generalspeaking

The Future In The Past

"Instead of advancing to build a modern state of democratic principles, we are back searching for security and stability, worrying that there are hidden hands, both domestic and foreign, seeking to obstruct the will of Egyptians in establishing a democracy." Essam Sharaf, Egyptian interim prime minister

Certainly, then, it's not the fault of the ruling military council that things have gone wrong. It's clear that foreign intervention is responsible for the unrest that has been experienced of late in Egypt. The military is committed to democracy. In the wake of the realization among the original protest organizers that their dedication to changing the political-social climate in their country has been for nothing.

Oh, there was something gained all right. Immediately upon removing former President Hosni Mubarak from office, the elevated good feelings were shared by everyone; Muslim and Christian, the young and the old, the poor and the middle-class, the politically active university students and the employment-seeking youth. The euphoria, however, has evaporated as they see the future in the past.

The dictatorship of the most populous Arab country in the Middle East has finally been relinquished - to another dictatorship. Under the presidency of the former president's former military chief, things are pretty well back to normal for Egypt. The military dictatorship that months ago promised the people in Tahrir Square that there will be elections forthcoming and a new constitution in a mere month's time, has extended that time indefinitely.

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is sitting tight. Trials of Egyptian civilians in military courts are continuing to proceed. The emergency regulations brought in 30 years ago are continuing. International observers will not be welcomed at the forthcoming - late 2012 or perhaps early 2013 elections. Police brutality is unabated. The military no longer trusted.

Particular human rights groups and political parties are declared - illegal. Those who accept foreign funding may be charged with treason against the state. Not a pretty picture, far from the prospects laid out a mere few months earlier when jubilation at the success of the protests reigned supreme and confidence in the future was indelible, audible and palpable in the air.

It is a pity, says the government, that foreign influences have succeeded in pitting Muslim Egyptians against their Coptic Christian counterparts. But it should be understood that it is the Christians that are responsible for elevating the tensions, not the Muslims. And it is the duty of the government to keep the peace and ensure that the Christians do not overwhelm the country in their unreasonable demands.

And it is intolerable that an opposition party leader had the nerve to state that "The credit that the military received from the people in Tahrir Square just ran out yesterday", post-massacre of 25 Egyptian Copts by the military, who were, in fact, only defending themselves from a rampaging mob of Christians. The armoured vehicle that was steered directly into the crowd was attempting to re-establish order.

Egyptians had best become re-accustomed to the realities of life in their country.

Labels: Chaos, Conflict, Egypt, Political Realities

posted by Pieface @ Thursday, October 13, 2011