IET 101 SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF TECHNOLOGY ARAB SPRING SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF TECHNOLOGY

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "IET 101 SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF TECHNOLOGY ARAB SPRING SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF TECHNOLOGY"

Shauna Harrell
5 years ago
Views:

1 IET 101 SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF TECHNOLOGY ARAB SPRING SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF TECHNOLOGY April Mansfield, Brianna Brainard, Sarah Fugett, Cliff Hampton 11/24/2012 SUBMITTED TO: Sally Krijestorac i

2 Abstract This essay is focused on the Arab Spring. As a group we focused on various aspects of the Arab Spring. These aspects include: History (political, geographical & technological) of the countries involved, Youth Bulge in these nations, Hazards/Benefits of this Youth Bulge, All social, economic and political aspects of this event with respect to the world, Effect of the Iraq war and President George H. W. Bush s doctrine of spreading democracy in the middle east & preemptive attack, on Arab Spring, Democratic aspirations in an otherwise theocratic or dictatorship states, Impact of social networking websites and technology in general and Implications of the Arab Spring to the Islamic world & the whole world in general. We also talked about the future work involved with this dilemma. ii

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. History (political, geographical & technological) of the countries involved II. Youth Bulge in these nations III. Hazards/Benefits of this Youth Bulge, IV. All (Social, economic and political) aspects of this event with respect to the world, (5) Effect of the Iraq war and President George H. W. Bush s doctrine of spreading democracy in the middle east & preemptive attack, on Arab Spring, if any, V. Democratic aspirations in an otherwise theocratic or dictatorship states, VI. Impact of social networking websites and technology in general in this case, and finally VII. Implications of the Arab Spring to the Islamic world & the whole world in general. iii

4 According to an article called The so-called Arab Spring an attempt of summary by Susana Al Halabi, On December 17, 2010 something occurred in the small Tunisian town of Sidi Bouzid that should lead to a so-called revolution. On that day, a desperate Tunisian teenager, who tried to support the livelihood of his family with his vegetable stand there, lit himself. Throughout 2011, young people who were searching for political freedom and economic opportunity decided to finally rise up against their sclerotic masters. This later became known as the Arab Spring. For almost two generations other regions surrounding the Middle East such as Europe and Africa had been swept with waves of democracy. However, t came as a huge surprise to the Middle East. Terrible rulers, sullen populations, and a terrorist fringe that hurled itself in frustration at an order bereft of any legitimacy reigned in this area. It got so bad that Arabs felt as if they were cursed. It went way past the point of being only a human disaster to being a moral embarrassment. Outside powers simply thought it was the best the Arabs could do. They weren t sure what to do or how to do it. Finally, the US puts its power behind liberty and intervened. Saddam Hussein was pushed out and the Syrian brigades of terror were pushed out of Lebanon. Even after Hussein was pushed away Iraq sent mixed messages though. There was a form of democracy but still blood on the streets. (Arab Spring at One) The autocracies hunkered down and did their best to rid the project. Iraq carried a double burden of humiliation for Sunni Arabs: the bearer of liberty there was the United States. The war had empowered the Shiite stepchildren of the Arab world. The result was a standoff. The Arabs could ignore the flicker of freedom, but the Iraqi example proved the subversive ray of hope its proponents had expected. The Arabs actually stated that George W. Bush had so to speak, unleashed a tsunami on the region. In a way this was true. However, that was the Arabs strength-to wait out storms. Soon after the Americans gave up and retreated the area. In 2006 an election took place in the Palestinian territories. A new disillusionment with democracy's verdict overtook the Bush administration. The surge in Iraq rescued the American war there just before it was too late, but the vision of reforming the Arab nation was let go. A new standard-bearer of American power-barack Obama, came with a reassuring message: the United States was done with change. He stated that it would make its peace with the status quo, renewing its partnership with friendly autocrats even as it engaged the hostile regimes in Damascus and Tehran. The US iv

