February 11, 2011 is now Independence Day from the rule of Hosni Mubarak, the United States supported President of Egypt for 30 years. The technologically savvy, educated young people of Egypt organized a relatively peaceful 18-day protest that has ousted Mubarak and inspired millions around the world to Dream to Live!
I am watching coverage of the celebration in Tahrir square - 18 million are chanting peace! life! democracy! - on MSNBC. Even as I watch this incredibly moving demonstration of human rights and victory over oppression the nagging question for me is: what now? Egyptians around the world have every reason to be ecstatic! This is a defining moment in modern world history on the side of democracy and liberty, like the destruction of the Berlin Wall. And what concerns millions about this huge turn of events is that no one really knows what might happen tomorrow. Will there be chaos? Will the military be able to create a stable environment so that political processes and rule of law can be reestablished under the new democracy. And, what will the days ahead mean for Yemen, Iran, Syria and other countries watching, stirring, and preparing to follow Egypt.
There are many others who are far more qualified than I am to make suggestions for the smooth transition from autocratic military rule to a functioning democracy in Egypt. However, I would like to suggest that the United States Congress consider increasing funds toward this burgeoning democratic state. I have to pay for state-building in Iraq and Afghanistan (such as it is), then why not ask my government to put resources toward a country with a real future? A country filled with people who have proven they are ready for democracy, capitalism, and a peaceful mideast region. Is it too much to ask for a bill to come to the floor like, Tax Payers Choice for Positive Statebuilding?
It is not a time to step back from the table. Now, is a time to generously offer to support free elections, rule of law, democratic checks-and-balances in government in Egypt. We owe the Egyptians our aid, our resources, our praise and maybe even cold hard cash. What happens next is the Egyptian's destiny, but we cannot escape the United States responsibility in its heartbreaking past.
No comments:
Post a Comment