Egypt: Between Islamists and the Military

The Muslim Brotherhood candidate won the two day Egyptian presidential election.

 In the wake of this victory, the Egyptian military has made a grab for unprecedented powers. The Egyptian military does not appear willing to give up power without a fight. Egypt has been ruled by military figures and strongmen for almost forty years.

 For its’ part, the United States government has expressed concern about the military, not respecting the election results, a key element of any democratic process.

The Egyptian military should respect the election results. That’s the bottom line.

 Egypt is primarily a Muslim country, so the Muslim Brotherhoods electoral victory should’ve been expected.

 But then again, the military in Egypt has no real interest in democracy or democratic processes. Military officials are ultimately concerned about their position and role within the government in Egypt.

This standoff between the electoral reality in Egypt and the militaries historic role was sadly too predictable. Hopefully, we can settle it without blood in the streets.

What the West wants in Egypt

While neither candidate in Egypt’s presidential election would seem to embody the spirit of Egypt’s revolution, does the West have a favorite among the two candidates?

The United States has enjoyed decades of friendly relations under the Sadat and Mubarak regimes.

Considering the West’s fear of Islamic governance and the Muslim Brotherhoods statements against Israel, it is quite likely that Western governments would welcome the victory of Mubarak’s former Vice President.

Policy makers would view his victory as a continuation of Mubarak policies, which were often beneficial to Western governments.

What about Revolution? Egypt’s Presidential Election

Last January, Egyptians celebrated in the streets after longtime dictator Hosni Mubarak stepped down after days and weeks of protesting, clashes with police, and bloody violent death.

 Today in Egypt, I can’t help but wonder, what those brave souls who spilled their blood to stand against Mubarak’s dictatorial rule would say about the choices being afforded Egyptians going to the polls this weekend ?

The Egyptian people have a choice between Mubarak’s last Vice President and a member of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The former is a symbol of the old regime, while the ladder wishes to impose Islamic law throughout Egypt.

If one votes for either candidate, they have in effect betrayed the twin spirits of democracy and freedom that led so many into the streets, and ultimately cost some people their lives.

This lack of choice is distressing, but not uncommon.

Many democratic revolutions often get bogged down once the original goal of ousting the dictator is achieved. The key is not the election itself, but how the Egyptian people react to the outcome of the election.

 They can either take to the streets and seize the revolution from the clutches the bureaucracy or let the revolution wither away, leaving democracy advocates to question: “What About Revolution”?