[Black Star Editorial]
What a shame for the United States, which could have vetoed the Military coup in Egypt, to allow it to take place.
What a shame that the U.S. has not issued a statement saying that constitutional rule must be restored in Egypt.
Even at the end, the Egyptian Military wasn’t sure whether seizing power again was the right thing. Which Military in the world announces a coup 48 hours in advance?
Egypt’s Army seemed to want the U.S. to clearly state that a democratically elected government must be respected and allowed to end its term in office.
There was not a word of warning to the Egyptian generals who have now seized power. Egypt’s army receives over $1 billion in annual assistance from the United States. Egypt’s army would not seize power without a greenlight from Washington because the U.S. could suspend the aid which is the military’s lifeline.
So all the talk about the “Arab Spring” and “democracy” is nonsense. A government that is not preferred by the West is dispensable. Mohammed Morsi’s been in office for less than a year. He may have sealed his fate by trying to improve relations with Iran and pressuring Hamas and Fattah to unite.
By allowing the Egyptian army to take power unlawfully who can predict the consequences in coming days, weeks, and months?
Egypt’s military is now parading people like Mohammed El Baradei to justify the military takeover. EL Baradei has no credibility with the Egyptian electorate. This was proven when he tried to run for president. Now the people without mandate in the country are being given the right to determine the country’s destiny. El Baradei is a scientist and should remain in academia.
If the so-called “liberal” elements had been the ones who had won power and the ones governing today would the U.S. remain silent when Egypt’s constitution is violated by the U.S.-financed army?
Egypt’s army has imposed the Algerian solution on the country. Recall that after the Front Islamique du Salut in Algeria was heading to election victory in 1992, the military intervened and cancelled elections. The ensuing civil war claimed more than 100,000 lives. Algeria was torn because the army did not like the results of the election.
In Egypt the army waited for about one year bidding its time.
Now in Egypt the army has sowed the seeds of instability and conflict. The Muslim Brotherhood survived under the autocratic regimes of Anwar El Sadat and Hosni Mubarak. Who really believes they will now suddenly disappear?
And while the millions marching on the streets in Egypt today profess a preference for the army over the elected president, Mohammed Morsi, it’s doubtful that this support will endure for more than a few weeks. Recall that millions of Egyptians cheered the army after it removed Hosni Mubarak. Within months Egyptians were vilifying the military officers and seeking their removal.
So now what?
These are the questions the Egyptian generals and Washington should have pondered a bit more carefully.
The Egyptian generals bear responsibility for the consequences of their unlawful action in Egypt.
