Now the military is in control.
Not really much different than before, only Hosni is on permanent vacation at his Red Sea resort of last resort.
And the rest of the World is waiting to see what shakes out. Will the 'new' Egypt turn against the status quo with respect to Israel? If so, will the end result be worse, or better, than the current stalemate? It's been a long time since 1967 and people can't remain refugees forever. Or can they?
Change in political systems wields the sharpest of two-edged swords. Cuts may come from unexpected directions. And democracy is a very sharp yet particularly unwieldy weapon.
Do those crowds in Cairo and Alexandria really know what they are asking for? Do they believe proclaiming democracy will immediately result in blissful freedom and lots of cash for everyone? These things may one day come from democracy but only through the successful running of an obstacle course many may be loath to run.
But all that is easy to say, living in a country where that obstacle course was run for us generations ago. Watching it happen, or try to happen, in the here and now and in a land never ruled for long by anything other than autocracy, will be something special to see.
With collective fingers figuratively crossed we all must observe the process and observe the prime directive. Let's avoid butting in if at all possible - forgetting for a moment that our military is closely 'advising' Egypt's, let's try not to impose outside wishes and let the Egyptians do what's best for Egyptians.
If they can run that course...
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1 comment:
You should work for State...
Reading this reminds me of T.E. Lawrence musing about how his meddling would resolve itself.
I, too, wonder where all the turmoil will end. But if we stand for anything, we have to stand with people who are trying to establish their own brand of democracy.
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