In 2011, over 130 Tunisians set themselves on fire out of sheer desperation. One was an unemployed father of three. What causes people to take such desperate measures? Are they looking to be heroes? Life has not improved for the poor in North Africa and the Middle East. As a matter of fact, for many it has become worse. Unemployment is still extremely high and rising. Hopelessness is spreading. Desperation is beginning to set it. The people were patient for a long time under their dictators. Now how much longer do they have to wait? It is hard to know how they feel until we put ourselves in their shoes.
A Tunisian man sets himself alight. Why? |
When was the last time you spent any significant amount of time in a poor village where it seems like nothing is happening. The atmosphere is depressing. There's no work. One has way too much idle time. Watching TV becomes totally unfulfilling. You watch the grass grow for entertainment if you can find any grass. You are looking for a way out. You seek to escape to Europe, but the doors are all closed. What other choices do you have?
Have you heard of the Islamic Party? They have the answers for the masses. They will create equality and stamp out corruption. They will implement Islamic law and everything will become new again and right. Right? Maybe. But as a young, unemployed individual, isn't some kind of change better than no change? So why not give the Islamic Party a chance. After all, it can't get any worse, can it? Or can it. The Islamic Party will ban all music, videos and TV from the west and the east, eliminate interest in banking, and subject women to few rights including the right to work. More jobs you say, for the men, right? Sure, if they'll do them. Menial work is not a whole lot of fun. And two people earning income for the family is better than one. But if my economic situation gets better, then it's worth the sacrifice. Time will tell. History gives some insight into whether or not it will work. Good luck to the Muslim peoples. You are going to need it.
If hope is not achieved through your revolutions, look no further. There is hope. It's available here.