Why Egypt's 'revolution of the hungry' isn't coming soon
Despite rumors that protests have been planned for Nov. 11, it seems many Egyptians don't want — or can't afford — an uprising at this time.
“The Egyptian Revolution continues. Our aim is to reverse the coup. We are seeking retribution for the martyrs killed since January 2011, and we shall hold the coup leaders accountable for their crimes.”
This video message delivered by Yasser El Omda, a Turkey-based outspoken critic of Egypt’s military-backed regime, was uploaded Sept. 21 on a Facebook page called Thawret El Ghalaba (Revolution of the Poor). It is one of several videos posted on the page urging Egyptians to participate in mass protests allegedly planned for Nov. 11 “to overthrow the corrupt regime and liberate the country from those who have betrayed and humiliated the Egyptian people."
The ominous message, part of the so-called “Ghalaba” online campaign inciting protests, has fueled fears of a new wave of uprising in the country that some disgruntled Egyptians warn is imminent. Analysts, however, have downplayed the video, dismissing it as “empty talk” and "Muslim Brotherhood propaganda.”
Security sources told the Egyptian privately owned news site ElBawabh News that the Ghalaba Movement is funded by foreign powers seeking to destabilize Egypt and spread chaos in the country. The Interior Ministry has repeatedly warned that it would deal firmly with those who instigate violence or attempt to spread chaos and disturb public order.