5 was to remain on the Kabul hook for a while longer, but the greater of the Middle East would be left like it was. (Arab Spring at One) The youth challenge is the most critical 21st century economic development challenge facing the Middle East. In a region where almost 65% of the population is under the age of 30, long term prosperity and stability hinges on the opportunities afforded to this generation. While radicalism and terrorism remain critical security concerns, the majority of Middle Eastern youth are involved in a different fight: a fight for better education, jobs and affordable housing. It is on the back of this generation that the Middle East will build a future middle class, a class which can be a catalyst for more open and democratic societies. For the first time in its modern history, the Middle East is simultaneously experiencing an economic boom and a demographic boom. The region is experiencing its best economic performance in three decades (oil and non oil producing countries alike are showing record growth. This region also has a large youth bulge, presenting a large pool of human capital which if used productively can usher growth and prosperity There are some alarming signs. Despite good economic growth, prospects for young people are not improving. Poorly prepared for the labor market by their educational systems, Middle Eastern youth face unemployment rates that are nearly twice the world average (20-40 percent compared to percent). They wait years instead of months for a job. With regard to there education, the youth need to get a University education to get a stable job in order to afford house and get married. As a result of not being able to afford a house, the young men are involuntarily delaying marriage, which in the region, is a rite to passage for adulthood, independence and legitimate sexual relationships. v

6 In this picture the crowds led by young Egyptians (that don t have jobs) thronged the streets of Cairo to protest President Hosni Mubarak s rule and to force him from office. Figure 1 Figure 2 vi

7 There are around 70 million people in Iran today. Around one third of them are at the age of 15 to 29The number of youth aged in Iran today is approximately 25 million, in a country of about 70 million. This group is sometimes called The Generation of the Revolution, because they were born between 1979 and 1994, following the Islamic Revolution. With this number being so high it cause the unemployment rates to go up. With this they take there education beyond a college education. With the so many being unemployed has led to frustration among youth, which in turn has led to social and political unrest. Some experts think this could happen in Iran too. When a revolt erupted in Iran against the theocrats in the first summer of Obama s presidency, he was caught astounded by the turmoil. The one time he really needed to be on his toes he was not. Barack wanted to consult the rulers but simply could not find the language to do so. Arabs did not need a report on human development to tell them about their desolation. Consent had drained out of public life. The only thing holding together the ruler and ruled was suspicion and fear. There was no public project to bequeath to a generation coming into its own. This was also the largest and youngest population yet. Finally in December of 2010, a despairing Tunisian fruit vendor named Mohamed Bouazizi took one way out. He set himself on fire to protest the injustices of all the horrid things happening around him. He had many followers soon after as well. "In too many places, in too many ways, the region's foundations are sinking into the sand," U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton proclaimed in Qatar in mid-january As the storm was breaking out, the Arab landscape lent her remarks as confirmation. What she stated was that generations of American diplomacy would be buried. (Arab Spring at One) As far as where things stand goes, Tunisia settled its affairs with relative ease. It elected an assembly in which al Nahda, an Islamist party, secured a plurality. Al Nahda's leader, Rachid al-ghannouchi had learned well. Years in exile had taught him caution, and his party formed a coalition government with two secular partners. In Libya, Qaddafi was pulled out of a drainage pipe and beaten and murdered. One of his sons endured the same punishment. Qaddafi himself planted these hatreds and wraths. He simply reaped what he had sown. Wealth, a sparse population, and foreign attention should see Libya through. Nothing could compare to Qaddafi s reign. The Libyans would never again come close to experiencing as much danger as they did when he ruled. There was no mass terror in Saudi Arabia and Iran. However, the political order vii

8 still wasn t what it should be. Stability still seemed too far out of reach. Yemen was known as the failed state. The rulers here offered no redemption. The country is also running out of water. It is a complete disaster in many ways. Syria remains chaotic. Hafez committed cruelty after cruelty, but he always managed to remain within the Arab fold. Bashar is different than Hafez. He was reckless and prompted even the Arab League, which has a history of overlooking its members. By overlooking its members, it suspended Damascus' membership. Aleppo and Damascus have not yet risen. The ruler here is convinced that he can resist the laws of gravity. They have no foreign rescue mission here like Libya did. In Syria, the bonds between the population and the rulers have been broken. (Arab Spring at One) Susanna Al Halabi also states in her article that, Whether this revolution has been really triggered all alone from within Egypt by this sad act should be questioned. It wasn t the first demonstration against the rise of food prices, but those protests were not able to overthrow the dictator. This changed with these protests in spring One should consider that these developments around these demonstrations have been driven from the outside, too. (The socalled Arab Spring-an attempt of summary) This article focused on the events that occurred in the Middle East which were known as the Arab Spring and talked about the connection each one had with the US. The author of this article believes that the US is to blame for a lot of things that went on in those foreign countries. She also does not believe that these set of events should be called a revolution. Susanna Al Halabi believes that the Arab neighbors have been weakened and this is one of the main goals of Western interests, Imperialism and also of Zionism. The most recognizable effect of social networking in Islamic world and the world in general is clear as depicted in the figure below. Many countries become one under the unification of a social media website like Facebook. Technology today is made to be diverse and many programs and social media website have a feature that will actually translate the various languages to allow open communication that can be interpreted and understood with the use of your personal computer (Albany). Several times a week I watch the world news and watch in awe of the turmoil that is occurring all around me. But few stories have an impact on me as the story of street vendor Mohammed Bouazizi. In his twenties the street vendor became frustrated with the continuous repression from the local authorities and then government who suppressed viii

