It’s official. Wael Ghonim has better things to do these days than work at Google. Keep an eye on him as he starts an Egyptian non-governmental organization to fight poverty and build education. Based on his work during the Egyptian protests, he has the potential to foster wide influence.
And so it begins: “I’m really not sure I want my search engine involved in government overthrows,” says Glenn Beck, who did exactly what we pointed out might be the side effect of Wael Ghonim’s activism – that people would start ganging up on Google because of its employee’s side projects. “I’m not leading any boycott,” he said eventually. “I hate boycotts: you do with your time, your money, and your information what you want. For me personally, I’m not feeling real comfortable about the current direction of Google, the more I find out.” He then goes into that kooky conspiracy theorist thing that he does. Shoot us now. source
thenoobyorker said: Alright but come on shortformie, can’t Google use Wael Ghonim to boost their appeal in that region? Couldn’t they manipulate what happened in Egypt to boost their public points (especially after that net neutrality 180 they pulled)?
» We say: First off – that was a pretty straight retelling of that news story, so I wasn’t really trying to throw my judgment on that. I think it’s important to make it clear that I don’t favor Wael losing his job over this. But anyway, of course they could. Google has a mostly-solid record on freedom of information, and Ghonim’s situation was certainly worthy of what Google has represented in the past. But let’s say it was Microsoft, or if Ghonim worked as a journalist — would his employer be nearly as forgiving? And conversely, what if Ghonim was going to speak at a Tea Party Express event – or worse, something like the BNP? Corporations face a lot of risk from employees into activism, and Google is far better about it than most companies. Mark my words. Barring a movie deal (since, y’know, his story is iconic now), Ghonim will probably go back to his job.
They did not know anything about this and actually when I took the time off and I went to Cairo, they did not know I was going to the protest. But when everything became public, I talked with the company and they suggested that I take a leave of absence and I also suggested that to them and I think it was a good decision for that. Google has nothing to do with this.Wael Ghonim • Talking about the now-unbreakable tie between his activism and his employment with Google. This is not the kind of thing that people like to see in the workforce – employees tied to public companies taking an active role in the political process, and as a result, tying the company’s name to the issue. “It’s one of those things that companies don’t want to touch with a ten foot pole,” one public-relations executive in the tech industry said about the matter. As far as Ghonim’s situation goes, he took a leave of absence with the company and is happy to return at some point. Well, that is, ”if I’m not fired.” source (via • follow)
On the Islamic Revolution’s 32nd anniversary, could Iran be next?: If Ahmadinejad has a nervous look on his face, it’s because the Egyptian protests may give Iranian activists new life on Monday. Especially after Wael Ghonim gave the Green Revolution a big up. source
I promise every Egyptian that I will go back to my normal life & not be involved in any politics once Egyptians fulfill their dreamsWael Ghonim (via newsflick)
I want to tell every mother and every father of the people who died, I am so sorry, I swear to God it’s not our mistake. It’s the mistake of the people who are in charge of the country and don’t want to leave their positions.Egyptian protest figurehead Wael Ghonim • Talking on Egyptian television about the people who were injured and killed while he was held in captivity for days. Ghonim’s statements, which were very teary-eyed and heart-wrenching, have proven inspiring to protesters today, who are reportedly showing renewed vigor on the streets this morning. “I’ve been following since it started, but after last night I realized I couldn’t stay away any more,” says Ahmed Osman, who was inspired to join the protests in Cairo based on Ghonim’s statements. “Our demands are simple, and they haven’t been met.” source (via • follow)
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CNN’s Ivan Watson points out that Ghonim’s release happened without his family’s knowledge.
They told us they’ll probably bring him to us, and that he will likely be escorted by security.Egyptian Hazem Ghonim • Discussing the fate of his brother, Wael Ghonim, who will reportedly be released from Egyptian custody tomorrow. Wael, a Google executive, quickly became a lightning rod for the pro-democracy movement after his unexplained disappearance over a week ago. Turns out that Egypt targeted and arrested him. They had good reason – he was one of the catalysts for the Egyptian protests. “I said one year ago that the Internet will change the political scene in Egypt and some Friends made fun of me :),” he wrote on Facebook not long before his disappearance. Wael was one of the administrators for a key fan page used to organize the movement. But he’s one of many who have been arrested so far – the count is around 1,275, although most have been released. Hopefully, Wael will join them tomorrow – and be able to tell his story. source (via • follow)
As you might remember, we expressed serious concern for Wael Ghonim, the head of Google’s Middle East marketing, in a post last week. He hasn’t been heard from since the end of January. This video, however, might provide a clue. It shows someone getting arrested by the Egyptian police who looks A LOT like Ghonim. Hopes and prayers, people. In other news, he’s been named the spokesperson of the April 6 opposition movement in absentia, in an attempt to get Egyptian authorities to release him to them. source
This is one of the last tweets Wael Ghonim sent. He hasn’t been heard from since last week, and many are worried about the head of Google Middle East – and it’s gotten to the point where al-Jazeera is asking aloud where he is. Has anyone heard from him? source
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