EGYPT: Egyptians' joking is the only tool to let their anger steam out; euphemism; a defensive mechanism for survival.

 
Egyptians, notorious for their subversive political humor, are currently living through this scenario: Hosni Mubarak, their octogenarian president, is entering his fourth decade of rule, holding on to power and to life through sheer force of will. Egyptian jokers, who initially caricatured their uncharismatic leader as a greedy bumpkin, have spent the last 10 years nervously cracking wise about his tenacious grasp on the throne. 

My rough translation of the song

Finally, yes...finally, ah...finally.
O donkey, I love you.

For your own information, O donkey,
I become very sad,
When some one calls you "donkey" - O donkey.

Oh..Man, to all donkeys,
You're their uncle.

You do have such a fearful kick.
And you want to eat cream instead of ""birseem"

When you were yet a child wearing a diaper,
Your father arranged for your birth such a big party.
He backed "fiteer" and invited all donkeys.

In responce, all the donkeys came dancing.
No cows or buffalo.

And the food you offered, they kissed.
You're such a genuin-breed donkey;
A "baladi" beautiful one.
O donkey, I love you. 

And for your own information, O donkey,
I become very sad,
When some one calls you "donkey" - O donkey.
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I hope I've succeeded in bring a smile to your face

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• "birseem" is a forage plant, well-known in Egypt, and used as feed for animals. It is also called "Egyptian clover".
• "fiteer" is  a type of baked bread, known for its delicious taste.
• "baladi" means "local, of the people".

Now, with the regime holding its breath as everyone waits for the ailing 82-year-old Mubarak to die, the economy suffering, and people feeling deeply pessimistic about the future, the humor is starting to feel a little old. Yet it is still the only tool to let their anger steam out; euphemism; a defensive mechanism for survival.

Above: Mubarak, the Pharoah

Below: The Pharaoh is sinking in the the sands.of the Egyptian desert; his legacy.

Joke # 1 

Joke # 2

Joke # 3

Joke # 4

Joke # 5

Joke # 6

Joke # 7

Joke # 8

Egyptians, red with your Egyptian jok syndrome.

Enough jokes and more action. 

Enough submission and more non-compliance before it is too late.
And remember the times when you drove the hyksos,and Greeks, and the Romans, and the Mongols, and the French
and the British from the country. Arn't you the rock on which arrows of her enemies get broken?