Egypt: Tariq spirit lives on college foundation

I have been living in Cairo, which comes a few months before the revolution that began in September last year, and saw then how oppression permeated all aspects of life. Most people are familiar with the characteristics of an unjust and dictatorial regime: police brutality, electoral fraud, censorship of the media and rampant corruption. However, the reality is much more sinister.

In Cairo oppression deeply infiltrated society, and I see great compassion affect the life of every individual, becoming an integral part of life that the Egyptians peaceful coexistence.

Although many of my friends at the universities of Cairo are active and lively, they were very aware of their lack of freedom both within and beyond the university in society, and how the two are inextricably linked.

I remember a conversation with a depressing recent graduate, you said. "Real change can not be done at the universities until [former President Hosni] Mubarak and his entire family disappears hope not at this time".

The fall of Mubarak turned out to be just the beginning of a series of nationwide strikes and protests. After the revolution, lawyers, workers, teachers and journalists began to launch their own battles to express their grievances against the system and demand change. They are unanimous: his aim is to complete uprooting of the old regime to protect the spirit of the revolution.

Universities are no exception.

The nature of the political activity of students in universities often reflects the degree of political freedom a country enjoys. The university, a breeding ground for the development of the mind and ideas to expand champion, is the broth brewing ideal for political dissent.

A tolerant government critics in general was side by side with universities that cater to a diverse body of student political groups and movements. Therefore, it is surprising that any political activity that threatens the credibility of a dictatorial regime leads to a hard clamp down on universities.

At Cairo University, the huge increase in participants in student elections held in late March showed the overwhelming demand for a radical change. Before the revolution, only students with a "good reputation" were allowed to run. According to Nadia About Shady, a student at the faculty of political science, this vague statement was actually a check on the political affiliation of students.