120 (part 2)

For those who prefer more simplistic ideas based upon pop culture, here's a truncated update:

What we have here is a Star Wars conflict.

The Egyptian people, exercising newly gained political influence, voice, and power, are acting as Queen Amidala.

Having recently (January Revolution) given a vote of "No Confidence" in the previous leader, they inadvertently helped pave the way for the Empire to take over.  (And we all know how that went.)

But, to their credit, the people were wise to the actions of the Empire, and seem to have acted before they were able to exert such a stronghold over the country.

(Good for Queen Amidala, but no Empire means no Jedi's, so I'm a little disappointed on that front.)

So, we wait and watch to see who wrestles control - the Empire (SCAF and military) or rebels (Egyptian people via popular vote.)

120 (weeks in Cairo)

Hi all,

It's time to bring back my blog updates.

First off, if you read no further, please know that I am safe and well.

Times once again are becoming tense in Egypt. The military refuses to understand or meet the wishes of the people. They have been the school yard bully for so long, they don't know any other way to act. It's unfortunate, because their main method of communication is through violence, and some of that violence comes in the forms of tear gas cannisters (which are now reportedly stronger than during the Revolution, and are causing suffocation and death) which have "Made in the U.S." printed on the sides.

Thus, while the conflict is internal, I occassionally hear some anti-U.S. sentiment.

But, the official U.S. policy seems to be fairly positive. It appears we have backed off of our partnership with the military here and are waiting for a fair election process to occur; those elections should enable communication with the freely elected leaders of Egypt. Those elections are supposed to occur Monday. We'll see.

The military here is doing (I believe) what it can to delay elections. The longer there are no elected leaders, the longer the military stays as the "only power in town" and they can continue to manipulate, steal, intimidate, and be in control.

While all of this is happening, my employer is very contientious and supportive. Many schools are going full on. We are dismissing early to increase the chances we are home safe before any potential outbreaks occur. They have been implementing as needs arise more and more systems for communication and safety. They are trying to respond as best they can to situations that cannot be predicted, and I appreciate the efforts being made.

We are also continuing to operate with a focus on our students. Systems are in place for online communication and delivery of course content. As long as the internet continues to work, we at least have a secondary means to deliver the content of our courses, and students can still have some guided learning. (I say as long as because even though the United Nations has now deemed internet a "basic human right" and therefore not something to be cut off at a nations whim, as Egypt did last January, I anticipate the military here will not hesitate to do so again if they feel it's in their best interest.)

For the time being, the conflict is internal, and the violence isolated to a very focused area around Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo. While there are thieves who are taking advantage of a lack of police presence in the greater Cairo area, the general day to day living situation is still quite calm and good for me.

Say a prayer for the Egyptian people that they can continue in their efforts to gain what everybody wants: a better life with a governmental system that adheres to principles of and does what it can to ensure basic human rights are provided to all.

Scott