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Women on Egypt's Coup

The rise of Islamist political parties has arguably impacted women more than any other sector of society. But women from four Arab countries had diverse reactions to military coup against the Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt on July 3.

            The rise of Islamist political parties has arguably impacted women more than any other sector of society. But nine women from four Arab countries had diverse reactions to military coup against the Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt on July 3.

Egypt

Rowida Omar,Executive Manager of the Egyptian Democratic Academy

            Elected representatives should be voted out office, not ousted by the military. I am seriously concerned about the status of democracy not only in Egypt but in all the Arab spring countries. I fear that democracy has been overridden in the name of freedom. Pro-Brotherhood television channels were closed immediately after Morsi’s ouster and newspapers were censored. Some voters may lose confidence in the democratic process because the constitution and president they voted for were so easily swept aside.
            The politicization of Egypt’s army and police is a particularly dangerous development. Some police even joined anti-government protests. Security forces protected anti-government protestors while dealing harshly with Morsi’s supporters. No one knows exactly how many were killed in crackdowns on pro-Brotherhood sit-ins and demonstrations. And the armed forces and police may yet play a more direct role in politics. In May 2013, the Supreme Constitutional Court ruled that members of the police and armed forces could vote in future elections.

Esraa Abdelfattah, Coordinator for the Egyptian Democratic Academy

            The civilian demonstrations against Morsi will remain in the hearts and minds of Egyptians as a true expression of their hopes and dreams. Egyptians have twice risen against dictatorship and corruption in the name of democracy. They will not settle until the country is securely on the path to a better future. Egypt may lead the Arab world toward another revolution to end all types of dictatorship. 

Intsar Saed,General Director of Cairo Center for Development

            Morsi’s ouster was part of new wave of the January 25 revolution, in which the army responded to the people’s call. The Muslim Brotherhood is now collapsing in Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world. The path carved out starting on June 30, 2013 is the correct one for the Egyptian revolution. But democracy is still developing and needs more public support.

Iraq

Athra al Hassani, Director of Model Iraqi Women Organization

            The overthrow of Morsi’s government was a correct decision because Brotherhood rule was a big calamity for Egypt and the Arab world. Cairo has a great historical standing as a leader of the Arab world. Egypt’s military demonstrated that it is an independent institution that respects the decision of the people. Now the country is undergoing a necessary period of transition. But the youth should continue their involvement and prevent extremist Islamist groups from ruling Egypt. Iraq is now suffering from the acts of such groups.

Dr. Ghada al Amely, General Director of al Mada for Art Media and Culture

            The Tamarod (Rebel) movement restored the glow of the Arab revolts that was stolen by Islamist parties. They won elections just after the frustrated peoples’ moment of triumph. But the Egyptian people, through Tamarod, demonstrated their true will. And they inspired Arabs elsewhere to call for the end of injustice and oppression.
            Morsi was the mirror image of other leaders who coopted the Arab revolutions for the benefit of their groups. And his ouster has sent an important message throughout the Arab world — that people can effect change. But Egypt’s experience is unique and difficult to recreate elsewhere. For example, Iraq has a multitude of sects, religions and ethnic groups that frequently disagree. Egypt is more homogenous and its people are united in their demands and goals.

Hana’a Hamood Abbas,President of Rafidain Women’s Coalition

           Ousting Morsi was a bold step by people unwilling to bow under an ineffective regime. What happened in Egypt should happen in all Arab states in transition. Citizens must ensure a change of government has a concrete effect on society and is not just a change in faces. The only change the Brotherhood brought was the shedding of Egyptian blood. Security was only provided for those in power, who solely cared about their vision. They were not committed to the development of Egyptian society.

Dr. Sallama Al Khafaji, Independent High Commission for Human Rights board member

            The overthrow of Morsi by Egypt’s military was expected. Some in the Arab world were even waiting for it to happen. Morsi had remained silent in the face of discrimination in Egypt, especially against the Shiite minority. Discrimination led to the humiliating killing of prominent cleric Sheikh Hassan Shehata, his brother and friends in June 2013. New leaders need to understand that democracy means involvement of all citizens, even the opposition and minorities. The government’s duty is to listen to their concerns and try to work out outstanding issues. 

Lebanon

Rawan Yaghi,Educational Director of Teach Women English

            An extremist party will have a hard time lasting long in Egypt, a nation of more than 80 million people. The people who could oust Hosni Mubarak, a dictator that held power for more than 30 years, can impose the democracy that Egyptians deserve. Morsi’s ouster regained some of the people’s trust in the Arab trust. The rest of the Arab world may soon understand that only democracy and tolerance will prevail. Less extremist Sunni-majority countries may now take steps towards democracy and stop using the threat of Shiite parties as an excuse.

Syria

Dr. Mouna Ghanem, Deputy President of Building the Syrian State movement

            Morsi’s toppling demonstrated that building a democracy is an ongoing process. Democracy is not just the result of the first round of voting after the fall of a dictatorship. The first vote is likely to be just a reaction to the previous regime.
            Egypt’s experiment has shown that all groups should participate in the transitional period after tyrannical rule. A coup may be less likely if all groups participate equally from the beginning. Democratic transition should be a two-stage process. In the first stage, the country should restore security and balance to political life. Special programs for national reconciliation and mechanism for transitional justice should be put into place. And the people should be allowed to establish a broad and effective civil society. Elections should then be held in the second stage.

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