More than Just a Sport

Soccer is more than just a sport for Egyptians. A recent victory in a do-or-die match against Algeria has captivated the entire nation, as well as Western observers. The LA Times blog Babylon and Beyond describes how Egypt “wishes for soccer glory as compensation to tough living.” The blog quotes sociologist Sayed Eweis, who explains soccer “is something that makes [Egyptians] happy.” Writing in The Guardian, Mohamed El Dahshan elaborates that soccer “acts as a catharsis for political frustration and a proxy for popular participation” in Egypt.

But Sean Brooks also sees a darker side to the celebrations after Egypt’s key win, which entailed masses of “over-zealous young men” filling the streets, shooting off fireworks and even sporadically firing their guns. Given this image, he asks us to “imagine what the pent up frustration of millions of young Egyptians could do if focused on a political target.” He continues, “with no dramatic political reforms on the foreseeable horizon, such could be a frightening future for Egypt.” For Brooks, it is unclear whether the Egyptian security apparatus can maintain “this petrified and decaying state” forever, but it is not for lack of trying. After all, on the very day of the Egyptian victory, opposition activist blogger Kareem el-Shae’r was kidnapped and beaten (see previous post), perpetuating a long history of intimidation, harassment and torture that keeps President Mubarakin power.

Meanwhile, a lawyer representing defendants of two purported terrorist cells detained in Egypt has filed an official complaint to the state prosecutor. The complaint claims the prisoners were terrorized by snakes placed in their cells. The detainees have previously alleged torture earlier during their incarceration.