By Hussein ShobokshiWhile the whole world watched breathlessly, mesmerized by the dramatic unfolding of events in Egypt, Tahrir Square was the place to be. It was the address of the revolution. Things, however, did not continue as romantically as they began. Bloody clashes broke out between different factions, chaotic political debates took place and a poisonous atmosphere was the result. Mistrust continued to rise among political parties and was clearly reflected between people in the streets. Egypt was a mess. An ideal revolution that was described as a dream was clearly becoming a nightmare for many. Egypt, the largest Arab country with an ancient civilization going back 7,000 years, had a political heritage and a lively and healthy parliamentary life in the 1940s before the 1952 coup d'état stripped it away. Egypt also had political parties, professional syndicates, a free press, as well as a serious intellectual society within a vibrant economy. With all of this important and significant political legacy and cultural heritage, it was simply unacceptable for Egypt to sink into chaos as it did. But wait! Through all of this there were glimmers of hope. Peace and order reigned as if nothing had happened when the Egyptians went to the polls to cast their votes in the parliamentary elections. They stood in long queues for hours without any serious incidents which was an extreme contrast from some of the horrific scenes that people saw in post-revolution Egypt which led some people to long for the days of Hosni Mubarak and the “peace” that was. Egypt is living now under the “spell” of its most important election, choosing its next president. There are 13 candidates running for that position with five of them having strong chances. For the first time in an Arab country, there are clear choices between the candidates, those who lean toward a civil society, others who are more socialist, while there are of course the Islamists as well and one candidate who represents in a way the old regime. Political banners are everywhere to be seen, advertisements in newspapers and on television cannot be missed. Campaigning is in full swing with candidates crisscrossing Egypt day and night to meet likely voters. There was even a TV political debate, and although it was just between two of the 13 candidates, it still managed to generate great interest and enthusiasm. Egypt (with the Arab world glued to the TV watching) is moving slowly but surely from the square to the box, from Tahrir Square to the ballot box that is. What a journey it has been; rough and tough at times, but a magical ride nevertheless that is about to reach its destination as the world watches Egypt “freely” choose a president who will govern the country under a new will and a new constitution. The most ancient civilization is writing the future of the region for sure. __
