Friday, January 28, 2011

Egypt: Rising Up

Looking down on the urban sprawl of Cairo from El Mokattam Mountain.


I was going to blog about something else, but today's events in Egypt have changed my plans. If you've read my blog for a bit, you know that Mr TR is from Cairo, and that all of his extended family lives in and around the Nile Delta. When we first met, I knew little about Egypt besides the romanticized notion of Pharaohs, pyramids and ancient tombs. Over time -- by reading authors like Naguib Mafouz, learning about the fate of politicians like Ayman Nour and by visiting the country myself -- I began to learn the reality was anything but romantic.

Despite many western nations supporting the government, the country is virtually a prison. Elections are fraudulent, dissidents are jailed and tortured, and free speech stifled. Unemployment is high and the economy is getting worse. People live in graveyards -- I've seen it with my own eyes -- and children beg in the streets. Yet Egyptians are some of the friendliest and most giving people I have ever met.

As Mr TR and I watched the demonstrations grow in size and strength over the week, I could sense the excitement in his voice. He's pretty much lived his whole life in that country under one dictator and the thought that a new government could come to power in his lifetime is heady.

By cutting off Internet and mobile phone access, the Egyptian government has finally shown its true colours to the rest of the world. Let's just hope the world responds as it should: in support of people struggling to assert their freedom and their human rights.

We haven't been able to reach our family in Egypt due to the communications black-out. Can I ask that you keep them -- and the rest of Egypt -- in your thoughts as the events unfold?

89 comments:

  1. I certainly will. And I'm hoping for the best result for the people of Egypt, who I fell in love with in one short week in Sinai a couple of years ago.

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  2. I watched our national news last night and couldn't believe what was happening. I will pray fervently that Mr. TR's family is well and safe.

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  3. Thank you, Queenie. Things are especially bad in Sinai from what I've heard and seen. Let's hope change comes without too high a price.

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  4. Thanks, Anne. Mr TR's family is keeping safe, I'm sure -- they live about thirty minutes outside the heart of downtown. It's just difficult when you can't reach them to make sure.

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  5. It's amazing how much you can miss when you only visit a country as a tourist. I hope the current situation will result in greater freedom and recognition of human rights in Egypt - thankyou for sharing your thoughts on this Talli :) x

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  6. You're all in my thoughts, Talli. I have Egyptian friends and I'm praying their loved ones are safe and have a better life to look forward to when all this is over.

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  7. This is terrible. I had no idea there was such unrest in Egypt or that the government would go to such unthinkable lengths for control. I'm so sorry. Your family is definitely in my thoughts!

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  8. Ellie, I know. You'd never guess the true situation (except for the poverty, which is quite prevalent no matter where you turn in Egypt).

    Thanks for your thoughts.

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  9. Thanks, Ellen and Heather! Mr TR and I really appreciate it.

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  10. I'm definitely keeping them in my thoughts. I'm praying for your family and I look forward to hearing when you hear from them.

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  11. I will, Talli--and thank you for a realistic view of the situation in Egypt!

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  12. Keeping Mr TR and his family in my thoughts today, I saw the coverage on the news. It must be difficult for him not to be able to be in contact with his family. Bx

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  13. Oh Talli, I will pray for everyone to be okay. That’s just horrible. Living in a system where you could impeach your president if they did something majorly wrong, it’s hard to believe that other nations don’t have that option.

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  14. Wow, the people express what they want, and the government goes all 1984 on them. That's completely awful. I wouldn't know nearly as much about Egypt if I didn't follow your blog, and I'm very glad I do.

    Irony--my word verification was "frown"

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  15. *Hugs* I hope your family stays safe.

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  16. You can count on my prayers for Egypt. A country I've long looked at for its human rights abuses that go ignored by other governments, now it cannot be ignored.

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  17. I'll be keeping you and your husband's family in my thoughts and wishing for a safe and peaceful future for Egypt.

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  18. I have been following the events in Egypt on the BBC news and RTE news. I hope good comes of this and not just more of the same. My thoughts are with your family there. Praying for their safety and wellbeing. Thinking of you too at this very stressful time. Take care, both of you!

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  19. Thank you so much for your thoughts, everyone. While it's scary to see the unrest in the streets, I really hope Egyptians get the change they deserve.

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  20. Of course, Talli. I thought about you when I first heard about the demonstrations there earlier in the week. I wonder if people will ever learn not to abuse power. Stay strong.

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  21. Most definitely my dear, I really hope the right person/party leads the people in their interests. It's really scary to watch the situation unfold now, especially with the lack of internet and comms. Hope you and Mr TR's family and friends are safe. x

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  22. That's aweful Talli, I'm so sorry that's happened. Will keep those in Egypt in my thoughts and prayers.

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  23. I hope MR TR's family are safe!!

    These are exciting if a little daunting times!! Revolution is in the air!! Power to the people!!!!

    Take care
    x

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  24. I certainly will, Talli. I got caught up in riots when Sadat raised the price of bread. These riots are big-time, no-holes-barred, serious stuff. I hope your family remains safe!

