1:45PM
Imbaba Protest
By 
Josh Stacher | Egypt
Josh Stacher | Egypt
Just saw Issandr posted as well. For those of you asking of Imbaba coverage, here is a double dose.
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For pictures see this album.
_________
Another Wednesday protest happened on the 6th of July.
It could of of been the heat, how busy the streets have been the past 6 weeks, or that my camera and I were slightly off - but the Imbaba protest signified (for me) where the anti-Mubarak movement is heading.
To tell you the truth, I don't know who organized it. The young bloggers and post-25 May activists who do not want to been seen as Youth for Change or Kifaya were not advertising this demo. So I am guessing they did not organize it. But Youth for Change was there
Hamla Shabaya with their "Freedom now" stickers and small signs had a big presence. The Revolutionary Socialists (RS), who have previously been underground, made their first overt appearance (with signs) at the protest. It was the RS - which is headed by Kamal Khalil - that signed on with the Brotherhood at the National Front meeting at the Journalists syndicate on 30 June.
Also, the Islamist Labor party was in attendance and brought considerably more folks out than usual. There were many more beards at the protest than usual. Members from the women groups' al-Sharaa Lina and Shafinkum were also there.
As is now the norm, no real Harakat Masriya people showed up. Instead, many rank and file that used to be Haraka were there but they are all in different groups now such as the Rev Socialists and Hamla.
All these group's are using the Kifaya sticker and slogans.
The fact that Haraka refuses to sign on to the national front as they cling to a rigid strategy that refuses to cooperate with other factions is leading to the group's utter ineffectiveness. If Haraka's leadership is not careful, people like Qandil and Ishaq are going to be left screaming that the other groups mobilizing and cooperating stole their stickers. Haraka was described to me by former loyalist as "a very undemocratic movement. Haraka's leadership said it was an umbrella organization for all and it wasn't." The Kifaya logo and those bright yellow stickers maybe Haraka's key legacy.
___________
The demo was strange. At one point, two anti-Mubarak protests were going on until both protests negotiated with security to join. It turned into a control melee as the protesters took over the street very briefly. They were then shuffled back to the sidewalk after a few minutes. The security cordon provided the smallest of spaces and, at one point, it felt like there were 300 people. A more realistic number is likely 150.
Plain-clothes security mobilized some Imbaba youth ad hoc to chant pro-Mubarak chants, which were highly unimaginative such as "Imshu" (leave). The pro-Mubarak crowd operated for about 15 minutes before their security minders dispersed them. They were kept separated from the anti-Mubarak protesters and there was no violence against one another.
The Revolutionary Socialists presence was clear as they recited chants from the days of the January 1977 bread riots. One of the best was "They (the regime) wear the latest fashions while we live 10 in a room." Alternatively, the Islamist characters chanted against America and "Allahu Akbar". At one point, the leftist and Islamist crowds almost got into it over who was leading what.
About the time, a group of the younger activists from the leftist trend decided to charge the security lines. One Amn Markazi solider was pulled into the crowd and slapped around. A senior officer entered and pulled him back to safety behind the security lines. He was not hurt. UPDATED (thanks to Mohammed): Although not directed at the CSF, the crowd chanted "Amn Dawla, Kalab al-Dawla" (State Security are the state's dogs.)
There is much debate over this strategy of attacking the small statued Amn Markazi conscripts. But, as one photographer said, "Not that I want the protesters to be attacked but this is stupid. I simply cannot sell photos of protester on security violence."
Naturally, after all the pushing and shoving, one of the over emotional demonstrators passed out. It was dramatic but I saw him back in action after a five minute reprieve.
The demo ended and I left feeling pretty empty. The movement is changing politics here but it feels kind of static. It is like the car is on and the wheels are spinning but there is no movement. There is certainly no guarantee where all this is going which helps as much as it hurts (I suppose).
