Egypt Celebrates “Second Revolution”

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. ouster [OU-ster] (n.) – the removal of a person from a position of power or authority

Example: The dictator’s ouster gave way to the appointment of a new leader.

2. disdain [dis-DEYN, dih-STEYN] (n.) – a strong feeling of dislike or disapproval for something or someone that is regarded as unworthy

Example: Tom showed his disdain for the government by joining mass protests.

3. coup [koo] (n.) – a sudden attempt by a small group (such as the military) to take over the government

Example: The successful military coup resulted in a sudden change of government.

4. reinstate [ree-in-STEYT] (v.) – to put a person back in a position he or she had been removed from

Example: George was reinstated as the organization’s chairman after the accusations against him turned out to be false.

5. take to the streets [teyk too th uh streets] (idiom) – to gather in the streets, usually in large numbers, to protest against something

Example: When the prime minister was accused of corruption, people took to the streets to call for his resignation.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Thousands of people gathered in Egypt's Tahrir Square last month to celebrate the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi. The event was called the country's "Second Revolution." The massive crowds, which included families and children, was the largest gathering in a week filled with protests. Amidst the celebrations, Egyptians expressed their disdain for the Muslim Brotherhood, the country's largest and oldest Islamic organization of which Morsi is a member. The protesters asserted that what happened was not a military coup but a revolution of the people. They said the country had been tired of the government for an entire year. According to one of the protesters, Egypt's biggest mistake was electing Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood into power. Egypt's military said they were following the people's will in removing Morsi. The military has since arrested the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood, who refused to cooperate after the revolution and instead wanted to reinstate Morsi. The people celebrating in Tahrir Square also criticized the United States' lack of support in calling for Morsi’s removal. President Barack Obama said that the US does not favour any Egyptian political group. However, Egyptians claim that the US actually supports the Muslim Brotherhood to protect its own interests. Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood also took to the streets that same day to demand Morsi's return to position. But the celebrations in Tahrir Square continued, with the military flying their planes over the cheering crowd of thousands.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you agree that what happened in Egypt was a revolution and not a coup? Why or why not?

·         What do you think will happen to Egypt after the Second Revolution? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         What factors do you think make a revolution successful? Why do you say so?

·         What problems could arise after a revolution? Please explain your answer.

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