CAIRO - In my view, the biggest gain that the Egyptians have obtained from their revolution is the ability to restore their characteristic smile. Long years of oppression, neglect of citizens' basic rights together with economic hardships, have caused depression to grip the majority of Egyptians, most of whom could not imagine the end of that era and the start of a new phase of freedom and democracy. The over joy that permeated the nation when former President Mubarak announced, through his newly appointed Vice-President Omar Suleiman, that he was stepping down, was the moment when a bright smile of hope shone on the faces of the Egyptians, men and women, young and old alike. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is paving the way towards a new civil democratic regime by making radical amendments to the Constitution. At the same time, the Egyptian people, at different levels, have started to draw up the image of their new State they hope would soon be classified among the countries of the First World. In addition to the inspiring initiatives made by young Egyptians in cleaning and embellishing Al Tahrir Square, as well as in other areas, to restore Egypt's bright image , citizens seem to be racing to present different suggestions to accelerate the economic development of the country. Accordingly, one suggestion that has been made calls upon the people to head to the Egyptian Bourse (the Stock Exchange) to purchase shares, even at as low a value of LE100 each. The purpose is to help pump massive money into the Stock Exchange to prevent the expected tumble in prices because of the political instability. Others have suggested creating stock companies to set up huge funds for launching vast development projects nationwide. Even mothers have decided to raise their children differently and plant the seeds of the revolution in their hearts. In a radio programme, a young mum urged all local women to bring up their children on the basis of caring for their country, by reminding them of the martyrs of the revolution who sacrificed their lives to enable their children to live in a better country. This strong will was clear in the admirable image that Egyptian men showed during days of the crisis when the police suddenly vanished from the streets leaving thugs and fugitive prisoners to stir up a state of insecurity in society. At the time, men, both young and old, willingly spent long and cold nights guarding their streets and neighbourhoods against the repeated assaults of the armed gangs. Though relatively unarmed, clutching only sticks and bars in the main, they managed to arrest more than 10,000 criminals and hand them over to the Armed Forces that assumed the responsibility of State security when the police suspiciously disappeared from the streets. This rich experience of breaking the bonds of fears and using peaceful means to remove the regime, forcing it to respond to people's demands and the self-confidence, combined with all parties co-operating to protect private and public properties, indicate that the Egyptians will properly rebuild their state. By so doing, they will fulfil their dream of joining the modern world in the shortest possible time. Just a few weeks before the turmoil, Egypt faced a major threat of plunging into sectarian sedition in the aftermath of the deadly bombing of Al-Qidisein (two saints) Church in Alexandria early on New Year's Day. Egypt was accused in many quarters of the world of oppressing its Coptic minority. Fortunately, this illustrious revolution of January 25 proved no difference between Muslims and Copts in their mutual long years of sufferings at the hands of their oppressive regime and their hopes of living in dignity and freedom. This is why Muslims and Copts joined hands to participate in the recent protests for long days and nights to fulfil their cherished dream. Throughout the 18 days of the revolution, no one could differentiate between a Muslim and Copt. It was only during the Muslim prayers held five times a day, that one could distinguish who was Muslim and who was Christian. And when Muslims were standing in lines to perform their prayer, Christians formed a long defensive line in the front to protect them against possible assaults from the security forces or hired thugs Another proof that Muslims and Copts have restored their deeply rooted fraternity and co-existence in Egypt concerns the Constitution. While major amendments to the Constitution are being considered, no one is seeking to change the first or second article of the Constitution speaking of the religion of the State and the Islamic Sharia (religious law) as the main source of legislation. The simple explanation for this is that secular Egyptians and some Copts, who were calling for the elimination of these articles, have comprehended that it is not these articles that caused the decline of the State. The cause was certain articles related to politics, which were brutally interpreted, enabling the former ruling party to long monopolise political life in Egypt. Now the Egyptians are joining hands to rebuild their country in the right way so that all aspects of anger and injustice will disappear from our life. Now we have a dream that we can make come true.
