Source: Qantara
The epochal transformations in the Arab world offer a historic opportunity for Muslims and Christians in these countries – and especially in Egypt – to establish a new, constitutional foundation for their relations. A commentary by Loay Mudhoon
Observers worldwide followed events with a great deal of sympathy and amazement as courageous and committed young Arabs mobilized in support of civil society and democracy to sweep away the corrupt, authoritarian regimes in Tunisia and Egypt.
Most remarkable about this largest mass mobilization in recent Arab history was the peacefulness and tenacious patience of the mostly politically inexperienced demonstrators in Tunis and Cairo. Such impressive perseverance forced Ben Ali, Tunisia’s longstanding dictator, to flee the country into exile in Saudi Arabia. And only 18 days later, Egypt’s authoritarian “eternal president”, Hosni Mubarak, had to relinquish office.
An event of historical dimensions took place in Egypt, the most important geopolitical “anchor state” in the Middle East and the largest Arab country. With slogans such as “The people want the regime to fall”, “No violence!”, “For freedom and social justice,” and “Religion is for God, the homeland is for all”, the people on the Nile celebrated their liberation from paternalistic state repression and thereby laid the foundation for a new Egypt and perhaps even for a new world order.
Categories: CHRISTIANITY, Egypt, Islam