9 him from accomplishing the goals he so desired to provide a better life for his family and himself. The impact of reading about this young man consumed with the turmoil at is what in many men and women s most defining times of life. I read about the beatings, the spitting in his face, and the refusal to listen to the importance of his trade. Few could probably rationalize lighting yourself on fire from frustration and I think that is what is so realistic about the suppression that has affected many and caused the copycat effect of those who were enamored to make a difference in the unchanging environment. Figure 3 Self-immolation should never be a consideration to end the turmoil that is being faced and dealt with on a daily basis in the lives of all citizens. The context that is important to be considered here is that Mohammed had endured more than a being should have to and probably felt very little as he burned. Mohammed was already consumed with the upbringing of suppression and abuse and could no longer cope with the repression that is still going on today. Many turn to social media where there is little censorship and can obtain information and distribute it as well. Civil disturbance was no longer just being recognized on the streets in the Islamic country. The influence of social media is slow to bring about change. We recognize that the need for transformation is here and that freedom of speech and expression are not liberating when you have government that is negating to recognize the need of the people who allows it be in power. ix

10 Future Work Page When it comes to future work as far as the Arab Spring goes, a lot still has to be done. For instance, we still have many troops in the Middle East. The US has had a goal of bringing home all the troops for a couple of years now. Right now it would be too dangerous to just withdraw all of our troops. However, within the next few years it shouldn t be a problem. The main concern right now is that if we withdraw they will invade the US. Other concerns include: things will just go back to how they were before we entered and that mass destruction by dictators will occur. It is really important that some of our troops stay stationed in the Middle East until things are completely settled. Some fear that all of our troops may never return. Many civilians think that we will always keep a certain amount of troops in the Middle East to ensure safety for the US and to ensure new order in the Middle East. We also fear that Arab leaders will plot revenge and they most likely would if we withdrew all of our troops. According to George W. Bush and The Wall Street Journal, It takes courage to ignite a freedom revolution. But it also takes courage to secure a freedom revolution through structural reform. And both types of bravery deserve our support. (George W. Bush: The Arab Spring and American Ideals) George W. Bush also states, As Americans, our goal should be to help reformers turn the end of tyranny into durable, accountable civic structures. Emerging democracies need strong constitutions, political parties committed to pluralism, and free elections. Free societies depend upon the rule of law and property rights, and they require hopeful economies, drawn into open world markets. This work will require patience, creativity and active American leadership. It will involve the strengthening of civil society with a particular emphasis on the role of women. It will require a consistent defense of religious liberty. It will mean the encouragement of development, education and health, as well as trade and foreign investment. There will certainly be setbacks. But if America does not support the advance of democratic institutions and values, who will? in his article on The Wall Street Journal. (George W. Bush: The Arab Spring and American Ideals) The so-called Arab Spring-an attempt of summary depicts every main event that occurred in the Middle East during what is known as the Arab Spring. Susanna Al Halabi states that, The x

11 Arab Spring is a farce, which has plunged many countries into chaos. These countries will have to fight with the consequences for the next decades. The problems, why the Arab youth mainly protested on the streets, are still there everywhere. The acts to solve these problems of the Arab youth and societies are not even started yet. Basically, this mess will take years to clean up. It will take a lot of hard work, determination and dedication to resolve the things that still stand between freedom and equal rights for the Arab nation. xi

