A Missed Opportunity?

We've been hearing a lot in the news the past couple of days about the financial support the United States has given to Egypt over the years. Our close relations with Egypt go back to the time of the Cold War and the practice of bipolarism. (defined as states falling under the poles of influence of either the US and USSR) Because of their large population and strategic location, and also knowing that Nasser played both sides for the benefit of his country, Eisenhower and Dulles wanted to make sure Egypt was under the United States pole, as the Soviets would less likely give them support. Over the years, Egypt has further endeared themselves to the United States as they contributed to saving a lot of their historical sites that Lake Nasser would have drowned, during/after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. For those of you who have been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, evidence of this relationship is the Temple of Dendur, as it was given to the United States as a gift by the Egyptians. After the years of war with Israel, being on the losing side of those wars, and seeing this previously built relationship, Anwar Sadat took it a step further by making peace with Israel, thus gaining further financial support from the United States.

Since Sadat's assassination, (by the Muslim Brotherhood) Hosni Mubarak has ruled Egypt with an iron fist and both political parties in the United States have continued to financially support Egypt, however, they did not threaten to cut aid if Egypt did not provide better services for their people or more freedoms. As the situation has deteriorated, frustration has built and once people began rising up, other elements, such as Muslim Brotherhood, saw the opportunity to join in.

When President Obama came to power, he had an opportunity to bring up these incentives with the Egyptians, especially early on in his term. In 2009, President Obama was at his heights in popularity and went to Egypt to give a speech about America's relationship with the Muslim world; more or less, apologizing for America's actions in the past and speaking of the history of the Muslim population. That speech was a missed opportunity and could have also contributed to preventing what we are seeing today.

Instead, he should have spoken of freedom and how openness both in government and rights can lead to financial success and stability, citing Iraq and Israel as examples in the region. When we look at what is currently going on in Egypt, this speech was a missed opportunity. As the American President, Obama holds much sway and influence in the world and instead of slamming his "predecessor" and America's relations with the Muslim world, he needed to slam Egypt, Syria, Iran and Jordan, by name, for their positions on human rights, personal freedom(s) and availability of jobs to their people.

A couple of hours ago, Dick Morris came out with a column that argues Obama could be blamed if Egypt falls into the hands of the Muslim Brotherhood and under the umbrella of Iran. He also cites Caroline Glick and her assertion that the possibility of Mohammed ElBaradei leading Egypt would not provide for stability in the Mideast and the world because of his close relationship with Iran and the possibility he could form a relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood. I agree with the assertions of Morris and Glick, and yesterday, spoke of the importance to make sure Muslim Brotherhood does not take power. Knowing the potential for chaos, I am disappointed President Obama did not lead on this issue and speak out in yesterday's address against the Muslim Brotherhood.

For the largest country (in terms of population) in the Middle East at 80 million people to have a government that allies with Iran, the consequences of that alliance would be dire. Within Egypt, I am doubtful of additional freedoms a Muslim Brotherhoood government would give and I would fear for the safety of the Coptic Christians within Egypt, knowing the reputation of Muslim Brotherhood. In the region, a Muslim Brotherhood Egypt allied with Iran would have great worldwide economic consequences as it controls the Suez Canal. If that were to close, as occurred in the past, oil prices would skyrocket and it would be felt in the United States. There is also the chance a new Egyptian Government ruled by the Muslim Brotherhood would void the treaty with Israel and they would face a greater threat of annihilation as a result of this new alliance, which may drag the United States into a larger war in the Mideast.

In the late 1970s, President Jimmy Carter lost control of the situation in Iran and that was the last straw with America, costing him his presidency. The same could very well happen to Obama with the Muslim Brotherhood ruling Egypt. He campaigned on "change" and could very have pushed hard for that "change," but did not, and that lack of "change" could play a role in his chances for re-election in 2012.