How do we understand current events in Egypt? Prior to January 25, 2011, when asked about unusual images, sights, or sounds, Cairene responses ranged from a litany of complaints to well-rehearsed, guidebook descriptions of picturesque neighborhoods and magnificent ruins. Occasionally, however, a thoughtful resident would remain silent, leaving visitors and guests to accept the surrounding smiles, shrugs, honking horns, blaring loudspeakers, and strings of expletives as background ambience. Du... |