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The State of the Arab Spring

Democracy is a form of government that the people of the United States are privileged to
have. In comparison to nations in the Middle East, our form of government is a peaceful haven,
free of the violence and chaos that have tormented their people for many years and more to
come. These people, plagued by inequality, strive for a change in their lives. As a result of
escalated feelings and strong hopes for a change, the Arab Spring came to life.
In June 2012, Mohamed Morsi rose to be known as the first democratically elected
president of Egypt. This was the beginning of what seemed to be a step in the right direction,
however, events turned for the worst as the tyrannical Morsi abused his power and limited the
power of the people through theocratic ruling. He enacted measures that restricted freedoms and
moved closer to Islamic law. Enormous demonstrations of protest against this newly appointed
president swept Egypt as they attempted to displace Morsi. The protesters were motivated by
their desire for human rights and collected up to 20 million signatures, half of Egypts voting
population, to enact an early reelection. Accompanying these signatures were a list of grievances
provided by the people, which Morsi ignored and instead countered by passing a legislation that
ensured his power to act alone, free of advisors and assistance. These actions resulted in his
removal by means of military force and the government was left in a state of emergency.

Although Morsi was removed from office, this was not the result that people were vying
for. Instead of continuing the path to democracy by being able to hold an early election, they
were left in the illegitimate hands of the military, who reacted to situations as they saw fit,
regardless of the social contract and overall good of the people. The aftermath of Morsis
removal was an upheaval and the closest that Egypt ever came to a civil war. The country was

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firmly divided into Islamists and secularists, each side fighting for their beliefs. Much blood was
shed as each side fought the other, along with the overpowering forces of the militarys attempts
to dismember protesting camps.
The interim government of Egypt returned to a state of martial law. The military
controlled all aspects of life and was influenced more by the philosophy of Hobbes. They
believed that the people could not be trusted and left them unable to exercise their voice at all in
the making of a new government. Protesters who rioted for their beliefs were met with violent
military atrocities that took many lives.
It will be many years before the Middle East can fully adapt to a democratic government.
Arab countries who have suffered from decades of autocratic rule are poorly equipped for such a
drastic change. Although the power of the people may succeed in toppling dictators, their
ultimate goal of human and rights and the rule of law will be much harder to attain. The Arab
Spring may have even worsened situations for it has unearthed more disagreements that the
people must surpass amongst each other in order to become fully democratic. However, one
positive concept was enacted from the chaos of it all: the freedom of speech. Despite numerous
negative consequences and sluggish rates of progression, the Middle East is on the right path
towards their goal, regardless of the extensive time it may take to be accomplished.