On the State of Egypt by Alaa Al Aswany

 

Even as the revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak reached its climax, there were those who doubted the possibility of regime change in Egypt. One man who kept the faith was Alaa Al Aswany. This collection of articles documents Aswany’s long-standing opposition to Mubarak’s government and his firm belief that Egypt would embrace democracy. Delivered with compassion, insight and sardonic humour, Aswany’s analysis reads like a doctor’s diagnosis: a despotic regime inflicting unspeakable cruelties on its people; a disconnect between religious rituals and ethical behaviour; and a failure to realise a great nation’s potential. There’s also an unexpected appearance by the woman who caused Gordon Brown such a headache during last year’s UK election campaign. Aswany relates the story of Gillian Duffy’s chance encounter with the prime minister, and the toe-curling apology he had to make after calling her “bigoted.” Such an episode, says Aswany, could never have happened in Egypt, where rigged elections had emasculated public opinion. Just as Mubarak was preparing to bequeath Egypt – “like a poultry farm” – to his son, the president discovered his dynasty was done for. A new chapter in Egypt’s story has begun, and Alaa Al Aswany will be there to write it. [James Carson]