Drums of Revolution Beaten Loudly

Since the phenomenon of an awakening and rise of the depressed people under the yoke of long-standing tyranny and dictatorship in the Arab world against their cruel and selfish rulers became evident the word ‘Revolution’ is now a popular talking point in political talks and media discussions everywhere. Due to repeatedly and inopportune use the term is losing its meaning and spirit. Even those who frequently use it do not know its history and that is why they are ignorant what actually the term stands for.

Most of the politicians are either off-balance or have a vain dream for capitalizing on the situation like what has happened in Tunisia and Egypt and seems likely to happen in different other Muslim states. To them revolution means a chance for them to throw a wrench in power galleries of their rivals with hope the ripe fruit fall in their pouch. Revolution in the sense of ‘Inqilab’ or “Thaurah” (in Arabic) actually much more than toppling a government and grabbing power by some opportunist lower or upper grade military personnel, as mainly had been a practice in Syria which finally stopped on late Hafiz ul Asad. Only infamous coup practices of the people having lust for power have made revolution synonymous with bloodshed and subversion. It does not necessarily bring upheaval and social conflict as generally thought about it. In fact it is a genuine task of an elected government to root out social evils, wipe out corruption and bring huge reforms in entire political and economic system from its roots to the highest level. Revolution causes substantial cultural and social changes.

It is not a matter of mere desire. An ideology and a wise scheme of a change for good is must to be at its back. In the recent 18 days movement to overthrow Hosni Mubarak of Egypt one thing, very positive and important, we observed was unity and a cohesive struggle of all the political elements, who came out in ‘Tehrir Squire’ with the desire to get rid of dictatorship. Even the workers of the largest and most organized opposition party, The Muslim Brotherhood, did not raise their party banners and chanted their party songs and slogans. They beat no drums proclaiming a long history of their struggle and sacrifices during the tyrant rule of Hosni Mubarak and his two predecessors. They were unanimous with others on one point and that was striking a devastating blow against the cruel rule.

But in the countries like Pakistan we find disquietude and an atmosphere unbefitting for a Revolution. The failure in creating a harmonious atmosphere is manifest. Where the society is ethnically, racially, politically and religiously divided, extremism is at its high and every group is eager to hoist its flag higher than others the ‘Revolutionary Forces’ eventually become engaged in combat with each other and exhaust all of their energies to bring their opponents to their knees.

Where there is a good or bad democracy, it should serve the cause for what a generally a political tumult is created in the name of revolution. Democratic culture is thought a best means for a change for good. Democracy lets the people vent their spleen on the corrupt politicians and bring them down through their votes. Unfortunately where there is democracy in the Muslim countries almost the same politicians, who loudly beat the drums of revolution, prevent its happening. In the countries like Pakistan they foxily change their loyalties within no time and succeed in disguising themselves as sympathizers of the downtrodden people and start the manipulation game in a new mask.

Presently we see the example of a true revolution in modern Turkey brought through democratic way. Government of the Justice and Development Party under the premiership of Recep Tayyib Erdogan is, wisely and steadily, going across all the obstacles erected by Judiciary and military generals and transforming the lives of the people of the secular Turkey into an entire new ideological, cultural, social and economic form. The track may be a bit longer and trying but whosoever anywhere in the Muslim world sincerely wants a revolution must follow this example.