Addressing the tumultuous political atmosphere in northern Africa, the University of Cincinnati's history department hosted "Arab Uprisings: Revolution in Egypt, Tunisia and Beyond" Monday, Feb. 7.
Moderated by Willard Sunderland, an associate professor of history at UC, the panel included four speakers who commentated on the historical and sociological contexts upon which Egypt has risen against longtime president Hosni Mubarak.
Among the speakers were assistant Ethan Katz, a history professor at UC; visiting professor Robert Haug; professor Vanessa Walker from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Professor Elizabeth Frierson, director of Middle Eastern studies at UC.
Professor Katz explained Muslim identity in the turmoil of civil unrest, along with the importance of understanding this is not simply a Muslim takeover Egypt.
"This is a revolution of rising expectations," said Haug.
Professor Walker addressed the United States' vanity in overestimating the relevancy of web applications such as Twitter and Facebook, but, diplomatically asked, "Should the U.S. 'poke' or outright 'unfriend' Mubarak?"
Professor Frierson gave a perspective of Middle Eastern secularism, along with Egypt's history of candid social progress.
"It's not the US's decision what happens next," Walker said. "Realistic expectations are vital."
After the four speakers finished, there was an open Q&A from members of the audience. UC President Greg Williams was in attendance, but did not comment during the panel.