Egyptians fear the revolutionary changes in Syria, particularly after President Bashar al-Assad was ousted. The hashtag “It’s your turn, dictator” has gained traction, targeting President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. With historical parallels in mind, Egypt watches events unfold in Syria with concern, especially given its own recent political turbulence and an authoritarian resurgence under el-Sisi.
Egypt has expressed concerns regarding the potential for revolutionary fervor in Syria to inspire similar movements within its borders. Following the recent ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels, Egyptian social media erupted with the phrase, “It’s your turn, dictator,” directed at President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. This unrest echoes Egypt’s own tumultuous history since the Arab Spring protests began in late 2010, with leaders now more alert to the possibilities of similar revolutions occurring in their region.
Both Egypt and Syria have faced significant upheaval during and after the Arab Spring, which culminated in the fall of long-standing regimes. In Syria, the revolt ultimately led to over a decade of civil war and concluded with the removal of Mr. al-Assad. Conversely, Egypt witnessed the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak, followed by the ascent of an Islamist party in the first democratic elections. However, the consolidation of power by Mr. el-Sisi through a military coup two years later has left authorities wary of rising Islamist influences.
Following Mr. al-Assad’s escape to Russia, Egyptian officials acted swiftly to suppress any sign of support for the Syrian rebels, arresting 30 Syrian refugees in Cairo who were celebrating his downfall. This preemptive measure highlights the level of vigilance exercised by Egyptian security forces amid fears of growing dissent within their own population, which reflects the deep-rooted apprehensions regarding the spread of revolutionary movements across borders.
In summary, Egypt remains vigilant to the transformative events in Syria following the fall of President al-Assad. The apprehensions felt by Egyptian leaders underscore a pervasive fear of potential uprisings modeled after Syria’s revolution, which may challenge their hold on power. The swift actions taken against Syrian supporters in Egypt illustrate the anxiety present among authorities regarding the stability of their regime.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
