Faith and Logic: Social Networking – Catalyst for revolutions?

It is hard to deny the outreach and influence of social networking; it does indeed aid substantially in perpetuating ideas and news efficiently. However, the essence of revolutions goes beyond the dissemination of news, ideas and thoughts.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Miami Islam Examiner
By Mansura Minhas | March 1st, 2011

Autocratic rule has ended in Tunisia and Egypt. The rippling effects of the youth-led revolutions have spread to Yemen, Bahrain and Libya and are challenging the status quo that has persisted for too long. Maumar Qaddafi is continuing to defy and his 41 years hold on power seems to have contributed to his delusional perception that he is indispensable.  It is imminent that he is bound to meet the fate of his fellow authoritarians in the region who were shown the exit.

Economic woes are the prime reason behind these uprisings and whoever comes to power in the aftermath must avoid the mistakes of their predecessors. For generations that grew up under despotic regimes, their experiences with ‘democracy’ are nothing short of idealism; the ultimate test lies in implementing core democratic values. This will indeed be a painstaking process in a culture devoid of any substantial foundations upon which to embark upon this undertaking.


The foreseeable future of these vulnerable nations is riddled with uncertainties and hindrances - lack of viable institutions and the aspirations of the radicals who will try to capitalize on the woes of the masses and divert these uprisings towards their own gains. This runs the risk of running into the fate of the 1970’s revolutions of Iran and Pakistan, where the initial euphoria failed to materialize into the aspired reforms.

The only befitting transition in the current uprisings will be one that guarantees that liberty, justice and freedom prevail. These are the sole, transcendent and universal values - ones that hold the key to the prosperity and betterment of these troubled nations.

There seems to be a sense of naiveté in the perception that Facebook and Twitter have generated these revolutions. It is hard to deny the outreach and influence of social networking; it does indeed aid substantially in perpetuating ideas and news efficiently. However, the essence of revolutions goes beyond the dissemination of news, ideas and thoughts.  The revolt that has erupted in the North African and Middle East nations had been seething beneath the surface for a long time.

The corrupt and despotic leaders who are meeting their ousters had been tolerated as they had been the vanguard of stability in the region and had served the strategic influence of the dominant global powers. Changes in the global dynamics warrant strategic shifts in this region.

 If these are indeed ‘real’ revolutions led by the youth, they must materialize into a tangible transformation in the status quo.  Merely replacing figureheads will defeat the purpose.  Internet is a powerful medium and capable of defying even the harshest censorships. It will continue to disseminate news from the region; however the emerging outcomes are beyond its scope. To expect otherwise, reeks with shortsightedness.


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