Egyptian leaders are apprehensive about the revolutionary changes in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The hashtag “It’s your turn, dictator” has emerged in Egyptian social media criticizing President el-Sisi. The Egyptian government has arrested several Syrian refugees, emphasizing its fears about potential unrest that could threaten its stability amid rising Islamist sentiments.
Following the overthrow of Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels, Egypt has become increasingly concerned about the potential spread of revolutionary movements in its territory. Egyptian leaders, acutely aware of their own tumultuous political history, are closely monitoring the situation in Syria, fearing that similar calls for change could echo in Egypt. The hashtag “It’s your turn, dictator” has gained traction among Egyptian social media users, aimed directly at President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Egypt’s history since the Arab Spring uprisings reveals stark parallels. After the fall of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt experienced a brief period of democratic elections that led to Islamist governance, quickly quashed by el-Sisi’s military-led takeover. The recent resurgence of revolutionary fervor in Syria escalates anxieties among Arab leaders cautious of Islamist political power, which they are eager to contain.
The Egyptian government’s response has included detaining at least 30 Syrian refugees in Cairo celebrating Assad’s ousting, which indicates a deep-seated fear of growing dissent and unrest within Egypt’s borders. The swift action illustrates the regime’s determination to maintain control and suppress potential movements that could threaten its stability.
Egypt’s unease regarding the Syrian revolution stems from historical events and contemporary political realities. With Assad’s fall, fears of contagion from Syria influencing Egypt’s political landscape have intensified, leading to preventive measures by the Egyptian government. The renewed revolutionary calls in the region serve as a reminder of the fragility of authoritarian regimes in the face of popular unrest.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
