The Revolution That Consumed Its Children

Yemenat

2 days ago

More than a decade after the February 2011 revolution in Yemen and the ensuing complexities, Yemeni writer and researcher Jazem Saif presents a sociological approach in his book 'The Modern State and the Peaceful Revolution in Yemen.' This work sheds light on the events of the Change Square in Sana'a. Comprising 194 pages and published by Mawaeed Publishing for Studies, Translation, and Publication in Sana'a, Yemen, in 2024, the book addresses a critical phase in Yemen's history, allowing for a deeper understanding of these events beyond the noise and emotions.
In his introduction, Ahmed Al-Salami notes that the passage of time now permits a calm reflection. He believes the book transcends the minutiae of events to capture the diversity of discourses in the square and how Yemenis envisioned the modern state they had long dreamed of.
The book presents a clear paradox: despite the deep desire for change, society lacked a clear vision for a viable alternative. This absence of a coherent vision led to a mere replacement of individuals without achieving any real transformation in the system, contributing to the country's slide into chaos and ongoing divisions. Saif emphasizes profound issues that hindered the revolution's success, such as the confusion between regime and state. The fall of the president did not necessarily imply the construction of a new state; rather, it resulted in the collapse of state institutions. The book also discusses the lack of a clear alternative, where emotional discourses overshadowed practical solutions, alongside the failure of political parties to propose a modern alternative representing the energy of the revolutionary youth.
The notion of the modern state is a central concern for thinkers in the Arab world, especially in light of the changes witnessed during the Arab Spring. The book aims to explore this complex concept, tracing its roots in Western political thought and analyzing the challenges of its realization in Arab and Islamic contexts. It also addresses the intellectual debates that emerged around the concept of the public sphere as a space for rational dialogue about the state and politics, a concept that has become an urgent necessity in societies.
The book reviews historical experiences that attempted to shape a model of the state, such as the Ottoman Empire and the reforms of Muhammad Ali, highlighting the structural obstacles they faced. With the outbreak of the Arab Spring events, the question of the modern state has resurfaced, prompting the book to raise fundamental inquiries about the characteristics of a state that aligns with the aspirations of Arab peoples, emphasizing the importance of in-depth research studies to understand and analyze these experiences.
The Modern State and the Public Sphere in Jazem Saif's Analysis
The book devotes a significant section to discussing the public sphere as a fundamental element in building the modern state. It draws on definitions that clarify this sphere as an open arena for participation and dialogue concerning state-related ideas. Saif illustrates that the model of the modern state associated with Western modernity struggles to take root in the Arab environment, not due to differing core values, but because of the absence or weakness of this vital public sphere. He argues that shaping this sphere is the essential gateway to building consensus around the meaning of the state and its mechanisms.
This work serves as an important reference, linking theoretical ideas, historical experiences, and current challenges. It asserts that the path to constructing a genuine modern state passes through reviving the public sphere as a space for dialogue and consensus on values and institutions. Saif emphasizes the importance of research and diligence, acknowledging the difficulty of the task but insisting on its necessity to achieve the desired social, economic, and cultural transformations.
On another note, the book clearly addresses the concept of the modern state, highlighting that the state is not merely a government but an institution aimed at protecting individual rights and ensuring security. This requires a social contract and a constitution that guarantees free elections and the separation of powers, which contribute to transforming individuals from subjects into citizens with rights and a voice.
Discourses of the Sit-In Square
The book also provides an analysis of the discourses within the sit-in square in Sana'a, noting that it served as an open space for discussion on vital issues. However, it reveals how parties exploited this space by forming fictitious revolutionary groups, leading to the fragmentation of the square into closed factions.
Saif addresses the issue of creating false heroes, where certain forces conferred titles like 'hero' to exploit the enthusiasm of youth, thereby fostering illusions of leadership. He also observes practices that contradict the slogan of a peaceful revolution, resulting in a retreat from civil discourse to a language of force. He points to the duplicity in funding discourse, where secret donations reveal disparities in resource distribution, highlighting the injustice in accessing support.
