The dramatic turn of political events in Egypt over the past several weeks has called on diplomats world-wide to keep a watchful eye on the consequences of the military coup that took place Wednesday, July 2. The clashes between supporters and opponents of ousted President, Mohamed Morsi have raised concerns of declining security in the region that have resulted in evacuation of many foreign students.
The rising violence has also caused mental disturbance among native students pursuing their education in other countries.
Ahmed Awadallah, a 30-year-old graduate student from Kutztown University has been closely monitoring the situation in his native, Egypt. Awadallah is upset with the civil unrest in his country.
Ever since, Egypt's first civilian democratic president, 'Mohamed Morsi', was expelled by the military, frequent bloody clashes and protests on the streets have caused hundreds of injuries and deaths.
Around the same time, a year ago, Awadallah voted for Morsi, hoping he would bring about change in the country from the domineering former regime of Hosni Mubarak. But his hopes are quashed.
"Morsi has failed," Awadallah said. "I absolutely believe he has failed to make a difference. I'm absolutely disappointed because I feel President Morsi only cared about his power."
Awadallah said that the former president did not look into the needs of the civilians and damaged the economy.
"I am hopeful that in the long run we're going to have a great country," Awadallah said. "But we need everybody to come together and put the country first, before their other agendas, before their other interests and ideologies."
Awadallah is hoping that the ongoing tensions will come to an end soon and his family living in a small village will remain safe.
"I just feel so sad about the bloodshed and the fighting in the streets," Awadallah said.
