Tik Root' '08 Reports on Egypt

On Monday evening, GMVS alumnus Tik Root ’08 of Middlebury College addressed a full Student Center with a report on his experiences in Alexandria, Egypt during the January revolution. His pictures and videos were incredible, showing the scope and speed of the events that took place during his time there. After giving the group some background on the political and social situation in Egypt leading up to the events in January, he then recounted the tension-filled hours that made up the days of the street protests and sporadic violence in the neighborhoods of Alexandria. It was fascinating to hear his first-hand account of this historical event, and here is a follow-up report from Tik:

Mideast Reports

Tik Root proot@middlebury.edu C: 1-802-377-8653

Blog: http://mideastreports.wordpress.com/

This blog is meant to accompany the reports from Arabs (especially Egyptians) that we have been collecting since our return. Contributors to the blog and reports have included students, professors, and Egyptians. It provides a window into the revolutionary events in the Middle East that cannot be found in the mainstream media. Any help that we can get spreading the word would be much appreciated. Feel free to repost or resend any information found on the blog or in the reports.

Highlighted Blog Articles:

- “Why Yemen isn’t Egypt”

- “The Role of Religion in New Egypt”

- “Gender and Revolution: a Response to the Lara Logan Attack”

- “Qaddafi’s Speech: Echoes of Mubarak”

Reports: this collection has been periodically distributed to a list of media contacts, academics and students. Read the latest version here.

Highlighted Reports:

Drawn by a 9 year old after Mubarak stepped down; the sphinx is kicking him out:

- “I was with the protest against Mubarak till I heard his speech [second one, not the last]. I don't like Mubarak, but I love this country, so I say it's enough let's go home take care of our family”.

- “What is being called the “dialogue” between the government and the opposition is truly a deception on the part of the Mubarak regime. Its goal is to eat up time, allowing things to return to their pre-25th state by restoring day-to-day life. The goal is to make the people think that everything has returned to normal, and as if nothing happened.”

- "Going out today is a national and religious duty. We need to tell the world about the truth. Young people like you are dying for democracy and freedom--stop letting them scare you and go out with the millions. You will be safe and protected in the midst of your people."

Please spread the word!