During the last four years Egypt, along other Arab countries, drew the world's attention, even mesmerized many, by the boldness in overthrowing tyrant regimes. Prematurely, this was called an "Arab Spring." Was the word spring meant as the spring which follows the dark winter or the spring to higher levels of human existence, I am sure I don't know. After the attempt by the Muslim Brotherhood (MB), aided by the Salafis to usurp power, through foul means, which it held for one year, a glories counter-revolution the likes of which had not occurred in recorded history took place. There is no denying that it would not have succeeded had it not been supported valiantly by the Armed Forces headed by General Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and the police force. But to label it a military coup, like the 1952 abolishing of the monarchy, is to take away credit from the Egyptians.
When Field Marshall Al-Sisi was voted in with a resounding majority as the President of Egypt he was well aware of what the burden was he had to bear. Egypt was at its lowest nadir with problems galore right, left and center. The majority wished him well and were and are prepared to follow him along the charted path agreed on by all representatives of the different factions which make up Egypt. The most vicious enemy was the MB who he was forced to outlaw due to their determination to ruin the country totally for the sake of Islamist supremacy. So far with his force de frappe, aided by the people, he has contained the MB.
The successful framing and establishment of the new constitution as the law of the land was an important landmark which most agreed on. However, there is room for amendments as the need arises.
The economy of the land was and still is at its worst. This, President Al-Sisi inherited and is doing his utmost to roundup support from within and from foreign nations which wish us well. He is creating a friendly environment which is safe and conducive to investment by international businesses. I believe that the water level is beneath the level of the nose where one can breath and not drown. Thus he has changed the meter pointer from wishful to tentatively hopeful.
One knotty problem is the extreme sectarianism of a few which unbalances the affairs of the nation. Fanaticism is an ugly characteristic which the President is working hard to annul. He played an excellent role by lecturing the clerics of Al-Azhar University about the need for moderation and reform in Islam. Additionally, he made his point less than a week later by visiting the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral during the Christmas mass. This salutary action gave a measure of hope to the Copts that the tide has turned and being recognized as Egyptians than their Muslim brothers. Actions speak louder than words. We still hope that he will fulfill his promise to reconstruct churches which were burnt and defiled by the MB.
Having curbed the vicious MB to a great extent Egypt is facing another determined enemy, the Islamic State, better known as ISIS. This global foe has defied superpowers with an undreamt of impudence. The atrocities committed in the name of Allah are sickening and dehumanizing. What is on the horizon in the immediate future is dependent on the US Administration. Why is President Obama dragging his feet and why is he playing a losing card in so far as the Islamic Republic of Iran is concerned is a mystery. Where does that leave Egypt when this US administration is playing footsie with MB supporters and allies? Are they pushing Egypt and its president away from the West and into the opened jaws/arms of the 'big bear?' This is a matter of great concern to the Egyptians. They have been through this once before when the US alienated President Nasser through ill-advised actions which landed Egypt in the orbit of influence of the Soviets. It took the valiant effort of the late President Sadat to right the keel of the ship.
If the US and other democratic countries wish for a democratic Middle East then they must start at home by fighting terrorism to its bitter annihilation. Short of that is akin to cutting off the tail of a serpent. It will not die but regenerate to pause as a fatal enemy once more. This cautious advice is well intentioned.
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Saba E. Demian, M.D., is retired Professor of Laboratory Medicine, USC, LSU Schools of Medicine