York pres on Egyptian youth in revolt

While Toronto faces a major snowstorm, Egypt is heating up an entire continent away. As protestors – mainly Egyptian youth – head into day seven of protests against the oppressive 30-year rule of President Hosni Mubarak, York president Mamdouh Shoukri took time to sit down with Excalibur to give his insight on the crisis in his home country.

Am I right in assuming you’ve spent some time in your home country [of Egypt]?
I came here when I was 24 years old. I finished my undergraduate engineering degree at Cairo University, and did my graduate work here.
How has student involvement in political activism there changed throughout the years?
Students are always politically active, but it has changed significantly. The space for people to express their points of view is also more than it used to be than when I lived there.
How would you explain the unrest in Egypt right now?
One reason is, I believe, the economic situation and the lack of opportunities for younger generations. In spite of what appears to be significant success and economic growth in general […] the gap between the rich and poor is larger than it used to be. The benefits of that growth appear to go to a small minority of the population.
The other reason is that despite the availability of many outlets for people to express their points of view as compared to our time, the authorities appear to be totally disinterested, or are not responding at all. In fact, they treat the opposition with disrespect or disregard.
Also, with the perceived lack of transparency in conducting elections and the obvious need for democratic reform, this has become the issue that galvanized everybody.
What is the relationship like between the government and the young people in Egypt?
Well, let’s put it this way. I know, at least from all the reports I’ve seen and all the connections I’ve made, the whole thing is being fought by young people who are mostly university-educated, as well as young people in general who are technologically savvy. They use Facebook and all other means of communication to create a move that is really driven by nothing more than a strong desire to see democratic reforms. It opened up the opportunity for everybody to bring their grievances. Technology has been useful for young people in creating what I consider a remarkable revolution.
People have been paying close attention to young Egyptians who have been using media outlets like Facebook and other social networking sites to come together, only to be censored. Do you believe there will come a time in Egypt where this kind of censorship will no longer be tolerated?
I think this time is almost there, and that it’ll be pretty soon. I believe that.

Are any of your family members still in Egypt right now?
Oh yeah, absolutely.
Have you been able to get into contact with them?
They are totally preoccupied with the issues. I know my two young nephews were in the middle of it, but that’s the way it is. Others are following closely, so they are a part of the general population that is doing this.
How do you think this will pan out?
My predictions may be tainted by an element of optimism, but I honestly expect that within the next few months we’ll see massive change that will bring change to the constitution and to the way the country is run. I have no doubt that the transformation will be peaceful and will be non-violent. I have long faith in this, and I want to make sure that the change is in the right direction. I hope it’s within a reasonable period of time and that everybody will enjoy the same privileges we enjoy here in Canada.
With files from Jacqueline Perlin
What is the relationship like between the government and the young people in Egypt?
Well, let’s put it this way. I know, at least from all the reports I’ve seen and all the connections I’ve made, the whole thing is being fought by young people who are mostly university-educated, as well as young people in general who are technologically savvy. They use Facebook and all other means of communication to create a move that is really driven by nothing more than a strong desire to see democratic reforms. It opened up the opportunity for everybody to bring their grievances. Technology has been useful for young people in creating what I consider a remarkable revolution.
People have been paying close attention to young Egyptians who have been using media outlets like Facebook and other social networking sites to come together, only to be censored. Do you believe there will come a time in Egypt where this kind of censorship will no longer be tolerated?
I think this time is almost there, and that it’ll be pretty soon. I believe that.
Are any of your family members still in Egypt right now?
Oh yeah, absolutely.
Have you been able to get into contact with them?
They are totally preoccupied with the issues. I know my two young nephews were in the middle of it, but that’s the way it is. Others are following closely, so they are a part of the general population that is doing this.
How do you think this will pan out?
My predictions may be tainted by an element of optimism, but I honestly expect that within the next few months we’ll see massive change that will bring change to the constitution and to the way the country is run. I have no doubt that the transformation will be peaceful and will be non-violent. I have long had faith in this, and I want to make sure that the change is in the right direction. I hope it’s within a reasonable period of time and that everybody will enjoy the same privileges we enjoy here in Canada.
President Mubarak’s Feb. 1 announcement that he would not be running for elections in September failed to impress the Egyptian public; he stated he wishes to live and die on Egyptian soil, contrary to the heated demands of the protestors that he step down and leave Egypt immediately.
With files from Jacqueline Perlin