Youth Leaders of the Egyptian Revolution

By Moniza Khokhar

Tunisia. Egypt. Lebanon. Yemen. Jordan. Where to next? In an unprecedented act of bravery, the youth led uprisings across the Muslim world have spoken. The tiresome cycle of fear, frustration and silence constantly overlooked basic humanitarian rights. Considering today’s technology, these sentiments have been given a global pedestal because of the various activities brought about by cyber activism.

Cyber activism has changed the way people communicate, organize and most importantly react. The interaction that takes place over facebook, twitter, youtube, the cell phone footage shared, and blogger’s posts now have the credibility to topple regimes. Social media has brought the power back to the people, and these uprisings have proved that. More specifically in Egypt, it’s the online thought leaders who know how to use these tools to spark changes that rattle the world.

The Egyptian uprising has been of key interest because of Egypt’s geo-political and economic strategic relationships within the region. Egyptian bloggers are the next generation of activists and intellectuals, who gather in cafe’s regularly to sip tea and smoke hookah while discussing their work.

The “Godfather” of blogging in Egypt is known to be Wael Abbas, who writes for his own blog Misr Digital (Egyptian Awareness) , he regularly covers political protests, corruption and police brutality. In 2008 he turned down an invitation to meet with Former President of the United States, George W. Bush, was named Person of the Year in 2007 by CNN, and awarded one of the Most Influential People in the Year 2006 by BBC. Keeping the world abreast of the activities happening on the ground, despite risk of imprisonment, torture and even worse death, Wael Abbas is determined to tell his story.

Despite the challenges, another blogger, Nora Younis, has risen to fame from her self-titled blog, norayounis.com. In it she pushes for democracy and details human rights abuses. Starting in 2004, she quickly rose to fame. Even the New York based charity, Human Rights First Organization awarded her, the annual award for courage. Nora is quoted as saying, “New media can bring people together, build consensus, and try to maintain the free space we have been given…”

Although the constraining situations are tough to deal with, the blogging community has their networks that keep them active. Blogging activity has gained momentum with activists understanding the importance of the online audience. But this isn’t possible without a community of individuals consolidating their efforts. For example, software engineer, Ahmed Garbeia, teaches classes on how to blog. Protecting the bloggers legally is another challenge, where lawyer Rawda Ahmed, has defied all legal obstacles defending the freedom of speech. Working for the Arab Network for Human Rights, she has repeatedly defended Wael Abbas, outsmarting all the roadblocks in her way. Even street cafes stay open into the early hours, to help support the bloggers, feeding them their famed bean stew.

Indeed, the world is witnessing historical times. Tunisia sparked a domino effect giving confidence to others reassuring them that the power does after all reside with the people. Social media played a pivotal role and continues to help inspire the uprisings generating support with the international community as well. Various videos of reports being shared about the protests being organized in New York, London and across the world show that the world does stand in solidarity with the uprisings. Concluding that the cyber world is carrying out their grievances onto the streets…not only in Egypt, but beyond.