On the anniversary of the protests that occured on Mohamed Mahmoud St. last year, Cairens took to the streets to remember those who passed, while issuing a bold reminder that the people have a voice and many are still unsatisfied with the outcome of the revolution. Protestors gathered on Mohamed Mahmoud St. in Downtown Cairo, and were met with the same kind of police brutality that caused the fatalities last year. Police were reportedly throwing rocks, blocks of concrete and furniture from the tops of buildings, one of them a school, that they had occupied. Protestors were being carried away bloodied and bruised.
Not even 3 days later, President Morsi declares himself the new Dictator of Egypt by granting himself full, legislative and judicial powers, far surpassing all other government bodies in Egypt. His claim is that he's dissatisfied with the Courts' handling of those politicians who were being tried, or dismissed, for their crimes under the Mubarak regime, and that he wishes to seek and issue justice. The country is now divided between those who are calling him out on his bullshit, and those who believe they must respect and submit to the new leader. Groups of protestors are increasing daily in Tahrir Square, with clashes becoming more intense over Morsi's recent activities. And the Courts have declared his decree as illegal and unrecognizable, going so far to accuse him of invalidating his position and authority as President. Those in support of Morsi stormed and set fire to the High Court today in protest, while those against him are chanting "Morsi, leave," in the streets.
In short, it's been a mess. Although these protests have been isolated to certain areas Downtown, the rest of Cairo is operating totally normally. So by no means has chaos broken-out throughout the city. I've even been in the Downtown area a few times this past week, and outside of those concentrated areas, it's all "normal." I use quotations because everyone should still use caution. There's been some propaganda that all foreigners here are spies, so some Egyptians are very suspicious and untrusting of anyone who is/looks like a foreigner.
No one really understands what is going on, and where Morsi's sudden decision came from. Did he really think that he was riding so high with the recent ceasefire he orchestrated between Israel and Gaza, that he could get away with such a thing? Did he really believe that he could get away with it? I was never a fan of his, and but I didn't necessarily believe he had a hidden agenda tucked away somewhere. I'm a little shocked by his audacity. Didn't the world just witness Egypt having a revolution to overthrow a "President" and by "President" I mean Dictator? Didn't the world cheer on in their support for democracy in Egypt? How does Morsi think this will fly?
Egyptians love their conspiracy theories as much as they love talking about politics, so I have heard every sort of theory possible on why he's doing this, or what he's trying to do. There are theories about whether or not protesting will be effective this time around, or whether the peoples' voices will be heard at all. We expats are speculating every possible scenario, asking each other if we'll leave if things escalate the way they did last year.
But this is the hot topic that no one can seem to get off the table. I'm hesitating to formulate an opinion too hastily without gathering more information. My students at school are all voicing their opinions, debating the issues in and out of class, and some are even going to or coming from Tahrir Square.
It's an intense and exciting time to be here in Cairo. There are protests scheduled everyday for the next few days, but Tuesday is supposed to be a big one, and it's my day off. I know there are risks, and the Embassy has advised Americans to avoid Downtown, but I can't help myself. I really want to go to witness and participate.
After all, like everyone in the Mugamma says, I'm Egyptian. This is my country too. And if there's one thing I will support anywhere in the world, it's freedom.
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