Egypt - Downturn of a Peaceful Nation

Last year it was encouraging to watch the bravery and persistence of youth and older citizens from Egypt as they demonstrated for the ouster of the dictatorship regime of Hosni Mubarak. Their joy was shared when this corrupt leader of 30 years decided to step down. Many credited social media for enabling the huge gathering of demonstrators whose voices created such a major political change within the country. I looked with envy at the success and dedication as protestors gathered in Egypt. This led me to wonder why the residents of my parents’ native country could not have also organized such a social protest against the corrupt actions of their government. But, fast forward, I now think otherwise when I see how disappointing such good intentions have become. Egypt, the once peaceful and accommodating nation that has prided itself for having some of the most beautiful monuments and artifacts have recently become tainted by the killing of thousands of Muslims by the military. In fact, the deadly actions have led to retaliatory actions that could signify the beginning of more violence to come and even a civil war. Certainly, this current deadly situation was not the intentions of those who gathered last year to demonstrate for a better country and not for the conditions that now exist.