Leading Egyptian human rights and pro-democracy activist speaks at the Josef Korbel School

A leading Egyptian human rights and pro-democracy activist, Professor Saad Eddin Ibrahim, spoke about the issue of democratizing the Arab world in Egypt at a lecture at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. As a widely respected and influential social scientist, Professor Ibrahim shared his empirical findings.

Professor Ibrahim began by raising the question of why there is resistance to democratization. He discussed the waves of democratization and said, "Every time it came to the Arab world, it broke at the shores."

His challenge for the audience was to find out for themselves why Muslim populations are portrayed as undemocratic in the media when two thirds of Muslims are living in democracies. He further believes that democracy will grow if opportunities are given to people.

Gaza was also an important area that Professor Ibrahim addressed. He talked about the war that broke out between Israel and the Hamas in 2008. He says that the question of what can be done in Gaza is another way of asking the question of what can be done with Muslim political parties and governance.

Professor Ibrahim ended his lecture by promoting and encouraging Muslim democracies. He stated, "Let us also welcome Muslim democratic parties. Let us be fair, American, analytical, critical and compassionate."

*To read Professor Ibrahim?s editorial, "Egypt?s Unchecked Repression," click here.

Published on August 21st, 2007 and republished exactly one year later.