Revolution in Cairo A new life

Gr 10 Up-The "Arab Spring" uprisings of 2011 turned our attention to the divisiveness in one of the world's strongholds of authoritarian governments and the overthrow of the regime of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. This well-paced film examines the issues and events in two parts. The first segment reviews the April 6 Youth Movement that was instrumental in the overthrow of the Egyptian government, while the second part more closely examines the country's Muslim Brotherhood, a group sure to have increasing influence in whatever form the country's new government takes. After a brief recounting of Egypt's recent history, the producers go inside the Movement from its initial call for a general strike to its success 18 days later as Mubarak resigned. Highlighted is the manner in which the use of the Internet, social media, cell phones, and other modern technology were utilized by Movement leaders despite the often violent countermeasures taken by the government. Additional information is presented about the Brotherhood's history dating back to the country's upheavals of the 1970s, its blame for a role in the assassination of Anwar Sadat, and the extent to which they might be successful in their quest for an Islamic-based government. While the producers issue a warning of graphic violence, it's no more upsetting than what's seen in nightly newscasts. There are interviews with both government and protest leaders as well as footage of daily demonstrations, much of it gleaned from ABC News. Chapter scene-selection n and English subtitles in the Arabic language sections are optional. This timely and politically well-balanced title will be welcomed by classroom instructors and can serve as a valuable research resource.-Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.