Not very long ago, the revolution in Egypt was being largely declared a success, as the previous regime was removed, and the road allegedly paved for a fresh democratic state. Many even viewed the victory of President Mohammed Mursi and the Muslim Brotherhood as a step in the right direction. However, President Mursi’s latest bid to make any opposition to his decision impossible, and the rising fear of the tightening grip of strict Islamic rule have thrown the country back into scenes reminiscent of 2011’s revolution. Seeing pictures of angry crowds in Tahrir Square, one wonders what– if anything– makes these pictures any different from the ones we viewed with astonishment nearly two years ago.

As negotiations were being held for the bailout of Spanish banks this year, the Spanish PM sent this message to the finance minister. “We’re the number four power in Europe. Spain is not Uganda.” The implications that may be drawn from that statement are many, but among them is the idea that this particular European nation should be distinguished from said African nation as far superior. Indeed this is likely the typical viewpoint held by many across Europe. However, a new picture has been painted of Europe during this first part of our century. It is one of angry protesters with molotov cocktails and despairing middle aged men setting themselves alight in Greece. –Of the educated unemployed leaving Portugal in search of opportunity on that aforementioned “dark continent.” –Of protests, angst and austerity.