By Lee Sang-ki
The Egyptian people embarked upon a historical revolution for democracy in order to overthrow the Mubarak dictatorship this month, and this has surprised the whole world. They wanted a complete transformation and to this end, hundreds of them gave their passion, one hundred percent commitment and even life.
Now, the eyes of the world are on Egypt and especially, Arab countries are paying attention to the changes in the social and political circumstances of Egypt since they share historical, cultural, religious and political backgrounds with one another.
As the Korean saying goes, “Bad digestion happens in tandem with a quick swallow.” At the moment, the Egyptian people are facing a sweet and yet fatal temptation. They are in a dilemma between swift changes in politics or a slow reform process for the distant future. In my opinion, gradual democratization would be appropriate and realistic.
Korea underwent extremely painful democratization in the 1980s. After the assassination of President Park Chung-hee in 1979, there was a general expectation about full-fledged democracy but just eight months later, Gen. Chun Doo-hwan seized power in a military coup.
Then, hundreds of students, workers and noted social figures sacrificed their lives and thousands of demonstrators were injured or put in prison. At last, the military dictatorship was overthrown in 1987 but the Korean people had to wait another five years due to the deep divisions among opposition leaders and resistance from those with vested interests.
The 1992 presidential election open the way for civil rule, ushering in a functioning democracy. But democratization wouldn't have been possible without the overwhelming desire and determined efforts for a better economy and freedom of expression.
Freedom of expression is especially important because it plays a vital role in the Egyptians’ revolt against the 30 years of one-man rule. Without it, Egypt may fall back into dictatorship at any time.
Why do we put so much emphasis on freedom of expression? This is because it is essential for critical decision-making for a nation. Every single field the Egyptian people face including education, welfare, the environment and trade is a product of political decision-making.
Besides, freedom of expression is extremely important to keep social balance. Any society without it naturally becomes a secretive and corrupt power preventing the public from rational thought, argument and analysis.
Social networks such as Twitter and Facebook with up-to-date mobile devices have contributed to the Egyptian revolution. The dictatorial regime desperately tried to close the eyes and ears of the Egyptian people but rather, social networks and new ways of communication opened them up wide. Nothing could stop the Egyptian people's desire for democracy.
Egypt is the birthplace of ancient civilizations and all of us owe a lot to it. Papyrus in ancient Egypt formed the basis for early writing, and huge architectural monuments like the pyramids and the Sphinx laid the foundations of mathematics and science. Furthermore, Egyptian civilization itself was a bridge between the East and West.
It seems that now is the moment for us all to pay off our debt to Egypt. We have to fully support the country to get on its feet as a leader in the Arab and the Muslim world just as it has been in the past, regardless of the superpowers' political and economical stake.
We also have to find a way for both the Arab world and Israel to live in coexistence instead of just worrying about the possible awkward relationship between Egypt and Israel. Peace inside and outside Egypt will be uneasy but our strongest wish is for peace and prosperity for everyone in the Middle East.
I was in Kuwait from Jan. 24 to 26 with more than 60 journalists and professors from 20 countries to attend a conference hosted by Al Arabi Magazine. On the second day of the event with the theme “Arabs go East,” we were given the news of the civil unrest in Egypt and all the participants there poured out questions to me asking about the democratization of Korea. My answer was as that which I wrote at the beginning.
The fires of democracy started in Egypt are now spreading across the Middle East against the dictatorial regimes there. We are actually witnessing democratization dominoes. In these circumstances, I think to myself the following two questions are important. What can we Koreans do for them? And can Korea’s modern history over the last 30 years be a role model?
Lee Sang-ki is founding president of the Asia Journalist Association. He can be reached at winwin0625@hanmail.net.