The Corruption of Power & Influence with Ahmed Gatnash - WBD643

Ahmed Gatnash is an author, activist and co-founder of the
Kawaakibi Foundation. In this interview, we discuss how the
hope of the Arab Spring has been ruthlessly suppressed,
meaning the middle east is further from democracy than ever.
It’s a breathtaking story of brave activists fighting
Twitter’s exploitation, Jamal Khashoggi’s murder and the
blackmailing of Jeff Bezos.


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The history of the Middle East is a modern tragedy: the
cradle of civilisation has been exploited by powerful Western
interests that have enabled corrupt and cruel authoritarian
rule to dominate the region. Democratic movements have long
struggled to gain any traction. However, a wave of optimism
spread through the region in 2011 as the Arab Spring saw
numerous popular uprisings. The ruthless response indicated
that the region's path to freedom will be a long one.


Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Except in
the Middle East. The wave of protests predicated on the
pent-up anger at decades of corruption and economic
stagnation heralded an era of extreme brutality against
citizens throughout the region. The cruel irony is that the
Western social media technology that enabled the coordination
of demonstrations, has now been effectively harnessed by
those seeking to protect the established centres of power.


The cruelty lies in the knowing actions of those directly
involved in the violent repression of dissent. It also lies
in the wanton ignorance of those living in the West. Those
who marginalise a continent of people. Those who prioritise
profit over other considerations. Those who talk of freedom
but know nothing of those who are staking their lives for
freedom in today’s world.


This is a tale about brave activists fighting for the rights
we in the West take for granted to be provided to their peers
in the Middle East. It is a story of an outsized fight where
those fighting for democracy are facing entrenched and
ruthless authoritarians, self-interested Westerners and a
largely indifferent media. It is an interview you need to
hear. We all need to check our privilege.