I have had no time to post on Egypt lately, but today I just can't keep my thoughts to myself. It seems that the US administration is in favor of an "orderly transition" but doesn't define exactly what that means. A transition to what? when? how "orderly"?
Yesterday Secretary Clinton was quoted fretting that ousting dictator Hosni Mubarak "too hastily" would compromise Egypt's transition or stability. Citing Egypt's constitution - which, just to remind you, was explicitly designed to keep the current regime in power - Clinton notes that if Mubarak resigns, elections must be held in 60 days. This would be too little time for the opposition to effectively organize and mount a campaign, she says.
Indeed it is true, as many analysts have noted. Egypt's constitution provides few avenues for transition to democracy, and intentionally so. But why is there now such a desire to adhere to the Egyptian Constitution? This document has been followed only when it has been convenient (such as the requirement to appoint a Vice President) and is meant to solidify the powers of the rulers. By insisting on playing by these rules of the game, we are stacking the deck against the protesters and all they have been fighting for.
Indeed, some activists and protesters are in fact calling for a suspension of the constitution to allow the political space for real regime change to take place. Others are calling for Mubarak to effectively give up his powers and dismantle the regime himself, since only he can do it. The common denominator among the several variations of demands in circulation is that they all call for real regime change, not cosmetic change and a continuation of the status quo.
Given the fact that the new VP Omar Suleiman is not only Mubarak's right-hand man but well-integrated into the regime's security apparatus, one cannot expect that he could be trusted to carry out the dismantling of the current regime once the international spotlight is off of Egypt. That is why the regime is trying to bide their time and draw things out, knowing that time is on their side. It seems that the US administration is going to let them get away with it. A real disappointment.
One thing that could be done RIGHT NOW is a lifting of Emergency Rule. It has been used for thirty years to falsely imprison Egyptians, subject them to military trials, and deprive them of their rights of free assembly. There is no reason why it cannot be rescinded immediately. Perhaps the US administration does not wish to push its reliable ally out the door so quickly, but it can use its influence to privately and publicly call for an end to emergency rule. The end of Emergency Rule would be an important first step toward leveling the political playing field.
Obama: don't stack the deck against brave Egyptian protesters!!!!! Press for an end to Emergency Rule!
Photo: A man waves his national flag during a protest in the capital's central Tahrir, or Liberation, Square, Cairo, Egypt, Monday Jan. 31, 2011. A coalition of opposition groups called for a million people to take to Cairo's streets Tuesday to ratchet up pressure for President Hosni Mubarak to leave. (Amr Nabil / AP)
Indeed it is true, as many analysts have noted. Egypt's constitution provides few avenues for transition to democracy, and intentionally so. But why is there now such a desire to adhere to the Egyptian Constitution? This document has been followed only when it has been convenient (such as the requirement to appoint a Vice President) and is meant to solidify the powers of the rulers. By insisting on playing by these rules of the game, we are stacking the deck against the protesters and all they have been fighting for.
Indeed, some activists and protesters are in fact calling for a suspension of the constitution to allow the political space for real regime change to take place. Others are calling for Mubarak to effectively give up his powers and dismantle the regime himself, since only he can do it. The common denominator among the several variations of demands in circulation is that they all call for real regime change, not cosmetic change and a continuation of the status quo.
Given the fact that the new VP Omar Suleiman is not only Mubarak's right-hand man but well-integrated into the regime's security apparatus, one cannot expect that he could be trusted to carry out the dismantling of the current regime once the international spotlight is off of Egypt. That is why the regime is trying to bide their time and draw things out, knowing that time is on their side. It seems that the US administration is going to let them get away with it. A real disappointment.
One thing that could be done RIGHT NOW is a lifting of Emergency Rule. It has been used for thirty years to falsely imprison Egyptians, subject them to military trials, and deprive them of their rights of free assembly. There is no reason why it cannot be rescinded immediately. Perhaps the US administration does not wish to push its reliable ally out the door so quickly, but it can use its influence to privately and publicly call for an end to emergency rule. The end of Emergency Rule would be an important first step toward leveling the political playing field.
Obama: don't stack the deck against brave Egyptian protesters!!!!! Press for an end to Emergency Rule!
Photo: A man waves his national flag during a protest in the capital's central Tahrir, or Liberation, Square, Cairo, Egypt, Monday Jan. 31, 2011. A coalition of opposition groups called for a million people to take to Cairo's streets Tuesday to ratchet up pressure for President Hosni Mubarak to leave. (Amr Nabil / AP)
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