_______________
Other developments:
Haraka cancelled their long anticipated conference yesterday. It was supposed to be at the Shepard's hotel, whose management backed out - no doubt - due to security pressure. There are no plans as to when the conference will convene as they said it was postponed indefinitely. It is the latest sign that Haraka is fading from the scene as the other groups mobilize.
This coming week:
The MB and Revolutionary Socialists, who singed the national front agreement are planning a demo at Abdeen palace on 13 July.
Haraka is saying they will participate on the 13th but have scheduled their own demo at a yet undetermined location on the following day.
Also, at the end of the Imbaba demo, the last guy with the bullhorn said a protest would happen next Wednesday at 6pm at Midan Mataraya.
Given the choice as an observer, the Abdeen demo is most interesting. But if the MB fails to produce numbers then the national front will likely be belly-up before it starts.
Al-Ghad was excluded from the national front because its president met with Condi Rice which seemed a stupid reason.
_____________
Perhaps, my interpretation is not as generous as these brave activists taking the streets and wrestling with security may like. But, just as the government advertises reform and does not deliver, the discontented groups appear divided and too argumentative to achieve a greater aim. The only thing holding them together is that they don't want Mubarak(s). Beyond that, it is all political fragmentation.
I could be wrong. But, given what I have seen the since December, I reserve as much a right to be critical of what is going on as those activists have to say I am misreading the developments.
Unfortunately, at this store, we cannot take credit from any side at this time.
_____________
_________
For pictures see this album.
_________
Another Wednesday protest happened on the 6th of July.
It could of of been the heat, how busy the streets have been the past 6 weeks, or that my camera and I were slightly off - but the Imbaba protest signified (for me) where the anti-Mubarak movement is heading.
To tell you the truth, I don't know who organized it. The young bloggers and post-25 May activists who do not want to been seen as Youth for Change or Kifaya were not advertising this demo. So I am guessing they did not organize it. But Youth for Change was there
Hamla Shabaya with their "Freedom now" stickers and small signs had a big presence. The Revolutionary Socialists (RS), who have previously been underground, made their first overt appearance (with signs) at the protest. It was the RS - which is headed by Kamal Khalil - that signed on with the Brotherhood at the National Front meeting at the Journalists syndicate on 30 June.
Also, the Islamist Labor party was in attendance and brought considerably more folks out than usual. There were many more beards at the protest than usual. Members from the women groups' al-Sharaa Lina and Shafinkum were also there.
As is now the norm, no real Harakat Masriya people showed up. Instead, many rank and file that used to be Haraka were there but they are all in different groups now such as the Rev Socialists and Hamla.
All these group's are using the Kifaya sticker and slogans.
The fact that Haraka refuses to sign on to the national front as they cling to a rigid strategy that refuses to cooperate with other factions is leading to the group's utter ineffectiveness. If Haraka's leadership is not careful, people like Qandil and Ishaq are going to be left screaming that the other groups mobilizing and cooperating stole their stickers. Haraka was described to me by former loyalist as "a very undemocratic movement. Haraka's leadership said it was an umbrella organization for all and it wasn't." The Kifaya logo and those bright yellow stickers maybe Haraka's key legacy.
___________
The demo was strange. At one point, two anti-Mubarak protests were going on until both protests negotiated with security to join. It turned into a control melee as the protesters took over the street very briefly. They were then shuffled back to the sidewalk after a few minutes. The security cordon provided the smallest of spaces and, at one point, it felt like there were 300 people. A more realistic number is likely 150.
Plain-clothes security mobilized some Imbaba youth ad hoc to chant pro-Mubarak chants, which were highly unimaginative such as "Imshu" (leave). The pro-Mubarak crowd operated for about 15 minutes before their security minders dispersed them. They were kept separated from the anti-Mubarak protesters and there was no violence against one another.
The Revolutionary Socialists presence was clear as they recited chants from the days of the January 1977 bread riots. One of the best was "They (the regime) wear the latest fashions while we live 10 in a room." Alternatively, the Islamist characters chanted against America and "Allahu Akbar". At one point, the leftist and Islamist crowds almost got into it over who was leading what.
