In order to provide an intelligible understanding and analysis of the current situation in the Middle East, especially regarding Syria, it is important to briefly discuss the current Middle Eastern context within the larger frame of U.S. and European imperialism.

Throughout the last year, people all over the globe - especially on the left, the young and progressives - have been living the excitement of the achievements of the peoples in various parts of the Arab world, especially Tunisia and Egypt.

I am sure that also many of us were cheering for the NATO invasion - at the request of most members in the Arab League - which at the time we thought of as a life-saving intervention!

It has been more than a year since Hosni Mubarak was ousted from his 30-year reign of Egypt; however, the revolution for human rights and justice is far from over. Today Egypt is at crossroads that will shape the future of its citizens. The tensions between religion and politics, the military and democrats, law and emergency rule are in constant flux. In the middle are Egypt's human rights advocates who are trying to ensure the principles of the revolution are upheld, and a post-Mubarak Egypt brings true democratic changes for the country. The small victories achieved have been accompanied by numerous setbacks such as the harassment of human rights NGOs.

Speakers:
* David McNally teaches political science at York University, Toronto, and is the author of Global Slump: The Economics and Politics of Crisis and Resistance
* Ali Mustafa is a writer and multimedia journalist. His work has appeared in many alternative sites and publications, including Znet, The New York Times eXaminer, Electronic Intifada, rabble.ca, and The Bullet.

The event is organized by the GTWA Internal Educational and Political Development Committee | Facebook event

On January 25, 2011, the Egyptian revolution began. Spurred by the success of the Tunisian protests earlier in the month, activists coined the "Day of Rage" on the same day as the national holiday honouring police. Thousands take to the streets to march against the 30 year reign of dictator Hosni Mubarak. Protesters are met with tear gas from police.

The uprising was breathtaking as thousands, then hundreds of thousands more joined the protests in Tahir Square spanning almost a month. What wasn't broadcast were the days, months and years of activism leading up to the historic revolution.