, we want democracy, we want to chose who governs us. No more fixed elections and extended presidential terms with no viable political opposition parties.”
Salma:
What is happening in Egypt now?
“This is Western intervention and foreign people playing with our affairs. This is not about democracy or freedom- this is a conspiracy. Sadly, Egyptians have fallen for it and Egypt is now facing a crisis”.
Why aren’t Mubarak’s promises of reform enough for the protestors?
“Because it’s simple- reform is not what they want, it’s social instability and the destruction of Egypt. Under Mubarak, Egypt was stable and life went on, look at what’s happening now, it is scary, no-one feels safe.”
What do you want to see happen in Egypt?
“I want this all to stop and for the Egyptians who are standing against their fellow Egyptians to stop this. We cannot allow foreign intervention in our society and we cannot turn our backs to a leader who has done only good for the country. I hope this all calms down soon.”
Only time will tell what is in store for Egypt, but as the days go by, the international calls for Mubarak to step down are only getting louder and more clear.
Bits and Bobs on The Middle East 