 'The textile workers of Al-Mahala Al-Kubra scored a tangible victory when they went on strike and forced the authorities to respond to most of their demands'  'The social movements pressing for change have suffered from structural weaknesses. They have lacked clear and cohesive ideological frameworks, grassroots links and channels of communication. Many also appeared to believe the received wisdom -- belied by considerable historical evidence -- that the Egyptian masses are inherently apathetic, politically unaware and instinctively disinclined to participate in protest movements' parent page (1 - 7 November 2007, issue #869) |