Competing Discourses of Doubt and Tactics in the Yemeni Revolution
In the context of the Yemeni revolution, two competing discourses emerged, leaving a profound impact on its trajectory. The first is the discourse of doubt, characterized by the dissemination of ready-made accusations and preconceived judgments aimed at tarnishing the image of individuals or political groups. This discourse relied on hostile descriptions that demonized 'the other,' undermining the foundations of coexistence and hindering any constructive dialogue, while fueling conflicting binaries such as 'the pure revolutionary' versus 'the traitorous revolutionary.'
Conversely, the tactics discourse emerged as a reaction from within the revolutionary forces themselves, where individuals and activists publicly attacked their leaders, advocating for escalation as the sole path to victory. While it temporarily succeeded in presenting an image of cohesion, this discourse produced serious negative consequences, such as the usurpation of titles and responsibilities, deepening internal conflict.
Competing Discourses of Doubt and Tactics: Intersecting Paths in the Yemeni Revolution
Both discourses, that of doubt and that of tactics, represent two sides of the same coin. The former fueled internal fragmentation, while the latter sought to contain it. Yet, both contributed to complicating the Yemeni landscape and distancing it from its original revolutionary goals.
The Digital Space and Political Settlement: A Failure to Achieve the Dream
Facebook transformed from merely a social media platform into a vast arena for dialogue, where Yemenis engaged in discussions reflecting the 'logic of the moment.' However, these conversations revealed deep distortions in understanding the modern state. Conflicting perceptions emerged concerning the concept of the state: some reduced it to a parliamentary system, others viewed it as an alternative to tribal customs, while others confined it to a federal model or an ideal Islamic governance. Some participants even linked the state to secularism and sexual freedom, reflecting a profound ignorance of the nature of a modern state.
The complexities deepened due to the nature of virtual communication. The absence of vocal tone and body language led to misunderstandings and unintended disputes. Real-world conflicts migrated to the digital realm, where a culture of exclusion and mutual accusations replicated, overshadowing any trace of constructive dialogue.
On the other hand, the discourse of political settlement presented itself as a solution to rescue Yemen from a 'state of lawlessness.' Yet, this discourse co-opted the spirit of the revolution and transformed it into narrow political bargaining, granting immunity to the forces of the former regime while freezing essential demands for change.
The fragility of this path soon became evident. The revolutionary forces that had united against tyranny fragmented, and a culture of exclusion and distrust emerged between the youth and party leaders. Divisions deepened around the concept of the state, with some viewing Yemen as 'stateless' and in need of reconstruction, while others considered it a 'robbed state' needing reform.
In conclusion, the book highlights the importance of rethinking the concepts of state and public sphere, calling for a clear vision that transcends current divisions. Genuine revolution requires a shared vision and collective will to transform dreams into reality, necessitating ongoing efforts to understand and overcome past mistakes.
The peaceful popular youth revolution in Yemen reflects a genuine desire for change, stemming from the suffering of the people under the weight of corruption and tyranny. This revolution has sparked a political movement that mirrors an urgent need to dismantle the regime and implement radical changes in governance. However, amidst this revolutionary momentum, political forces faced significant challenges, characterized by a lack of consensus and a clear vision.
It was essential to build a genuine public sphere that allows for dialogue and democracy, but what transpired was a scattering of efforts and varying positions. The squares demonstrated that revolutionary mistakes, such as tendencies toward monopolization and authoritarianism, continue to obstruct pathways to radical change, necessitating the revival of intellectual discussions surrounding the concept of the modern state and its necessity.
The future requires a discourse that transcends divisions, promoting enlightenment and cooperation among all parties. We must strive to build political institutions capable of fulfilling the aspirations of the people, founded on values of trust and dialogue. Revolution is not merely about slogans; it is a process that demands deep thinking and a shared vision, paving the way for the construction of a modern state that meets the community's needs and achieves justice and freedom for all.