COP27 in Egypt with little of the freedoms the “Arab Spring” promised

[View in browser]( [Mail & Guardian]( M&G Mornings | Tue 08 Nov   What shaped the past decade more than anything else, I could argue was the “Arab Spring” and in particular the Egyptian revolution. The Tahrir Square protests were a spellbinding global event as day after day, the crowds grew and the state’s authority either through its impressive military apparatus or its state broadcaster’s influence diminished. It was the first time we saw the power of social media (Facebook, Twitter) to geopolitics. It was inspiring and I’d hoped it would usher in a period of openness for Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries and in turn inspire other revolutions against dictatorships and other draconian governments that still exist on the continent of Africa. I was thinking of the Arab Spring as we settle into a week where the United Nations gathers for the Climate Change Conference (COP27) in that country, something you’d imagine would represent as an award for the changes that have occurred in Egypt since 2011. But it’s not, Egypt is a country in retrograde. The status quo they supposedly replaced a decade ago, returned rather quickly and stronger with international aid given the strategic importance of the country in the region. I’d recommend taking a read of the [Guardian’s preview of COP27 in the country](. It’s a sad turn of events. Later this month, we’ll hear calls for protests of Qatar’s World Cup because of Human Rights abuses, but similar questions should be raised about Egypt post Mubarak era. Dealing with climate change can only be done in an open and transparent way, the talks are happening in a state that is the opposite of that, raising further questions about the efficacy of the talks. We’ll be closely watching the talks this week. Ron Derby | Editor-in-Chief @RonDerby [Subscribe now]( to enjoy unlimited access to The Mail & Guardian for only R99 per month.   [Moving from coal towards renewables is in SA’s best interest, says World Bank]( SA’s three transitions will cost R8.5-trillion per year between now and 2050 Join thousands of South Africans who want a more just South Africa. Read past party lines, past the bluster and the distortion. Get the best reporting, analysis and commentary that is factual, balanced and fair with uninterrupted access to all Mail & Guardian content online. Plus - Preferential access to Mail & Guardian events - Get daily conversation starters straight into your inbox - An invitation to join the newsroom’s Review session on Friday mornings - Lend your expertise and experience to the stories we tell [// Read more]( Articles labelled as Premium are only available to subscribers. [CLICK HERE]( to subscribe Already a subscriber? 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