Egypt is in turmoil and the rest of the world anxiously waits to see how the chips fall. Television scenes depict swarms of people engaged in skirmishes and Molotov Cocktails streaming across the sky. We also see rocks being thrown, riders on camels welding machetes, fist fights, and a multitude of people in bandages. In other words-ITS CHAOS!! Many Americans have pointed to this upheaval as a chance for democracy to reign supreme. After all, isn't everyone supposed to be democratic? President Mubarack has been pigeonholed as an evil dictator who is hell-bent on oppressing those he rules over. To some extent, this evaluation may have a level of accuracy; however, is that all there is to Mubarack? What are we to make out of all of this-whatever "this" is? Do we really think that an individual who hurls stones at others or sets fire to buildings should be able to determine what form of government rules over them? Why do so many people, especially Americans, believe that the best of humanity should still be seen in mob mentality? I would venture to say that most people involved in these demonstrations do not even possess adequate knowledge of what is involved in government, much less what they want. What is happening in Egypt is simply a movement that encompasses what people are against, not what they are for.
I am not saying that many of the protesters requests are unreasonable. As a result of pressure, Mubarack has agreed not to run for president again, make key constitutional amendments allowing the creation of political parties, etc. What more can the people expect. Mubarack stated that he would remain in power until new elections are called as to ensure an orderly transfer of power. Why is this not good enough for many people? If the president were to leave this very minute, what would change? Would life for the average person automatically be better? Will wages automatically go up? The answer to all of these questions is a resounding NO. What could potentially happen instead is that a power vacuum is created resulting in more disorder. Whatever faults and sins Mubarack has committed, he has been more than responsible in addressing the long-term demands of the people and is doing the right thing for wanting to retain order. Again, Mubarack has fostered an administration of corruption and oppression, but he has also made possible a level of stability in the Middle East for over 30 years. Egypt has also been one of America's greatest allies in that region of the world.
As horrible as the images and statistics documenting the deterioration of the political climate in Egypt is, people should not be surprised. Mubarack has been in power for over 30 years and has a history of maintaining order at all costs. When people rise up to threaten that very power that he has become so adroit at protecting, consequences should be expected. If you corner a wounded animal, don't complain if you become one yourself. When people join mob activities, they should not then parade their bloody bodies in front of news cameras as if they were not alerted to the hazards of such associations. America should be very careful when it likens itself to the "city upon a hill." We are guilty of many of the things Mubarack is. We oppress our "enemies" in Guantanamo Bay and have a history of torture. Our nation needlessly engages in war and fosters an environment that promote a substantial disparity between the rich and the poor. In many ways, our democracy is as dysfunctional and oppressive as many dictatorships. To simplify events in Egypt is to do a gross injustice to the complexities of humanity and its relationships.
2 comments:
Dear Sir,
I just would like to remark that, if Mubarack remained as the maximum authority in Egipt during so many years, is because Europe, USA and Israel allowed him to stay, in order to avoid the rising of radical islamists. It means that Mubarack's power comes mainly from the support of those countries (and others) that were thinking more in their interests than how egiptians live. Those powers should have used their influence during those years to support a transition to democracy in that area much more pacific but unfortunately they prefered to sustain ditactors in that country and others that were more aligned with their geopolitical interests. Now the people, educated or not, is simply saying "Hey, I see television, I have access to internet, I see how other's live, and I want my voice to be heared as well". Maybe we shall think that if Egipt arrived to today's situation is because we allowed it somehow.
Best regards
Rui,
You made some very helpful observations and I agree with much of what you say. There is always going to be debate about what we should have done differently with relation to our support of Mubarack, but my point is that "disowning" him now would be a folly of foreign policy. There are simply no mechanisms present that would accomodate a democracy. America must put aside its lofty idealogical attachments about what we believe democracy and "fairness" entail and deal in the "here and now".
You made a good point about America and its European allies are in many ways culpable in the situation, not only in Egypt, but in the entire Middle East. America's insistence on babysitting Israel has proven to be severely injurious to that part of the world.
Thank you for your response
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