Different Stories of One Revolution:Article Evaluation of Demystifying the Arab Spring
Perceptions are easily influenced. It can change by a report on the news, a picture, public opinion, or even friends and families opinion. The article, “Demystifying the Arab Spring” written by Lisa Anderson, President of the American University in Cairo, published in June 2011 in HeinOnline’s Foreign Affairs, states the misconception people have on the multiple revolutions that occurred in the Arab countries, also known as the Arab Spring. She suggests that because it happened in such a close proximity and almost simultaneously that each country has an out of date leader who is filled with corruption and the poor government can’t maintain employment and education. The term Arab Spring categorizes Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya’s revolutions and makes it seem as if it was one event. Grouping these separate events would be inaccurate. In fact, Anderson’s central argument is that each country involved in the Arab Spring is unique in that they are each facing different opponents with different circumstances and different context.
She begins by stating that inspiration via outside sources is not a new phenomenon. Tunisia early revolts in 1919 was inspired by U.S. president Woodrow Wilson’s speech Fourteen Point speech which was sent by telegraph. The important part to look at is why the countries reacted the way they did. Tunisia’s revolution was fueled by a labor movement. Their issue was that President Zine el-Albidine Ben Ali restricted free expression and political parties. Egypt’s protesters consisted of urban young people who demanded rights. Dictator Hosni Mubarak was overwhelmingly corrupt. There was high unemployment and poverty because of his economic business connected to his son. Libya’s protesters where armed rebels. They too had enough of their corrupt government but unlike Egypt, they had no unity due to prohibited private ownership and retail trade and the banning of free press. Each of the countries had unique regimes and a similar goal but they each had unique movements with unique conditions.
The article was very interesting and informative. Prior to reading Anderson’s article on the Arab Spring, my perception of the revolutions was all the same. As she stated, it is easy to categorize the uprising since they occurred almost simultaneously. After reading this piece I am now very knowledgeable on the Arab Spring. Anderson’s claims in the article are clear and strong. I like how she compares each country to each other to clarify the distinctions between each uprising. I also like that she provides clear solution in how each government can succeed. Overall, I really enjoyed reading the article because it was very knowledgeable and her ethos is excellent.
I believe Anderson’s audience consists of young students. She often used young people to make it relatable to students who are reading. A good indicator that the audience is students is the extensive vocabulary. She also ends with President Obama’s speech to the Muslim world, “… all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice…” (Anderson 7). I feel as if this statement is directed to young people who are going through a crucial time in life in which they are discovering their rights and speaking their minds is imperative. I believe this article is directed towards students in inform them of living standards in other parts of the world, how it was handled, so if any conditions like that a rise to the individual they know what to do.
Anderson demystifies the Arab Spring by breaking down each country; Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. Each country had a unique circumstances and conditions but they had one common goal; dignity and rights.
Work Cited
Work Cited
Anderson, Lisa. "Demystitying the Arab Spring: Parsing the Differences Between Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya." HeinOnline 90 Foreing Affairs (2011): 2-7. Print.
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