CAIRO - The first anniversary of the Egyptian revolution in two days has given rise to different opinions. On the one hand, some people claim that the January 25 revolution has fizzled out and that a second round should be launched. These voices are doing injustice to their motherland and its great revolution. By calling for a second revolution on January 25 this year, these people are insulting the revolution in January last year, which has been irrevocably recorded in the annals of the nation's history. Impressed by the revolution, the Austrian Chancellor nominated the Egyptian people for the Nobel peace prize. This recognition was expressed long before some charlatans and opportunists managed to damage the image of the revolution and create divisions among Egyptians. The nomination was announced long before accusations of treachery and treason became the rule and insulted the value of dialogue between different factions. It should not disappoint anybody that the principles or aspirations of the January 25 revolution have not yet been fulfilled. Revolutions erupting in different parts of the world take time before their champions and supporters can declare complete success. Revolutions do not come with a magic wand that solves all problems on the spur of the moment. The critics would have fared better, if they had rallied behind the incontestable slogan: ‘The Revolution is ON'. There is hardly any doubt that the revolution is gaining momentum to bail out the ailing economy, the crumbling investments and tourism, all of which have been the victims of mass demonstrations, instability and insecurity. Hundreds of factories and construction companies have been closed and their employees laid off. Thousands of fertile acres of land have been destroyed to build high-rises. The spirit of the revolution should inspire us to develop a positive image of the motherland and prepare a springboard that leads us into the future. It is all the more outrageous that employees, who are fully aware that the economy is on the brink of collapse, are demonstrating about a pay rise. These demonstrators refuse to calm down even though they are informed unequivocally that the nation's reserves of hard currency are depleted. Fortunately, the majority of Egyptians pledge to resist the belligerent voices seeking to pour more oil on the raging fire. Today, the first post-revolution parliament, the result of unrigged and transparent elections, will hold its first session. Admittedly, some people have reservations about the outcome of the elections. However, the alleged loopholes and flaws in the electoral process have not caused major changes in the results. It must be said that the winners were rewarded for their decades-long experience and hard work. In the meantime, the voters punished those who lost for their insincere attitude towards the motherland and their determination to wreak havoc in society and economy. The majority of voters stepped forward wisely and resisted the hostile campaigns led by sensational mass media to undermine stability and scare away investors and tourists. That is why the voters turned against candidates belonging to youth movements largely responsible for the spreading of negativity. We hope that when they conclude their first session, the MPs will resume their main task and choose the members of the constitutional committee, which will prepare the new constitution. We are also filled with hope that by June 30 the new President will have been elected, heralding a new era in post-revolution Egypt. [email protected]
