If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
Hosni Mubarak remains a wily customer, and any prosecution of him will only come about through strong political will. Within Egypt, at least, that appears to be on the rise. But some warn that Egypt would be entering uncharted territory.
I covered Burning Man, but this is more intense. And Burning Man is a thousand half-naked people partying in the desert with incredible art, and also you never have to pay for beer. I have to say, this is the better party.
President Obama, who up to now has shown more than a little inconsistency in his policy toward Egypt, can still recover lost ground and prevent what could become an irretrievable tragedy of historic dimensions.
Mubarak's Egypt was a linchpin for Israel's ability to pursue a hard-line regional policy with near impunity. Trying to keep that equation in play is what brings many Israeli officials to now push for continued military, as opposed to civilian control.
Today's victory of the peaceful Egyptian protesters torpedoes the notion that the only effective means to an end in the Middle East must center on violence.
Here we are. The greatest democracy on earth is led by a man whose rhetoric and actions on freedom are in conflict. Fortunately, it appears as though Egypt's people have found freedom without the backing of President Obama.
Jordanians living outside of Amman return to their homes feeling discouraged. They understand what they don't have. They continue to believe that where they are born defines who they are.
The citizens of the Middle East and elsewhere should be careful what they wish for. Democracy sometimes delivers regimes that are distasteful, because they are the will of the majority of the people.
There is a global culture present in the Arab world populated by citizens that are worldly, informed, speak perfect English and know what's happening around the world, from Brazil to China. We have a responsibility to these people.
Our recommendation to the American administration for dealing with Egypt going forward is simple: Learn from history and do no harm.
In an age when most of America recognizes the need to better understand this interconnected world, our media's greatest shortcoming may be its lack of consistent international reporting.
Israel championing Arab aspirations to democracy, thought a must in its own right, is vital to Israel's image and ancient Biblical mandate. Israel is not another country but one built on the dream of an ancient people being allowed to live freely in its land.
There is a lot of work to do to continue educating the American public on our steep learning curve about the Muslim world in general and Pakistan in particular.
Secular democrats' next challenge is the Muslim Brotherhood. They must waste no time in persuading the Egyptian electorate why a Sharia-based government would be bad for them.
The liberation of Egypt seems to be just the start. Who will be next? If Jordan and Yemen follow, so will Saudi Arabia and Riyadh would be in a critical position, with no choice but to evolve towards a more open political system.
