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Surprises come without any expectations, and two uncertainties of 2011 have already been unfolded: Tunisians revolted against a tyrant that ruled them over two decades. No one was thinking that Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali will one day be ousted by just a popular outcry.
During his ruling on Tunisians, Mr. Ben Ali has really taken this Muslim country to the extreme side, and overused his power. In 2006, in order to please his masters, Hijab (not the veil) was banned in public places. This has made Tunisia as the only Muslim country that restricted Hijab in its laws. Ironically, the Constitution of the country declares that Islam is the state religion, and the President must be a Muslim. If this is the case, why Ben Ali has gone that far? The justification that Ben Ali used to fulfill his decree was that “Hijab is a foreign agenda” to Tunisians! One interpretation that can be ascribed to this ruling is that it’s used as a weapon against Islamists even though Hijab has nothing to do with any political agenda that Islamist may try to impose on Tunisians. However, the Tunisian women who wanted to maintain their modesty have become the real victims of this ruling.
Despite his dictatorship mentality, and subjugating his people, his ruling has come to an end. This was a real miracle, and it has only begun by one man named Mohamed Bouazizi, who felt being marginalized and frustrated economically. By his action, the entire country was shaken until they forced Ben Ali to leave the country. Even though the issue is still not stable, there is good news that is coming from Tunis. One of the leaders who have been in exile since Ben Ali was in power is Sheikh Rached Ghanouchi, the founder of the Nahda (Awakening) Movement. According to this report, Mr. Ghanouchi says that he does not have any aspiration for politics, but will give chance to the younger generation. Another public chorus of disapproval is now coming from Egypt where Egyptians refuse to take a rest from their uprising against Mubarak, who has been ruling Egypt since 1981. Despite all the pressures that are coming from everywhere, Mubarak seems that he is not getting it. While he is the one who should step down, and let the Egyptians take their destiny, he dismissed his cabinet, and said that he will announce a new cabinet. This is not really what Egyptians want. There is one simple thing that they want: thirty years of tyranny is enough, and Mubarak must go. It’s not known how long it will take for Egyptians, but they seem committed to get rid of the dictator. The question that circulates in people’s mind is: will Egypt be falling in the same situation of Somalia? This is not likely to happen for a couple of reasons. Even though some may benefit from the chaotic situation, the law and order will be restored sooner or later. According to the World Fact book, Egyptians are one of the most educated societies in the Muslim world where the literacy rate is 71.4%, so there will be some kind of self-restraining from the majority of Egyptians. Moreover, the concept of nationalism is held dearly by the Egyptians, whether they are Muslims or Christian Coptic, and they will not let anyone to put their country into mayhem. The Egyptian army is functioning well, and they will take the lead until people decide whomever they want them to lead. For these reasons, Egypt is far from being a failed state like we have seen in Somalia. Where will be the next public uprising? Somalia? I am certain that Somalia is the right place for the next public protest. It’s doable and not that hard as it only needs some leadership that can direct people with a vision. The ruling of Al-Shabab, which makes its main agenda to chop the hands and the feet of the poor young Somalis, calls for a real uproar from Somalis in the country. If Tunisians have managed to overthrow a dictator, if Egyptians are now working for the same goal, it’s time for Somalis to take these footsteps and reclaim their nation from those who have clearly rejected the blue flag with the shining star in the middle. Abukar Sanei ___________________________________________________________ We welcome the submission of all articles for possible publication on WardheerNews.com
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