    I know the City of the Dead. *shakes head* Lots and lots of problems *sighs* Here's hoping for the best!

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  25. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mr. TR's family, and all in Egypt right now. I hope with everyone else that something good can come from the struggle.

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  26. What a frightening situation, I can't even fathom being cut off from communication like that. I watched a report on the national news this morning. Hoping that peace follows this unrest, and that you hear from your family soon.

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  27. Wow, I definitely keep Mr. TR's family in my prayers.

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  28. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. My best wishes on seeing a new-better- government take place. Cheers~

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  29. Wow, I had no idea this was going on. That must be nerve-wrecking not being able to reach them. :( I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe and take care.

    ~TRA

    http://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com

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  30. Will definitely be thinking of your story as I watch this unfold. My husband is from Turkey so I can relate to having a "country-in-law." Hoping for a good outcome and positive change in Egypt.

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  31. really - have you been to the Cities of the Dead? I am always amazed how the US decides regime change is necessary in repressive places like Iraq but never says anything about Egypt because it's an ally.

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  32. I hope his family's all right over there, Talli. I've been watching the situation in the news, and wondering what might happen next.

    Hopefully change can come as peacefully as possible to Egypt and Tunisia, and whatever governments come to be will place the lives and future of the people first....

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  33. My thoughts are definitely with you and your husbands family during this difficult and terrible time.

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  34. I've been glued to Sky News this afternoon. It's exciting... and scary. Of course I hope that your family is well and safe, but I know ALL of those people are someone's family, and as they revise (upward) the number of wounded, I can't help but catch my breath and pray for all those strangers too: the brothers and sisters and moms and dads of people I'll never meet, but who are willing to put their safety on the line for just the HOPE of changing their country for the better.

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  35. I will keep them in my prayers, Talli! I've been watching the events on the news. May your family stay safe.

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  36. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and unique viewpoint with having family there. I'm hoping for a positive change.

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  37. Will certainly keep them in my thoughts and prayers.

    Yvonne.

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  38. I'll keep Mr. TR's family and the people Egypt in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted.

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  39. I'm keeping your family and all of the Egyptian people in my thoughts and prayers. I hope everything works out and changes for the better without too much more turmoil.

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  40. Talli,
    I certainly will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. How horrendous!!! and we get frstrated with OUR government. I guess it's all perspective....

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  41. They will definitely be in my thoughts. A former sister-in-law who still remains my friend taught at the university there for some time and her take on conditions in Egypt were just as you described.

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  42. For the past week, whenever I watch the news I've been noticing reports on Tunisia, Egypt, and other countries where there are demonstrations and protests. Living in the USA, it's hard to imagine that kind of situation--democracy's taken for granted most of the time.

    I'll definitely be keeping your family in my thoughts!

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  43. I was reading about it this morning! I will be thinking about your husband's family. I'm sure they are fine, just no communication.

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  44. Best wishes to them, let's hope there will be a change for the better!

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  45. As with everyone else, I'll be thinking of you and your family.

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  46. I'll be thinking of you too. My DH has some family in Beirut and extended family in Cairo, so I know exactly what you're feeling. I have to remember to breathe sometimes.

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  47. I've had the same notions you used to have, Talli--Thank you for helping give me a microscopic bit of education on the matter. It seems funny to root for an uprising, but it sounds like that is what we should be doing. I hope all your family is safe.

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  48. Big changes are happening throughout the middle east. It's definitely a time of turmoil. I've been keeping up with the goings on with concern. Prayers for Mr. TR's family and the people of Egypt.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out and the Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2011

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  49. Definitely. What a horrible way of life to such a wonderful race of people. I have met several Egyptians myself and have been very gracious people.

    Also according to one of my first cousins we have an Egyptian line through in our family a few centuries ago.

    I hope your hubbs family will be okay through all of this.

    Michael

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  50. Talli, I'm so sorry to read about what you and Mr. TR have to experience and feel regarding to events in Egypt. We have friend from Egypt. It is really difficult for him to watch news these days.

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  51. I will. When I saw it on the news the other day I thought about it. Hopefully you will hear from Mr. TR's family soon.

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  52. I had no idea it was so bad. I'll certainly keep the people of Egypt in my prayers and hope for the change they need and deserve.

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  53. amazing--I've been in a work bubble all day and just logged onto email and saw the headline about the Internet blackout... I clicked over here to see if you'd posted about it and voila! :D

    I will def. keep them in my prayers, but how interesting that Mr. TR is excited about this. So it's a good thing? :o) You guys make me feel like an "insider." ;o) <3

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  54. I can't imagine how exciting yet at the same time frightening this must be for him. I hope all goes well and freedom wins out.

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  55. Done! And just so you know, my positive thoughts work wonders. :)

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  56. I hope the government comes to its senses and starts listening to the people. I hope your family is safe.

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  57. What a shame about Egypt. I hope the best for them during this time. Loved this post because you expressed your views so eloquently.

