Lecture: ‘Arab Spring uprising are not over yet’

Uprisings take time and this is an ongoing process. Be patient.” says Naeem.

ISLAMABAD:

The Arab Spring uprisings might not have changed the political policies in the Middle East, but they have given voice to the oppressed and deprived masses of the Arab countries, according to Raza Naeem, a lecturer of sociology at FAST-NU. He believes the Arab Spring is the most remarkable event in a young 21st century and it is not over yet.

Naeem, who is also a literary critic, was delivering a lecture on “Arab Spring Two Years On and the Destruction of Gaza: Results, Prospects, Consequences” that was organised by SDPI here on Monday.

The Arab uprisings have not taken the form of social movements, such as those in South America, but there is still hope, said Naeem. Most importantly, it has empowered the common man to challenge the status quo and resist oppressive governance tactics.

“You cannot expect overnight change in countries where oppressive regimes have ruled for over thirty years,” he said. “Uprisings take time and this is an ongoing process. Be patient.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2012.