Beneath Egypt’s political tie lives growing hope

Egypt in its third year of revolution seems to some to be in a rut and not any closer to resolving its severe national polarization over the current state of affairs. Torn between the created illusion of the Brotherhood in power symbolized in the elected president, and all the other players claiming their right to power, Egypt straddles along. The ongoing struggle fails to serve the country and its people. One thing continues to be clear: There is no group powerful enough to take full responsibility to lead Egypt. Very much in line with the “results of the box,” Egypt is in a political tie. With strong opposition preventing the rulers from complete takeover and rulers who continue to ignore the opposition and deny any other reality, Egypt will stay in a deadlock for some time.

 There is however, another side of Egypt that continues to burst with positive creativity and an undying sense of hope for a better future. In between lie the watchful eyes of the majority of concerned Egyptians who struggle to survive their constantly changing lives. In the long run, the budding seeds of life and energy are apt to grow strong and solid. In the short run, the current tie promises worse times before it is resolved. The balance continues to be in the hands of the majority as the seesaw sways up and down. It will serve all to remember that the people of Egypt are the only force that could and will tilt the scales.

For months the scene in Egypt has been boiling with severe opposition to the rule of President Mohamed Morsi. From daily riots, demonstrations and rallies to weekly violent clashes clouded in thick bursts of tear gas that lead to the loss of human life, casualties, abductions and hundreds of political activists awaiting trials. To add to a volatile political scene, a deteriorating economy threatens severe austerity measures and higher inflation. Formal political opposition leaves much to be desired. Official responsibility that lies with the elected president has disappointed even his own supporters and political allies.

Underneath the surface, daily initiatives with communities all over the country reveal themselves. Creations to enlighten young minds and souls; projects that offer spaces for expression of art, music, theater and innovation; initiatives to incubate and evolve scientific discoveries; experiments to conserve natural resources; homegrown, clean, green produce; attempts to re-engineer Egypt’s urban face in addition to human rights and political awareness are all underway. Projects, community initiatives and group activities are increasingly showing their face, sponsored by neither the government nor opposition; they continue to carve the deeper path for the new Egypt to evolve.

To the few who realize the uniqueness of Egypt, the lack of control, the unpredictability of the mounting frustration and anger within the country added to the volatile and challenging regional surroundings, there is justifiable concern. Throughout its very long history, Egypt was and continues to be an attractive conquest to many. Armed with an unmatched history, a resilient culture, this one-time cradle of civilization is apt to dig deep and rise strong once more in due course.