Between getting through my second semester of law school, finishing my MA thesis and re-learning to drive, I have little time for much else let alone writing a blog every week but the crisis in Egypt and how the US is responding to it (or not) is a prime opportunity to see US Foreign Policy at work and I couldn’t resist!!
For seven days Egyptians have protested Hosni Mubarak’s 30 year rule. Egyptians have long been discontented with Mubarak’s military-dictatorship. The virtual-revolution began just after the heels of Tunisia’s similarly tyrannical government collapsed following a series of protests. Each day brings more protests than the last. The long-despised police are ineffectual and much rides on what the Egyptian army will do. The army historically is very close to the government but is made disporportionately of the poor. It remains to be seen whether the army will join the protesters and abandon Mubarak or fire against the people if the situation reaches that point.
Interestingly, protests against dictatorships in the Middle East are not confined to Tunisia and Egypt. Jordan and Yemen reported protests this past weekend and some are comparing these movements for democracy to those in 1989 in Eastern Europe against the Soviet Union. As the world watches a nation unite in their determination to transform their state from dictatorship to democracy eyes also turn to the United States–long-time allies of Mubarak.
American leaders praise Mubarak for making a peace agreement with Israel–the first Arab country to do so and for helping the US further its interests in the region. Since it is anything but clear who will lead Egypt if and when Mubarak is ousted, the US certainly has reasons for wanting Mubarak to remain in power. It’s also clear the situation in Egypt caught the Obama Administration completely off-guard despite many experts claiming such an uprising was a long time coming. That said the Obama Administration is scrambling to find a response that does not jeopardize American interests, yet does not make it look like America is supporting a dictator.
Obama and Hilary are trying to find a middle ground that does not exist. There can be no either/or in this situation. Egyptians are demanding human rights and a democratic government–rights Americans pride themselves in having. No matter how Obama or Hilary tries to phrase it, the longer America waits to condemn Mubarak, the more it hurts our image. In 2009 President Obama visited Egypt and hinted at Egypt becoming more democratic and extending more rights. Obama looks hypocritical in only calling for reform and demonstrates why Egyptians (like a lot of the Arab/Muslim worlds) were skeptical of him to begin with. All talk and no action.
The United Kingdom, France and Germany have already released a joint statement in support of the Egyptian people towards establishing a democratic government (though did not condemn Mubarak out right) yet US Vice-President Biden claims Mubarak is not a dictator and Secretary of State Clinton continues to speak well of Mubarak–all this despite widespread Egyptian frustration with America’s attempt to find a gray area in a situation that is clearly black and white. Biden also asked how would our allies take it if we condemned Mubarak? I say it would look like we mean what we say when we champion democracy and freedom of speech/assembly/association/expression and we have a standard that we hold our allies to. It would demonstrate to Egyptians that they can count on us for support in their struggle for rights. Understandably, the US is hesitant to jeopardize its interests in the region i.e. Israel’s security/oil however this approach means risking its credibility as a nation that supports democracy in every nation and as a friend/supporter to Arab peoples.
There are new developments in this situation everyday, the US government has time to change it’s position. I hope it does so before it too much time has passed and an opportunity is missed. Power to the Egyptian people!!
