A Few Thoughts on Egypt

Many are now observing the events that have unfolded in Egypt, culminating with the resignation of the nations President, Hosni Mubarak. It is too early to celebrate events as a conclusion just as another phase begins, but I can't help but make a few quick observations.

Credit Connectivity. We are all standing witness to a manifestation of the power of connectivity. Whether it is the internet, cellular technologies, Al Jazeera, or any number of networks and networking tools leveraged for communications and information flows and access - connectivity is the underwriting power that is motivating social changes globally in 2011. The impacts of connectivity are influencing cultures and society in real time. The global human network exchanges and relationships enabled by connectivity help explain how Ben Ali, who held power for 23 years, can be ousted in just 29 days by a peaceful protest. The same power of connectivity explains how Hosni Mubarak can be ousted in just 18 days after holding power for 29 years in Egypt.

Keep watching the youth in Egypt. Many prominent people and polarizing organizations will get publicity in the western media, but those people and organizations jumped on the bandwagon of a generational movement that is primarily made up of Egypt’s unemployed, interconnected youth who desire a better future. History shows the period following a leadership change by revolution leads to more tension, and often violence. Political transitions are hard, and Egypt is both Africa and the Middle East - places not usually associated with democracy and too often associated with violence. There will be a political power struggle, but keep an eye out for an emerging and charismatic younger figure to emerge who isn't focused on religious ideology, rather is instead focused on economy.

Credit the Egyptian Army. The initial decision to not engage the protesters directly in protection of the regime has proven the Egyptian Army as a remarkably professional organization at time of extreme pressure. Internal revolutions can stir many emotions, but the professionalism demonstrated in Egyptian Army's character, methods, spirit, and conduct at the street level day after day is the single greatest contributing factor that led to today's result. As much as the youth of Egypt represent an inspiration for the cause of freedom, the military of Egypt represents an inspiration for the cause of military professionalism.

Credit the US military. For the tens of thousands of US Marines who have deployed on MEUs over the last many, many years and worked along side the Egyptian military training them to be professional soldiers, take pride in your efforts this day. You cannot be credited as a primary cause of the professionalism demonstrated by the Egyptian Army, but by any measurement you can be credited as a significant contributing influence towards that professionalism.

Credit Al Jazeera. There are several notable informers, reporters, and journalists who deserve credit, but as an organization Al Jazeera deserves high praise both on the Arab language side and English side. Al Jazeera is no longer simply reporting to 80 million people in the Middle East, they are humiliating American cable news outlets by single handedly outclassing all of their competitors with high quality news coverage. Al Jazeera was so remarkably effective in their news coverage in and about Egypt that the government of Egypt specifically targeted the news organization as a threat to the regime. The independence, integrity, and commitment to journalistic freedom demonstrated by Al Jazeera is an important part of the story in Egypt, because press freedoms represent a pillar of a healthy democracy.

Good Luck Egypt. Welcome to the Democracy club. Lesson #1, freedom is hard.