Dimensions
156 x 239 x 21mm
Three Years on the Front Line of the Arab Spring This is not an Arab Spring. This is an Arab Revolution of the magnitude of the French Revolution. Historian, political observer and opinion-maker Koert Debeuf draws this conclusion from three years of living and working in the heart of the Arab world. Having travelled extensively in Egypt, Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Jordan, Palestine and Turkey, he saw from the first row history unfolding. From Tahrir Square to Taksim Square, between teargas, bullets and bombs. This book gives unique insight into the real fights and frustrations of the Arab Revolution. It shows how blogs and social media can change the course of history, how individuals do make a difference and why the Arab Revolution is just the beginning of a profound transformation. In this compilation of blogs, articles and essays the reader begins to understand the complex realities and ideas behind the revolutions from Tunisia to Turkey. Some of the pieces even influenced Arab and international politics. In a foreword, Guy Verhofstadt, president of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe and former prime minister of Belgium (1999-2008), sets out a new vision of European cooperation with the Arab world. AUTHOR: Koert Debeuf has been living in Cairo since September 2011 and has observed the revolutions of the Arab world as a representative of the European Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament (ALDE). He is a well-known political blogger and opinion-maker. His blog posts have been discussed on Tahrir Square, on Egyptian national TV and in the European, Dutch, German and Belgian parliaments. Articles on his work in the Arab world have appeared in newspapers such as the New York Times, Le Figaro and Le Soir. He is regularly consulted as an expert by the Financial Times, The Independent, Al Arabiya, BBC World Service and France 24. Before moving to Cairo, he worked for years in the heart of Belgian and European politics. He was strategic advisor and spokesman for the former Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt. REVIEWS: "Koert Debeuf is discreet but outspoken when it comes to defending a human cause. He is one of those committed people who prefers being 'in the field' above discussions behind closed doors." - Le Soir "Koert Debeuf is an acknowledged expert of the Arab region." - Al Arabiya "Koert Debeuf is one of the most well-informed, professional and objective Egypt observers out there. Highly recommended." - Amir Ahmad Nasr, Writer and Blogger
