THE VIEW FROM HERE: `From Protests to Picnics’

The authorBy Nejeed Kassam

Arriving back in Cairo on Saturday July 9th, I remember that I could hear the crowds, the people, the voices, the excitement-from my apartment near Tahrir Square.

Friday July 8th had been a big event. Tens of thousands of Egyptian revolutionaries, if we can call them that, had gathered at the birthplace of Egypt's January 25th Revolution-to remind the former government, the police, the military - and maybe, most importantly themselves - that this Revolution was far from over. There were still trials to be conducted, truth to be sought after, and democracy to be found.

After that Friday, and for the duration of almost a month until the end of July, the situation remained the same in the square. Traffic was diverted—cars not allowed around through this formally major intersection.

If anyone wanted to come into the Square, there was security - both in and out - which was interestingly run by civilians; not the military or the police. You had to show an ID, you were patted down; and, if you seemed violent or disruptive you were not allowed in.

I got stopped entering once, actually. The young man on security whose English was rudimentary at best, asked me if I was from Iran; because of my name. For a split second, he actually looked worried; maybe he thought I was a spy. He called someone over who spoke better English than he did and when I said I was Canadian I was given a smile, and the common response of “Canada Dry!” followed by a charming, “Welcome.”

(PHOTO: Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt. Credit, Nejeed Kassam)To me, what has been most interesting has been the nature of the protests. They have not been rowdy; they have not been angry - for the most part. Sure, there have been minor yelling matches and miniscule confrontations - but nothing to the degree that you’d even see at a rock concert. They have been relaxed and peaceful. In fact, this has been something that many of the young revolutionaries have been proud of.  In the many interviews that I have conducted, a common theme has been pride in non-violence and several of the mainly young men that I’ve spoken with have said that Egypt’s revolution is an example for change in the world. These aspirations of global leadership are truly fascinating.

It should be noted, however, that politics still lingers in the air. Signs, banners, and photographs are everywhere. Jubilant with their newly found free-speech, issues of all shapes and sizes were on display. From parents of those who lost their lives in the initial uprising, to those still angry at Mubarak; to Christians who want a better status in Egypt,  to young revolutionary artists expressing their opinions through paper and pencil. There is every strata and genre of Egyptian life represented here.

But among it all, there is a sense of natural order to this still ongoing `revolution’.  Because, devoid of all these signs and photos you’d barely know it was a revolution. In fact, there is another side to Tahrir Square.

(PHOTO: Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt. Credit, Nejeed Kassam)The people, caught in the atmosphere, are just that – people. Young families, sitting enjoying meals and the stream of entertainment around them. Street vendors, opportunists, who see the gatherings as an opportunity to make money, selling soda and nuts, or revolutionary souvenirs. Teenagers on their cell phones, texting and tweeting. People just being people. Celebrating being Egyptian.

As much as western media’s love for sensationalism has portrayed Tahrir and the ongoing revolution’s dangers, being here, I have not felt unsafe. This affair has been inspiringly civilized. I have shared in the happiness and freedom of so many Egyptians.

It seems that this is what happens when protests become picnics. To me, this is how democracy should be born.

With the holy month of Ramadan having just started, and the former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak’s trial now underway, who knows what’s in store for this on-going Revolution. When the last of the protestors leave the square, maybe the hunger and frustration will cause renewed violence and increased clashes. Hopefully not.

Mubarak’s plea of not guilty is sure to cause an uproar of sorts, and maybe legitimately so. Because truly, people have suffered in this ancient country, and now they want to at least feel a sense of justice. But many people, most especially Egyptians, I’m sure, pray that this will not turn to violence.

(PHOTO: Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt. Credit, Nejeed Kassam)I, for one, truly hope that people will celebrate this holy month as they always have, with their families, and with a sense of dignity, peace, and piety.  Insh’Allah, as we say here, that the trial of the country’s now disgraced, former leader, will bring a sense of much-deserved justice to Egyptians.

From Egypt, today, that’s the view from here.

--- Nejeed Kassam is a Canadian youth activist and is the founder of the international NGO’s `End Poverty Now’ and `Networks for Change.’ Nejeed is currently writing two books including the sequel to the “High on Life” book and his first novel. He recently spent time working for the United Nations Development Programme in Belgrade, Serbia and Cairo, Egypt.