After several decades of silence public debate is once again a feature of Egyptian political life. It maybe a result of globalisation -- the communications revolution has, after all, radically changed our perceptions -- or a result of the erosion of political borders. Whatever the reasons artists and clergymen, judges and businessmen, writers and students are suddenly speaking out, and at the same time. The nation's appetite for political debate has been whetted, and it is growing. A tug of war has begun and this shoving and pushing in the political arena is going to change the face of public debate in Egypt.
I see three circles emerging on the political scene -- green, yellow and red. The green circle is the largest, attracting people who believe that decision-making is a right that should be exercised by all. The yellow is smaller, encompassing those who speak for a particular party or cause. But it is the red circle, dominated by the ruling elite, that is the smallest.
Everyone wants something and this, in the end, is what politics is about. But there is no final truth, no quick-fix answers. It is a fluid process involving many players and much shouting. In the end a compromise will be reached, then another, then another.
Politics is back.
This week's Soapbox speaker is professor of Political Science at the University of Helwan.
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After several decades of silence public debate is once again a feature of Egyptian political life. It maybe a result of globalisation -- the communications revolution has, after all, radically changed our perceptions -- or a result of the erosion of political borders. Whatever the reasons artists and clergymen, judges and businessmen, writers and students are suddenly speaking out, and at the same time. The nation's appetite for political debate has been whetted, and it is growing. A tug of war has begun and this shoving and pushing in the political arena is going to change the face of public debate in Egypt.