12 Conclusion All in all, the Arab Spring has been a huge historic event. It s something that has impacted both the Middle East and United States. As a country, I believe that we did as much as we could to enforce a new type of order. Some may disagree but after researching this topic heavily, I learned a lot of new information, which led me to my conclusion. Don t get me wrong, there were a few countries that simply stayed the same after all that occurred and even a couple that worsened. However, this movement brought forth many great and new things. For example, Tunisia settled its affairs with relative ease. It elected an assembly in which al Nahda secured a plurality. But on the other hand places like Yemen ended up in total disasters. Yemen was actually known as a failed state and even got to the point where it was running out of water. I believe the things we did to enforce a new order in the Middle East were very helpful and reasonable. I have heard time and time again that we did many things we shouldn t have. This may be true in ways but all together, we only did what we had to do to protect our country and to try and get the Middle East under control. Certain things could have been handled in a better manner but I truly feel as if the US took on a lot and did all they possibly could to try and get things under control for the people in those countries. I know many devastating things went on but the good definitely over powered the bad. When you think of the Arab Spring you have to think of the picture as a whole, so to speak. You can t just think about bits and pieces because then things may seem better or worse than they really were. Whether or not what the US did in the Middle East was right has been a great debate for some time now. As a US citizen, I feel that all the things we did were more than we ever should have. The crises in the Middle East and talk about the Arab Spring have surfaced the media for years now. I honestly don t believe it will dissolve until all of our troops are home and safe. But at the same time it s best for our country to leave a small number of troops there for a while longer. In the article, The so-called Arab Spring-an attempt of summary, it was said that They want to prevent, the Western population from learning something about this false revolution in Libya and above all, they want to create time to bury all corpses of innocent. So that there won`t turn up any unpleasant questions. The truth is sometimes very brutal. Libya is now exploited and finally xii

13 ruled by al-qaeda and CIA related people. To me, this was so shocking. It has been the headlines of media for years now that the US was over there to help restore new order in the Middle East. I knew that innocent people were being killed but I didn t realize just how many or that they were doing it so much that they had to hide bodies so that people wouldn t think negative thoughts about it. Often times we have underestimated the power of social media within our lives. The struggle for power between society and the politicians has often fueled the conflictive battles that contribute to our problematic society today. This paper has raised many concerns within me that will change the way I view everyday life. No longer will I be unappreciative of a day that has rain, or fuel costs that are skyrocketing. I will be happy to embrace the simple freedom that the majority of us have taken for granted for many decades. xiii

14 REFERENCES Ajami, Fouad. "The Arab Spring At One." Foreign Affairs 91.2 (2012): 56. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 5 Nov < 4d87-b415-49f27c90f0c4%40sessionmgr14&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=f5h &AN= > Bush, George W. George W. Bush: The Arab Spring and American Ideals. The Wall Street Journal. 17 May Southern Methodist University. 11 November < 18.html> Halabi, Susanna. The so-called Arab Spring-an attempt of summary. Syria News. 20 December November < (1) Bull, Joseph T. (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) ml (9) xiv

15 (10) marketing-democracy-project (11) xv

16 GROUP 5 MEMBERS SIGNATURE PAGE All the material in my project that has been taken from outside sources like internet websites, journals, books and all other sources have been properly cited, & I have done this project on my own without resorting to any plagiarism. Brianna Brainard 11/20/12 I SARAH FUGETT state here that all the material in my project that has been taken from outside sources like internet websites, journals, books and all other sources have been properly cited, & that I have done this project on my own without resorting to any plagiarism or violating the plagiarism policy. Sarah Fugett 11/20/2012 The work that I contributed to the Group 5 IET project are my original thoughts and ideas. I researched the material and have properly cited the works and have plagiarized or violated the plagiarism policy. April Mansfield December 2, 2012 xvi

17 xvii

THE ARAB SPRING IS A TERM USED TO DESCRIBE THE SERIES OF DEMONSTRATIONS AND REVOLUTIONS THAT ROCKED THE ARAB WORLD BEGINNING IN DECEMBER,

Arab Spring THE ARAB SPRING IS A TERM USED TO DESCRIBE THE SERIES OF DEMONSTRATIONS AND REVOLUTIONS THAT ROCKED THE ARAB WORLD BEGINNING IN DECEMBER, 2010 The Ottoman Empire controlled the area for over