February 14, 2011

Democratic, Oligarchic or Islamic Revolution in Egypt?

By LTC Joseph C. Myers
President Obama's remarks about Egypt were somewhat detached from the reality of the situation, trying to seize an event and give it historical significance, applying the notion that this was some historical moment of "freedom." Essentially what occurred was a palace coup. Mubarak was pushed out by the military and the end result is that a military "junta" has now assumed control of the government of Egypt.   It remains to be seen if this is a moment for freedom or democracy.The Egyptian military leadership is an oligarchy, and how much they will allow constitutional changes for greater democratic space is yet to be seen.  So far they have suspended the Egyptian constitution and dissolved the parliament and will plan for elections in six months.  For sure they will not want the Muslim Brotherhood to have much if any governing role; if they do, that will begin to put Egypt on a slow track to an Islamist state and directly impact their stakeholder...(Read Full Article)