About the time, a group of the younger activists from the leftist trend decided to charge the security lines. One Amn Markazi solider was pulled into the crowd and slapped around. A senior officer entered and pulled him back to safety behind the security lines. He was not hurt. UPDATED (thanks to Mohammed): Although not directed at the CSF, the crowd chanted "Amn Dawla, Kalab al-Dawla" (State Security are the state's dogs.)
There is much debate over this strategy of attacking the small statued Amn Markazi conscripts. But, as one photographer said, "Not that I want the protesters to be attacked but this is stupid. I simply cannot sell photos of protester on security violence."
Naturally, after all the pushing and shoving, one of the over emotional demonstrators passed out. It was dramatic but I saw him back in action after a five minute reprieve.
The demo ended and I left feeling pretty empty. The movement is changing politics here but it feels kind of static. It is like the car is on and the wheels are spinning but there is no movement. There is certainly no guarantee where all this is going which helps as much as it hurts (I suppose).
_______________
Other developments:
Haraka cancelled their long anticipated conference yesterday. It was supposed to be at the Shepard's hotel, whose management backed out - no doubt - due to security pressure. There are no plans as to when the conference will convene as they said it was postponed indefinitely. It is the latest sign that Haraka is fading from the scene as the other groups mobilize.
This coming week:
The MB and Revolutionary Socialists, who singed the national front agreement are planning a demo at Abdeen palace on 13 July.
Haraka is saying they will participate on the 13th but have scheduled their own demo at a yet undetermined location on the following day.
Also, at the end of the Imbaba demo, the last guy with the bullhorn said a protest would happen next Wednesday at 6pm at Midan Mataraya.
Given the choice as an observer, the Abdeen demo is most interesting. But if the MB fails to produce numbers then the national front will likely be belly-up before it starts.
Al-Ghad was excluded from the national front because its president met with Condi Rice which seemed a stupid reason.
_____________
Perhaps, my interpretation is not as generous as these brave activists taking the streets and wrestling with security may like. But, just as the government advertises reform and does not deliver, the discontented groups appear divided and too argumentative to achieve a greater aim. The only thing holding them together is that they don't want Mubarak(s). Beyond that, it is all political fragmentation.
I could be wrong. But, given what I have seen the since December, I reserve as much a right to be critical of what is going on as those activists have to say I am misreading the developments.
Unfortunately, at this store, we cannot take credit from any side at this time.
_____________
Reader Comments (11)
nice coverage as usual josh.
I just want to point out that chants trying to win over csf conscripts aren't al ghad chants.
I've heard kamal khalil chanting them on black wed, at sayeda demo and at lazoughly.
and the chant:" “the CSF are the Dogs of the State.� is more accurately translated as " state security are the dogs of the state".
as u know CSF and state security are very different bodies.
Mohammed, Your are right. My bad...they were saying "Amn al-Dawla Kalab al-Dawla" rather than "Amn Markazi".
Sorry about that...I should actually try taking notes rather than relying on memory.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Josh and/or others, what came of the meeting/press conference last week at the Journalists Syndicate between Islamists and Kefaya? Is it just the Revolutionary Socialists that have decided to coordinate with the MB?
the demo was rather disapointing to be honest and yeah everyone is waiting for some new development, cracks in all organized movements are showing up.
this demo was organized by al hamla, it got advertised on the blogs but the campaign started too late because hamla took a long time to send the initial announce.
hamla is supposed to be part of the national front one member announced hamla's withdrawal without consulting the rest, there is a big fight between them and they're meeting today to discuss it, but I expect they'll stick to the front in the end.
my understanding is the ikhwan decided to be the grownups in the silly who gets to 3abdeen first fight with kefaia (which is totally kefaia's fault) and decided to postpone their demo to the next week.
which means kefaia's next demo will be on the 14th at 3abdin, and the front/ikhwan demo will be on the 20th probably at 3abdin bardo.
kefaia's demo is supposed to be about unemployment http://www.harakamasria.net/ShowEngouphMore.asp?id=2740&idd=13
I'm yet to find out who is organizing matareya protest.