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  58. I really hope Mr TR's family stays safe throughout the turmoil. It's so frightening.
    Hugs, Talli.
    L

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  59. When I heard the news today, I was thankful you had return from your visit. Definitely keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

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  60. I have been watching the TV all day. It's so interesting that you are on the inside scoop and can write about it. I will keep your husbands family in my thoughts and heart. Please keep us informed.
    Love and peace to you and your family.

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  61. I'm keeping your family in my thoughts. I hope you are able to reach them soon!

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  62. I hope his family stays safe.

    I'm teaching the 7th-graders about Africa. I'm going to spend Monday discussing and showing video and reading articles about Egypt.

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  63. Talli you hubby's family and the people of Eygpt will be in my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine the stress you guys are under not being able to communicate..

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  64. So glad you have heard from them now. We were fretful for you both last night but selfishly glad that you were back in England and we didn't have to be worried about you.

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  65. Hi Talli .. I have been thinking of you both and Mr TR's family and friends there - I have a friend of a friend in Tunisia .. so worrying times all round.

    I too hope Egypt comes out safe, stronger, and more democratic in their way in the future ..

    Definitely have been and continuing to think of you .. with thoughts Hilary

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  66. Will do. Am listening to the radio and the reports get more and more alarming.

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  67. I never realised things were so bad. My thoughts and hopes are with you and your loved ones.

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  68. Praying for your family and the entire country will find peace in the turmoil of events that are unfolding before them.

    New follower visiting from TIO's A to Z challenge. Looking forward to reading your posts.

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  69. Wow, that's amazing you're in the middle of all this. I hope you're keeping a journal recording your experience! You get to see history in the making with your own eyes and not just on the news.

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  70. Your words are sobering, Talli. I do hope your husband's family are OK. You have reminded me how lucky we are to live in a free country. TGW

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  71. I hope you're family are safe and well, Talli. We too have friends in Cairo who we have been unable to contact. As you say, I think many of us are in complete support of people trying to assert their freedom and human rights.

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  72. How frightening for you and Mr TR. Every time I watch the news I think of you and Mr TR worrying about family/friends. I hope everything is somehow sorted out soon. x

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  73. Dear Talli,
    I watched the unfolding events yesterday. I, too, have read Mafouz, but don't really know much about Egypt, except that it seems how goes Egypt goes the rest of the Arab world. Most of us didn't realize how bad things were there. It is amazing what people can do if they stick together. We all support the uprising and hope your extended family is well. It seems the outcome may hinge on what the army does. I think it's horrible that our country continues to fund govts. like this, govts that stifle free speech and human rights. I will be watching these events now with a new perspective. I will think of you.

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  74. I just read about all this. How awful. I hope Mr. TR's family will be okay. It's horrible what innocent people suffer!

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  75. I hope Mr. TR's family will be safe! We don't realize how lucky we are in the US, to live where we have freedoms, even when/if we're not 100% happy with what our gov't is doing. I shudder to think of all the violence in Egypt right now, and hope for an improvement in conditions w/o much loss of innocent life.

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  76. Aww. I will keep them and all of Egypt in my thoughts and prayers.

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  77. Until the recent events, I didn't know anything about the people's plight in Egypt. Your husband's family and the rest of Egypt are in my thoughts.

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  78. Good luck to egypt. An amazing vibrant country. My thoughts and prayers are with the people.

    Great article xxx

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  79. Of course I will, Talli and Mr. TR. I have been to Cairo and seen the people who live amongst the gravestones and experienced the friendship they offer. They are a wonderful people.

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  80. I so hope the Egyptian people get their well deserved freedom. Bravo to those brave souls protesting in the streets. It proves once again that people will tolerate only so much suppression before they fight back. Humans will eventaully all demand to be treated humanely.

    Go Egypt!

    (I hope your hubby's people are safe.)

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  81. I totally hope and pray for a peaceful resolution for the nation. I think the world is seeing that bringing tech to all people will hopefully end some of the oppression for the very poor and helpless. Hoping for the best for you and your family.

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  82. You have my support! We can hope that something good will come out of all this that benefits the people regardless of their caste.

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  83. Talli, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Mr. TR. And certainly, I hope the best for Egypt and her people.

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  84. You are in my thoughts. Hope the change will be good.

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  85. Will do Talli, with no second thought.
    Im praying that this situation will come to a good end, and freedom will be established once again over Egypt.

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  86. I will certainly keep Egypt in my thoughts. I knew about the trouble, but had no idea how bad it was - and yes, I think I used to have just that romanticized notion of Egypt in my head too. Thanks for this post!

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  87. Very scary stuff. I hope the results will make everyone happy and give them some hope for the future!

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  88. I will certainly keep them in my thoughts and in my practice. It is a frightening although heady time -change happens out on the skinny branches not at the fat centre of the old tree. So give my love to Mr. TR and know his family is in my heart.

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  89. I thought of you when I read about Egypt. But so hectic has been my life I could get to you only now.
    You are in my thoughts. And may the people prevail.

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Coffee and wine for all!