I also did not like the way Alaa El Aswani lost his cool with Ahmed Shafiq, Egypt's then prime minister and now ex-prime minister on yesterday's OTV live Egypt political panel discussion, but I also liked what he said. His style was not professional, but I think we should separate the two: his message and how he delivered it.
Also, we should put this whole discussion into context. This is the first time we see an open debate of this calibre on Egyptian television. The prime minister for the first time is being questioned / drilled... This debate was unprecedented. I was witnessing a special moment in Egypt's post-revolutionary democracy.
The PM was in my view in a difficult situation as he had to bear the brunt of 30 years of oppression. In other words, for the first time the lid was lifted and all that steam came out in one go. He was shot, as the messenger of 30 years of political oppression.
It was not a natural situation and I bet you Aswani would in future handle a debate differently. At least I would hope so. When has the ruling authority in Egypt been questioned in public?
The main outcome for me is the debate showed that Shafik is not committed to any positive change. This is more important to note from this debate than the fact that Aswani was unprofessional.
Aswani stood up for the rights of the revolution and he made good points. That is honourable enough for me.
Also, we should put this whole discussion into context. This is the first time we see an open debate of this calibre on Egyptian television. The prime minister for the first time is being questioned / drilled... This debate was unprecedented. I was witnessing a special moment in Egypt's post-revolutionary democracy.
The PM was in my view in a difficult situation as he had to bear the brunt of 30 years of oppression. In other words, for the first time the lid was lifted and all that steam came out in one go. He was shot, as the messenger of 30 years of political oppression.
It was not a natural situation and I bet you Aswani would in future handle a debate differently. At least I would hope so. When has the ruling authority in Egypt been questioned in public?
The main outcome for me is the debate showed that Shafik is not committed to any positive change. This is more important to note from this debate than the fact that Aswani was unprofessional.
Aswani stood up for the rights of the revolution and he made good points. That is honourable enough for me.
Anyway since writing this note, I found out that Shafiq has resigned, which is in itself testimony to further incredible changes that we're witnessing in Egypt's political scene at the moment.
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