I wanted my next blog post to be a little more uplifting, something with the subject matter of the rise of street art or climbing and my first go at diving in Dahab. But towards the end my 10hr bus journey back to Cairo, the daily papers showed some disturbing images from the day prior to my return. At that point, I figured I’d hit the Shorouk (www.shorouknews.com) newsroom to find out how things came to pass.
I walked into the newsroom with a hop in my step glad to have been up early/didn’t sleep at all due to the random sways and stops from my bus ride. A great female photographer and activist from Shorouk, blazed in the office with a fire in her stomach. Infuriated at the images of a stripped girl being beaten by military police. It should have been on our front page. She explains the headings don’t acknowledge that the person doing the beatings isn’t in uniform, he’s wearing street shoes as a real officer yells at him dragging the woman away to cover her up. Enraged, she began packing her camera with her sights on Tahrir, where the day prior left an old library holding rare handwritten texts engulfed in flames. I opted to go as well.
After several preliminary warnings and a short cab ride we arrive in Tahrir square. One block over, the roar of people talking is quickly broken by loud chants and cursing between civilians and guards as we get closer and closer to the parliment building. We both strap on motorcycle-style helmets, exchange mobile numbers and wish each other luck and safety. Consumed by dust and smoke from the burning embers of the historic library from the night before, we rush into the crowd. Keeping my eye out for concrete chunks, glass being thrown like Frisbees and the occasional Molotov cocktail, I look around to see I’m surrounded by children. Kids that have yet to hit double digits are running past me toward the military hiding behind makeshift shields with knock-off Disney backpacks, fresh from one of the surrounding schools. These kids are battling it out on the front lines with police and military personnel, while most of the older civilians stand by and watch. The adults that fought amongst the young, fought with great passion. One man, throwing stones with great might, was approached by another older gentleman. The gentleman screams at the man throwing stones, “Get back, or you will be seriously hurt. Let these kids fight but you come back.” The man looks back in the gentleman’s eyes and belts out, “I will die here among them!” returns to grabbing stones and fires them back at the government officals mounted on the rooftops.
I see these kids fight and realize their just children, this is just a game to some of them. Laughing and teasing as they cast stones to the other side. Some aren’t even old enough to vote and after today’s destruction in Tahrir, I become a bit depressed. Who am I supposed to side with? These kids fighting for the future with no patience to allow the future to play out? These street kids that now think if they fight like on Jan 25, 2011 they’ll get what they want? Or do I side with the military that is attempting to maintain order in Egypt? Or the military that is arbitrarily beating citizens without mercy? I really don’t know, but right now, I’m not a fan of either. And with the rumors that there are people being paid by Mubaraks people, which side are these people on, military or civilian?
More photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharifhassan/sets/72157628504452899/
It is without doubt, that the fight will continue until both sides improve communication. It seems that speaking is not an option at this time. What are the expectations and goals for both sides? Does anyone know? Is this violence necessary?
You are right, there is a lack of communication. Due to this it is unclear at times what are the goals and the violence is definitely not necessary.
Great captures!
Great work Beef!! I can really see your writing getting better and better..