“Peaceful uprisings are likely to produce real freedom, while violent ones usually end in a new tyranny,” writes Bloomberg News columnist Joshua Muravchik (February 15, 2011). “Revolutions often produce something worse than they replace,” he states. However in the case of Egypt “the nature of the protests gives strong reason for optimism.”
Reflecting on Muravchik’s words, previous statements by Srđa Popović (co-founder of the student-led Serbian uprising group “OtPor!”) hit home. Popović tells us, “Non-violent struggle is a form of warfare.” The conclusion of both men is clear: whereas violent conflict may win the “battle,” it is peaceful struggle that wins the “war.” For those who desire that peaceful societies are the long-term outcome of struggle, a primer for success emerges.
(Full article: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-16/revolution-germ-will-spread-in-arab-world-commentary-by-joshua-muravchik.html)
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