The Egyptian youth realized after one year of Morsi’s rule, that replacing the autocrat Hosni Mubarak by another less experienced autocrat who is ideology driven, his actions are those of an ignorant totalitarian who anointed himself to become above the law, wrote new laws and was driving Egypt to a social and economic disaster of immense proportions, is not the feat they asked for or died to achieve. This is akin they jumped from the frying pan to the fire. Their original vote was a rejection of Autocracy and a call for Democracy; what they got is different so they wanted to change this ruinous course before it is too late. They signed the petition and asked the military to help and they did.
At the same time what the West, including America, cared for was whether this is a military coup or not. The dictionary’s definition of a coup is: “an unexpected stroke of policy; a bold seizure of government, executed suddenly and often accompanied by violence.” Let us not play linguistic acrobats here. This undertaking was announced several months ago, Morsi was given a chance to talk to the different parties and he refused. Also, the government was placed into the hands of the head of the Supreme Court; there was little violence in that change. The youth demanded a new constitution, a new parliament and a new president to be elected. When would the West learn that when you don’t have civic institutions, mature parties, a legitimate constitution while the party that controls your life has all of these and is in possession of weapons galore that came from Libya, Hamas, Qatar and you name it and that your only hope is in the support of military. In this case the Military is to be commended for doing the right thing. When the strong have their boots on your neck and you ask for your brother’s help: does that constitute a coup. When would the West learn that whereas Morsi was elected democratically, he proved to be not only an incompetent liar but also he violated all the precepts of Democracy? He ruled UNDEMOCRATICALLY.
The problem has always been that America and the West tend to see other Nations through their own eyes and not through the other nations’ eyes. That has been their way all along. They have a checkered history in this region. These and other factors lead to the erosion of world’s trust in them as well as in the questioning of their motives. They have to learn that other nations have aspirations for democracy and the rule of law. Egypt wanted to join modern nations. When I met with the brave youth almost two years ago, I found them to be filled with energy, enthusiasm and determination. However, I discovered quickly that they lack leadership, organization, discipline and a plan. The latter ingredients are essential for an ultimate success; they seem to have acquired them this time. I wish them well from all my heart.
I wish the West and America would learn that it is neither money nor power that endears others to you but your values and principles. If we always follow our short-sighted immediate interests spurning our established friends and replace them with previously sworn enemies and despots we will lose our influence in the world. Youth all over the world yearns for dignity, justice, equality and freedom. They look to America and the West to lead the way in a globe that became connected by recent technology. Who would have imagined that information can be shared in a few seconds and that leading Nations are held accountable to their deeds or that responsibility and transparency became universal requirements. Progress cannot occur in a vacuum; it requires stability, security and certainty about the future. Peace among Nations is a must and can become within reach if all Nations are treated by us even-handedly and with respect.
The good people of Egypt have traditions of generosity of spirit, forgiveness and abiding faith in a brighter future. Let us all work hard so that they can fulfill their dreams.
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Dr. Lotfy Basta MD, FRCP, FRCPE, FACP, FACC, FCCP, FAHA