few days ago I read about the influence of social networks in the outbreak of revolution in the Middle East and North Africa. On one hand I was with commentators who raised the central role of social networks like Twitter and FaceBook in the blasts. On the other hand, was the glut approach main unifying element of these societies and the importance, just as a communication to outside networks.
In this debate, I tell ya, I am inclined to believe that the networks have only been a multiplier. If we speak of a chemical reaction, the Internet would be the catalyst , the compound that accelerates and amplifies the reaction. But I admit that, deep down, there was still something that did not fit: Why now and not before? Why after 30 years of dictatorship? Why not in the 80's? Why not two years ago?
seems clear that once the flame and seen the success (at least at first) of the Revolution Jazmines -parallel to the revolution of the carnations in many things, the repetition of phenomenon was sung. But it remains a puzzle why at this time. If you think about it seriously and knowing how little we know of that world in the West so smug and so Eurocentric, the first thing that stands out is that is not Al Qaeda or some of fundamentalist Muslim movements of protest actors . Was there something we do not count? "Under that layer of prejudices and our fear of Islamic fundamentalism was training a new generation to the image and likeness of ourselves? Could the European leagues are not the only thing that was entering the North African television? Is it true that Internet access was higher than suspected and that most of the population with access did not use for terrorist purposes? It seems now that all these questions were answered in the affirmative.
To all this, today, in the distribution list ECOAGRA Iris Network, someone has pointed out the coincidence of these events with the state of rising food prices and the consequent fear of shortages markets. And then suddenly I saw it all much clearer.
Population growth and distribution effects of poor (or no distribution) of wealth in those countries had for escape the physical flight the country in search opportunities (not to mention the flow of revenues accounted for these emigrants' remittances), or the mental escape through religion and, in extreme cases, the alienation that is the message guerrasantista of terrorist groups. The situation was bad, but it was hopeless. Global economic growth created opportunities for escape in the first dimension and stagnant economic systems could grow even in a situation of expansion.
But now things have changed. Rich neighbors importing and exporting tourists and emigrants remittances have two years of trials, in which the exchange of people and money have been hampered not only by laws, but also by the harsh reality. And in this, food prices climbing back to where they already were in 2009, although in a weaker economic climate.
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| Source: FAO.org |
options no longer pass through the flight, or for waiting to flee the family and friends to help us from outside. And it seems that everyone is thinking of Al Qaeda to join self-immolation in the name of Allah Now prices of basket up at home and the problem must be solved at home, because outsiders are unable to lend a hand. Hence also the riots food shortages increasingly look more clearly the prologue to what has been lived in Tunisia and is living in Egypt.
If you do not have freedom but you eat every day, much of the Internet you have, your desire to protest are mitigated. But together in the same equation as poverty, lack of personal and economic freedom, access to Internet and lack of bread. Do it, and surely will result in just what is happening in the Maghreb and the Near East.
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