Déja Vu

Remember when I started this blog, and Middle Eastern countries were just beginning to protest? It was exciting and invigorating, and the world was enraptured by the swift knockdown of nefarious protesters. Think back to before Libya, and before the country got mad at the undefinable and infuriating Obama Doctrine.

Guess what: They are protesting again.

Notably, Syria, who joined the foray in March, is stepping up its demands that authoritarian President Bashar al-Assad be ousted. At least 37 have died thus far around the nation, while limited cell phone service is making it difficult for others to follow events. Reports further state that it is not just the youth revolting this time; rather, even families are demanding that the once-reformist but now hardline president leave.

Photo Courtesy of byJoeLodge

Syrians protesting and demanding their president's ouster

Meanwhile, in Egypt, another 100,000 protesters returned to the now-iconic Tahrir Square on Friday, called the Day of Purification, to demand that the successfully ousted former president, Hosni Mubarak, be tried for his corruption, along with other members of his administration. This protest was again mainly spearheaded on the youth, and troops not only chased off demonstrators but also attempted to detain soldiers who had joined the crowds; in an uplifting show of solidarity and loyalty, the protesters did their best to shield and protect the rebel soldiers before they were taken. Unfortunately, this protest, too, degenerated into violence, with 71 hurt and one dead.

Photo Courtesy of RamyRaoof

Tahrir Square, where protesters are demonstrating again

Elsewhere, another group of about 1,000 Egyptians took to the Israeli Embassy, apparently angry over strikes on the Gaza strip, demanding that Egypt halt its natural gas exports to Israel. The Boston Globe notes that this put the military in a difficult position, as it claims to be working to provide greater freedom of expression (however, see the above paragraph regarding how that is working out), but also trying to assure Israel that it will maintain positive relations. So far, the military has forbidden protesters from getting to close to the embassy, and is encouraging them to disperse, but it seems to have refrained from violence.

The Yemeni continue to demand the President Ali Abdullah Saleh step down, while he continues to refuse. Tens of thousands protested in Sanaa, the capital, while in the city of Taiz, security forces killed three and injured numerous others during a funeral procession; this marks over 120 deaths since the protests began on February 11.

Photo Courtesy of Sallam

Sanaa, the capital of Yemen where protesters are meeting

In Jordan, a man set himself on fire in front of the prime minister’s office; the Washington Post marks this as the first act of protest in the country.

With more and more news of more and more violence, when did the protests turn from inspiring acts of bravery to tired and seemingly fruitless attempts? Has Egypt gone past the point of sympathy, as other countries have yet to manage what it has already done so swiftly? Has Yemen exhausted the avenue of protesting, while it does not seem to be able to find a back-up plan? Are Syria and Jordan too late to the game? 

The magic of the original protests is over, but these countries need to still be at least verbally supported; however, they also need to look into other avenues. Yes, protesting may seem like a last resort as it is, and no, I do not have any inspired suggestions for these nations. Yet, if tens of thousands can risk their lives, I have faith that they can put their heads together and find a solution. With some luck, they may take the world by a storm yet again.