Doha Debates hold first video link-up since revolution with students in Egypt
Wednesday, March 09 2011
The Doha Debates provided new analysis of current events in the region with the first video link-up since the revolution between students in Qatar and their counterparts in Egypt.
The discussion, which took place at Carnegie Mellon University Qatar and the American University of Cairo, is part of the Debates' commitment to providing a platform for dialogue and free speech where students and members of the public can exchange views on the most important social and political issues facing their lives.
Dr. Nagla Rizk, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at the American University of Cairo ( AUC ) commented that the event had increased understanding of events among both sets of students.
"The extraordinary events of the Egyptian Revolution have caught the attention of the world and continue to exemplify the importance of communication and dialogue. In the first link up of its kind since the revolution, students from the American University in Cairo have enjoyed the opportunity to share with other students in the Arab world (Education City in Qatar) their experiences during this historical time, their appraisal of the current situation and their hopes for the future. They have benefitted from listening to the perceptions of their peers in the Arab world", she said.
A hall of 80 students from various universities and educational institutions across Qatar was connected by video link with a group of students from AUC in a session moderated by Doha Debates Series Producer Tanya Sakzewski and AUC's Dr. Rizk.
During the session students in Egypt described their experiences during revolution such as neighborhood watches in the Dokki and Mohandessin areas and those students living near the Presidential Palace. One student spoke of his imprisonment for a day by Mubarak security forces, while another contrasted events with those in Egypt's second city, Alexandria.
The involvement of the military in the transition period was debated, with one student from Cairo stating that ‘there is a division in Egyptian society over the role of the military. It is related to the fallen regime and has its own political agenda. So we are watching it and will hold it to account'.
Another theme that emerged from the discussion was the evolution and raising of political awareness among Egyptians. Distinction was made by the AUC students between the lack of political awareness and the lack of a political scene. They also expressed a view that the revolution started before January 25 2011 since events leading up to it would not have occurred as quickly without the political activism that started in 2000.
The role of media in the revolution was discussed and one AUC participant explained how new technologies have been adopted by the interim government. "Now the military and cabinet release their statements on Facebook. We like this", she said.
Other areas of discussion including Egypt's future relationship with the USA, the role of internal security forces, the reform of the education system and the chances for civil unrest in Gulf countries such as Qatar.
Students in Doha concluded the session by describing the different Arab world perceptions of the Egyptian revolution and how events were covered in national state media and international broadcasters such as Al Jazeera.
