Liberation Square
Inside the Egyptian Revolution and the Rebirth of a Nation
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4.7 • 7 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
A definitive, absorbing account of the Egyptian revolution, written by a Cairo-based Egyptian-American reporter for Foreign Policy and The Times (London), who witnessed firsthand Mubarak's demise and the country's efforts to build a democracy
In early 2011, the world's attention was riveted on Cairo, where after three decades of supremacy, Hosni Mubarak was driven from power. It was a revolution as swift as it was explosive. For eighteen days, anger, defiance, and resurgent national pride reigned in the streets---protestors of all ages struck back against police and state security, united toward the common goal of liberation.
But the revolution was more than a spontaneous uprising. It was the end result of years of mounting tension, brought on by a state that shamelessly abused its authority, rigging elections, silencing opposition, and violently attacking its citizens. When revolution bloomed in the region in January 2011, Egypt was a country whose patience had expired---with a people suddenly primed for liberation.
As a journalist based in Cairo, Ashraf Khalil was an eyewitness to the perfect storm that brought down Mubarak and his regime. Khalil was subjected to tear gas alongside protestors in Tahrir Square, barely escaped an enraged mob, and witnessed the day-to-day developments from the frontlines. From the halls of power to the back alleys of Cairo, he offers a one-of-a-kind look at a nation in the throes of an uprising.
Liberation Square is a revealing and dramatic look at the revolution that transformed the modern history of one of the world's oldest civilizations.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This compelling, nuanced, and engaging account of the end of Hosni Mubarak's 29-year reign describes "an intellectually bankrupt and cynical blank space of a regime" that collapsed, leading to a tectonic shift of power. Egyptian-American journalist Khalil, writing for Foreign Policy and the Times of London, blends astute observations with reportage of the demonstrations as they unfolded, sketching out parallel rationales for the downfall of "a Middle Eastern dictatorial Forrest Gump" whose internal security apparatus broke down after its vilest abuses were widely publicized. In addition, he explores the role of social media in sustaining revolutionary energy and provides riveting accounts of the January demonstrations that clinched the end of the regime. The withering scorn heaped on the toppled government is deliciously expressed: "The final days of the Mubarak regime featured a multitude of generally shameless, desperate, and tone-deaf reactions and tactics." While it is left to Middle East scholars and political scientists to parse the next chapters in revolutionary Egypt's staggeringly complex story, Khalil's account is essential reading, evoking the urgency and vitality of the Arab spring's Egyptian chapter. The author's decades of experience and seasoned skepticism point up the central truth of the uprising and the government's failed response: "Mubarak still didn't get it: The problem was him."
Customer Reviews
Inspirational
An amazing read. Khalil's depth of detail in daily Egyptian life creates the basis of understanding of how this amazing revolution took place. His writing style is both hip and educational. Highly recommended.