It appears that the region is grappling with a profound national identity crisis, responsible for the local conflicts and civil wars that have erupted around us. These upheavals are fueled either by historical legacies or the aftermath of the Arab Spring, which disrupted communal bonds and left nations vulnerable to internal tensions, fragmentation, and civil strife. In Egypt, fostering a sense of national cohesion has allowed us to maintain a modern nation-state capable of engaging with both internal and external affairs. Twice in the 21st century, the resilience of Egypt’s national identity was put to the test: once during the chaos of what is referred to as the January Revolution and again when the Muslim Brotherhood assumed power. On each occasion, Egypt prevailed, thanks to the steadfastness of the armed forces, supported by representatives from Al-Azhar, the Coptic Church, the Tamarod movement—which spearheaded a popular uprising against the Brotherhood—women groups, and civil society. Instead of disintegrating or descending into conflict, the nation embarked on a national project focused on development and progress. This, however, was not the case for many other countries in the region. Libya fragmented into East and West, with all international efforts to foster a unified Libyan identity and state proving futile. Syria splintered into factions, with the Alawites maintaining exclusive power while Kurds, Sunnis, and other sects facilitated the rise of the so-called Caliphate State, a conglomeration of terrorist identities. This division paved the way for Russian and Turkish intervention on Syrian soil. Sudan, once defined by a shared Egyptian and Sudanese identity, sank into a series of civil wars, culminating in the secession of the south. The Sudanese elite subsequently divided the nation into a military component and a civilian component, eroding any sense of a unified Sudanese identity. This pattern echoes across Yemen, Palestine, Iraq, and Lebanon, each manifesting their own versions of instability. Genuine stability in the region hinges on the establishment of true national states, a goal yet to be realized by many. —Abdel Moneim Saeed (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
This holiday season, give to:
Truth and understanding
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