An example of the lack of focus mentioned is the importance which much of the press has given to *“social networks”* as a mechanism which, according to them, has been the detonator for the whole phenomenon. The outgoing government tried to respond to the demonstrations with messages supporting the government sent from telephone companies. It is true that the phenomenon in Egypt, following the events in Tunisia, perfectly fits into the idea of *“demonstration effect”* and, in this sense, the press played an important role. However, the roots of these phenomena are in a new psychosocial awareness which is appearing in the world and which, logically, is displayed in one of the most active societies at the moment. In short, not just any phenomenon spread by these networks ignites such a reaction and, this is what seems worthy of analysis.
Apart from the small violent incidents which occurred (they have probably decreased during recent weeks compared with regular incidents in the crime report for this country, only nobody is going to look at this detail right now…), the unrest is essentially about the mentality of a large part of the population which, faced with the *“old”*, tries, in a disorganised and unclear way, to seek a transformation.
Western interpretations which insist in separating the incidents of the threatening Muslim phenomenon are not misguided, they are just developed from a political-economic viewpoint which tries to avoid more runs on the already fragile and damaged Western economic markets.
The impact of the Muslim phenomenon can not be overlooked as it is an integral part of the local culture, but these expressions are being stated by the majority of people from the region inspired by this culture and not from a traditional or terrible fundamentalism. This seems to be a very important indicator.
The phenomenon does not appear to be of a basically political character, even if it will affect the structure of power or probably help some minorities, which speculate on it. It seems rather to be related to the growth of hope in these oppressed societies that *“another world is possible”.*
And we know well that the image that something is possible it what makes something happen. This is seen in the type of expressions, feelings and actions of the demonstrators who do not have a specific political *“flag”*, nor is the unrest about the expression of a specific generation or sector.
One of the most interesting indicators to note has been the position of women and the armed forces in all of the events which have occurred in Egypt.
It seems that the inspiration has been present in a large part of the population, and beyond how these demonstrations finish or the degree of transformation or progress which they achieve (in an increasing globalising process, changes don’t depend on one factor and are closely related to coexistence which is present in other points) they are an inspiring example for other populations, which have followed the events almost as though they were Egyptians themselves…
*Translated by Kirsty Cumming*
