[The Telegraph, U.K.]

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Salzburger Nachrichten, Austria

America Must Act or Cede Egypt to the Islamists

 

"The Islamists have neither democracy nor human nor civil rights in mind. They have threatened to revoke the peace treaty with Israel and ally themselves with the Iranian theocracy. Obama must actively use America's remaining influence and show leadership, or end up with an Egypt between the plague and cholera."

 

By Thomas Spang

                                

 

Translated By Ulf Behncke

 

January 30, 2011

 

Austria - Salzburger Nachrichten - Original Article (German)

Egyptian President Mubarak makes his case for remaining in office until September, Feb. 1.

 

AL-JAZEERA: Live feed of the unfolding crisis in Egypt.RealVideo

The U.S. must support the Egypt protests - if only to keep the Islamists at bay.

 

In Egypt, U.S. President Barack Obama has to choose between the plague and cholera. Morally, his administration would have to unequivocally rally behind the people rebelling against a dictator who for three decades has ruled Egypt with an iron fist.

 

But from a geostrategic point of view, Washington cannot have the slightest interest in the destabilization of the largest Arab nation. Up to now, Hosni Mubarak has guaranteed stability in this volatile region.

 

In terms of Realpolitik, the White House has to find a path between the credibility of its own needs and the legitimate security interests of the region. Given this, it will be ever-so difficult for Obama to strike the right tone, which creates the impression that the U.S. government is lagging behind developments.

 

A sober analysis of the events in Cairo leaves no doubt that the future of Egypt is only conceivable without the damaged Mubarak. To do otherwise would be to ignore the people's call for freedom and self-determination.

 

Therefore, the White House cannot but abandon its reticence. Otherwise, any remaining influence will be lost for good. Obama will have no choice but to show America's old ally the way to the door. U.S. diplomats could help develop a transition plan to channel the energy of the street. These show elections, scheduled for the fall of this year, could be enhanced under international supervision to be freer and fairer.

 

 

SEE ALSO ON THIS:

Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Germany: America's' 'Shameful' Faustian Bargain Unravels

Guardian Unlimited, U.K.: Mubarak Regime 'Still Very Much in Power'

Hankyoreh, South Korea: Egypt: Will U.S. Pick the Right Side this Time?

Global Times, China: Egypt, Tunisia Raise Doubts About Western Democracy

Kayhan, Iran: Middle East Revolutions Herald America's Demise

Sydney Morning Herald: Revolution is in the Air, But U.S. Sticks to Same Old Script

The Telegraph, U.K.: America's Secret Backing for Egypt's Rebel Leaders

Debka File, Israel: Sources: Egypt Uprising Planned in Washington Under Bush

 

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Should the U.S. continue to observe events and do nothing, it risks having extremists at the forefront of the revolution. Since Mubarak has suppressed the emergence of a moderate, secular opposition in Egypt, it appears that supporters of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood are the only ones well-enough organized to step up and form a government.

 

That would in many ways be a disaster. The Islamists have neither democracy nor human nor civil rights in mind. They have threatened to revoke the peace treaty with Israel and ally themselves with the Iranian theocracy. Obama must actively use America's remaining influence and show leadership, or end up with an Egypt between the plague and cholera.

 

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