Egypt is bracing for changes in its internal politics. Mr. Elbaradei is in the lead in this push for political reform in the country; supported by small opposition groups he warned the current regime of potential civil disobedience. The Muslim Brotherhood, the largest political group in Egypt, under the leadership of its new elected chairman Mohamed Badei, is making clearer and audacious statements against the possibility of succession.
Hitherto, Hosni Mubarak and his corrupt regime are keeping silent. Is the regime assessing the response from the public to Mr. Elbaraei’s call for reform, or is it waiting for the American stance on this development to be revealed. Regardless, Mr. Obama and his administration need to issue a statement that supports democratic process in Egypt.
Hosni Mubarak presided over Egypt for almost thirty years. He did so with the aid of a marshal law that was declared after the assassination of the former President Anwar Sadat. The Law permitted Mr. Mubarak to oppress and suppress any political rivals, and to exercise monopoly over the country’s politics and economy. In addition, and thanks to the 2 billion dollars a year he received and continues to receive from the U.S. he was able to buy loyalty of the police apparatus. The police and security personnel are among the highly paid in the country.
The US is presented with a golden opportunity to prove its intention to ameliorate its relations with the Arab world. And send a clear message that is willing to support the peoples of the Middle East in their quest for freedom and democracy. The .U.S is presented with an opportunity to reverse the polity of its support for dictators in the region. Mr. Obama can seize this development and declare his support for free and fair elections in Egypt. It is time for the U.S. to abandon the Pharaoh.