Time to Turn the Page on Egypt

As we buzzed through the streets of Cairo, gleaming white buildings occasionally popped into view through the windows of our taxis, each one in stark contrast to its surroundings. Each time, the driver's response to our queries was the same -- the buildings were "owned by the military."

The power of the military in Egypt is so strong that many Egyptians, as well as observers around the world, feared that the country's first-ever presidential vote would result in a stolen election. Instead, the persistently peaceful demonstrators in Tahrir Square received news of a landmark victory for this 7,000-year-old civilization: Egypt finally has a democratically elected, civilian leader.

As the jubilation fades, the persistence of a scheming, powerful, military casts a shadow over Egypt. In anticipation of a loss of power that threatens their prestige and pocketbooks, military leaders have weakened the power of the presidency, dissolved the democratically elected parliament, and attempted to control the drafting of the new constitution by vowing to appoint their own 100-member constitutional panel. They have also granted themselves the power of writing their own military budget. Many speculate that the delay in announcing the winner of the election allowed the military to negotiate for additional concessions yet to come to light.

Mohammed Morsi, as the conservative candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, now carries the baggage of sentiments expressed by himself and others in the Brotherhood over the past few years. As he attempts to unify a fractured country under his leadership, he must accept that conservative sentiments restricting the rights of women and promoting purely Islamic laws do not reflect the will of the broad populace. The women of Egypt will not settle for anything less than equal rights. The sizable Coptic Christian population will not accept Islamic law. And many Egyptians have found their voice in the tolerant and inclusive message of last year's revolution.

In his victory speech, President-elect Morsi alluded to each of these challenges. Vowing to serve all Egyptians, indeed naming every possible constituency within the country, Morsi promised that he would not let the blood of the revolutionaries go to waste. As the new president promised full rights to all, regardless of gender or religion, Egyptians heard the echoes of the revolution. Yet the weight of the promise seems beyond human possibility.

This new president, often described as lacking charisma, had sufficient vision to embrace this unlikely moment and reach out toward his people and the world. Morsi knows the eyes of his country and the world are watching with hope and skepticism. His attempt to embrace the inclusive vision of Egypt's liberal revolutionaries while also challenging military authority (by taking his oath of office before the disbanded parliament) provides hope that Egyptian democracy has a chance of success.

Morsi has a unique opportunity to demonstrate what a fair and democratic leader can do in the region. His path is strewn with exceedingly dangerous obstacles at a time when the entire region is searching for a model of Arab democracy. If we truly believe in the value of democracy, the value of freedom, and the power of the people's voice, we will support Egypt and its new president on their journey towards a free and democratic society.

This journey is not just a test of Morsi's commitment to democracy, but also of the ideals expressed by established democracies around the world. It's time we evolved to support a foreign policy that respects the will of a nation's citizens rather than cutting deals with corrupt dictators. It's time that our emissaries support transparency and democracy and eschew back-room deals that protect greedy generals. It's time to turn a page on our old policies and begin a mature relationship with the people of the Middle East.

Egypt has a difficult journey ahead. May it be in peace; may it be with our moral support.

 

Follow Adil E. Shamoo on Twitter: www.twitter.com/twitter@AShamoo

Comments

[fullofmitt]

10:19 PM on 07/01/2012

Sir,please.give it a rest...the first thing he asked of any other nation was that the USA release the "BLIND SHEIK"...who is serving a life sentence for his part in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing! When we refuse he'll bad-mouth us to the Egyptian Street!

[psnyder325]

03:34 PM on 07/01/2012

Theocracies such as Egypt is now cannot long remain democratic. We'll hear about "democratic rule" right up to the time of the next election. Then their tune will change. Had they lost the election, they would have done armed insurrection. Like Republicans, theocratic Islam feels it has a divine command to rule.

[den1953]

10:10 AM on 07/01/2012

This is a great idea of Egypt having some form of Democracy but somehow Plutocracy will over take that need for freedom the wealthy will seek out anything they can plunder from those nations seeking Democracy and turn it into the best return for the most money!

[Fireslayer]

08:37 AM on 07/01/2012

We will see if he supports democracy and pluralism. I think his coalition with the progressives would provide a sound basis for hope on this score.

[westerman111]

08:01 AM on 07/01/2012

Give it 5 years then the whole of North Africa/ Arabia will be in the hands of the Muslims and we will have a war. They are determined to destroy the west , already Islamists are also stepping up calls for an "Andalusia Spring" to reclaim "occupied" Spain for Islam, We are back to stay, Insha’Allah.” – from a flier published by the Islamic Community of Bilbao, Abdel Haqq Salaberria, a spokesman for the Great Mosque of Granada, has said that the Mosque “is a symbol of a return to Islam among the Spanish people and among indigenous Europeans. It will act as a focal point for the Islamic revival in Europe…”

In the last 20 years the Muslim population of Spain, has risen from 100,000 to over one million, at this time 2 out of 3 children being born there are muslim, these groups are clear they want Spain converted and returned to them then the rest of europe to follow.

[Rich Petersen]

08:30 AM on 06/30/2012

A country ruled by the Muslim Brotherhood is a disturbing reality. "Democracy" said in conjunction with the MB is a sick joke, since the new Egypt will likely be far from it. Writing a constitution will consist of little more than opening up the Quran. Sharia law is the 21st century's answer to totalitarianism, the new facism.

[Opus Fideo]

11:51 AM on 06/30/2012

How is that any different than the US? The US pretends to have separation of church and state, but the Bible and "God" are everywhere. From your currency, to the 10 commandments and crosses in courtrooms, to laws against gay marriage, to "god" invoked in every presidential speech ever. etc, etc, etc.

The US is ruled by the "Christian Brotherhood" and your 2 clone party system is as much of an insult to democracy as this sham election in Egypt. You have 35-55% voter turnout in your elections. How is that democracy??

[Rich Petersen]

04:23 PM on 06/30/2012

Even as it is, the United States is NOTHING like Egypt. The US is not perfect, but its about as close as you'll get.
People who do not vote either choose not to vote or neglect to do so. 

[initop]

09:24 AM on 07/02/2012

The presence of the 10 commandments and the word god does not dictate or guide policy. Sharia law does. There is a fundamental difference between a country founded on religious principles and one governed by them.