Well I hope they dissapoint us and don't disintegrate that soon!
Its only two months till the elections, and I haven't heard any plans yet. What's going on?
I enjoyed reading Baheyya's (somewhat more optimistic) take on recent developments, though the tensions between opposition activists are pretty obvious: http://baheyya.blogspot.com/2005/07/society-in-movement.html
She mentioned some policy documents that Kefaya have put out. Perhaps these will serve as talking points to see what the different, mushrooming "change" movements can agree on concretely. It would certainly be sad to see the spirit and potential of all this protest activity go to waste.
Hi Josh and all, thanks for the coverage...
A few points...
1. regarding who is clearly onboard the 'National Front': it is of course the MB and RS as you mentioned but also importantly Hizb al-3amal (leftist-islamist) party headed by Magdy Hussein. As most of u may know, the party, which had won many seats in parliament two elections ago (?), was forcibly disbanded by state security a few years ago, but is still active - they are the ones who usually organize any azhar demos - and ndp 'supporters' clashed with them in the mosque a few weeks ago (before the ndp thugs pretty much disappeared in the wake of the 25th of May).
2. Regarding hamla sha3biya possibly changing tack and also joining the National Front, this is news to me, since they had clearly announced that they had not joined after the meeting (it would be very interesting if they did). What I do know is that they had chosen the head of the Egyptian Communist Party - ECP - (also a member of hamla) to represent them at the preliminary meetings and he is said to be very hostile to the MB. Also the MB insisted that he be defined as ECP at the Thursday meeting, when he clearly said he was there on behalf of Hamla. Naturally there were problems.
3. The matariya protest is being organized by both Youth for Change AND hamla sha3biyya, according to an email invite to the demo that I got.
I'll stop now! :)
Ihab,
Thanks for the update and helping to wade through the confusion.
It is all fascinating regardless of the outcome. If nothing else, the door has been kicked open to activism.
Josh, it seems Kefaya are organizing a protest the following day to the Ikhwan's, the 14th, in Abdeen square. BTW, why are you calling them "Haraka"?
الØركة المصرية من أجل التغيير
لا للتمديد .. لا للتوريث
ك�ايــــــــــــــــه
دعوة عامة
*إلى شعب مصر، الذي يئن من الاستبداد والÙ�قر والمرض والØاجة.
* إلى كل القوى والتيارات السياسية والتنظيمات المهنية والعمالية.
*إلى شباب مصر الباØØ« عن Øقه المشروع Ù�ÙŠ الØياة.
** تعالوا معاً Ù†Øتج بقوة على Ù�قدان Ù�رصة العمل اللائق وضياع الأمل Ù�ÙŠ المستقبل للملايين من أبناء الوطن.
Ù�ÙŠ مظاهرة Øركة ÙƒÙ�ايه بميدان عابدين
الساعة السادسة مساء الخميس 14 يوليو 2005
*لا للبطالة ولإهدار طاقة الأجيال بلا طائل.
* لا لنهب ثروة الوطن وتبديد ØÙ‚ الشباب Ù�ÙŠ العمل والإنتاج والØياة والتقدم.
* أوصلوا الصوت الهادر لملايين العاطلين عن العمل والباØثين عن Øقهم Ù�ÙŠ صنع مستقبلهم، Ù„Øكومة الØزب (الوطني).. Øكومة البلطجة، ونهب المال العام، والÙ�ساد، وتجاهل مطالب الشعب والشباب.
Hi Josh, i'm doing my masters on what has been happening in egypt recently. i was there the past couple of months and now i'm back in the uk for my masters work and dissertation. i would like to use some of your pictures for my university project stories. would it be possible?
i would really appreciate that.
please contact me asap as my deadline is looming. thanks a lot.
So the Weds protest has been called off and the joint MB-Lefist one postponed? Sah?