MUBARAK, THE EGYTIAN STORM IS UPON YOU!

By


Joseph Chez

In the spirit of the Egyptian storm God, Seth, the Egyptian people will gouge the eye of the 30 year reign of “dictator” Hosni (Horus) Mubarak. However, the world should know that democracy is not the sole understanding or privilege for western societies. The fact that primarily, the United States of America, England, and other European powers as well as other Middle East regional fiefdoms, have given official recognition, tacit approval of Mubarak’s authoritarian 30 year rule, or provided direct military support for this tyrant, it is clear that the people of Egypt have decided that enough is enough. The thunderous voice of the Egyptians today echoes the cries of Tunisians, Libyans, Syrians, Jordanians, Yemeni, Kuwaiti, Saudi, et al. Yes, the cry for freedom and democracy, just like a desert storm is thundering and blowing winds of change.

Furthermore, Egyptians as well as other peoples of the Middle East decry the West’s position that stability of the region or peace for Israel rest upon the need for oppressive Arab regimes to exist and prosper - in spite of the tight reign on the people. Accordingly, the civil discontent of Egyptians, as well as from other Arab peoples now question the hypocrisy of the West’s explanation that democracy is a process rather than a fair and representative ballot choice of the masses. But wait, Western powers have been eerily quiet so far into the storm for freedom. Instead, those knee-deep in mea culpa can only give benign diplomatic language; they do not directly ask for Mubarak to step down but merely affirm the close and friendly ties with the Mubarak regime. President Obama on the other hand, squeamishly began with a simple demand for freedom to Tweet for the Egyptian people. But just today, Feb 1, 2011, President Obama was more demanding and asked for a smooth transition of government and affirmed the universal rights for democracy and freedom for the Egyptian people. And yet, he could not utter a more direct position in behalf of the U.S., asking for this dictator to step down. This may be why Mubarak has taken a stern position of not resigning until the end of his term ending in September 2011. Thus, Obama’s careful calculated diplomatic mush must therefore be for fear of Mubarak Wiki-liking that Egypt was the destination for U.S. victims of rendition and torture, or that Egypt and Jordan were staging areas for western forces to invade other Arab nations.

What is not a secret to the world is the fact that the U.S. has annually given the Mubarak regime 1.5 billion of U.S. dollars in the form of credit so this tyrant could purchase US and British made security armament. But it should be noted that such armament was certainly not for defense against any out side potential enemy, but rather, for internal civilian control. In addition, much of that foreign aid for security has also filled the pockets full of dollars for all of Mubarak’s internal security cronies. The other 200 plus millions in US aid earmarked for the benefit of civilians, actually never trickled down to the Egyptian on the street. Instead, those millions indeed helped for lavish living abroad for Mubarak’s family and friends, as well as maximizing the bank accounts in Swiss banks of those Egyptians close to the dictator.

Currently, a stand-off continues and Mubarak is not blinking, as Western nations are being a bit squeamish at what type of government may result in the end. Their fear is that a theocratic government replacing the Mubarak regime may in fact pose a great danger to the safety of Israel, the model of democracy for that region – as the West believes. However, it must be noted that Israel is very much a democracy, but immensely religious. And further, while the US, being Israel’s grandest benefactor and personal safety guarantor, pursuit of religion by Arabs is deemed by the West as connected with terrorism. Is this a double standard?

So, into the storm and the Egyptian people thundering their demands, what do they really want? For starters, they want democratic principles in their daily lives as well as economic reform that benefits the people. They want the freedom to choose their leaders, whom ever they may be. They want a popular elected leader – not a dictator, king or pharaoh. And certainly, they do not want the West to dictate whether a fair and popular election is agreeable with the White House, 10 Downing St, or Tel Aviv. Conveniently, the Mubarak regime has been a willing lackey for Western powers for the last 30 years and as a consequence, the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have not moved and inch. The road to peace is designed that way, with approving Arab leaders no doubt. However, the nature of things favors what is only right; history is on the side of the Egyptian people as well as for other Arab nations willing to challenge the status quo.

So, President Barack Obama, it is time to take as stand and be on the right side of history. The Egyptian people are questioning our resolve to stand up for democratic principles – and demand that we mean what we say. You must therefore be clear on the issue, and ask for this dictator to step down.

As for you Hosni Mubarak, it is time for you to leave Egypt. You have dishonored the consent of the Egyptian people and you have betrayed the trust of the nation. If you choose to stand your ground and carry out more injustice upon the Egyptian people, know that the storm is upon you and you will be judged.