'THE FALL OF THE DICTATORS'

[NZZ am Sonntag, Switzerland]

 

 

La Jornada, Mexico

In Egypt, Washington's Global Image is Once Again at Stake

 

"If Washington chooses to prolong the agony of the Cairo regime with thoughts of protecting America's geopolitical interests and those of its allies, it will cause further damage to its battered international image, and put into question its supposed commitment to democratic values."

 

EDITORIAL

 

Translated by Anthony Figueroa

 

February 2, 2011

 

Mexico - La Jornada - Original Article (Spanish)

As hundreds of thousands of Egyptians packed into Tahrir Square in Cairo yesterday - the eighth day of protests against the country's dictatorial regime - a repudiated President Mubarak announced that he would not seek re-election this September. In a much-anticipated speech, he said he planned to remain in power until the end of his term to ensure a "peaceful transition." Immediately afterwards, he expressed his intention to "die on Egyptian soil" and called on the North African country's people to "choose between chaos and stability."

 

Mubarak's stance is not only too little too late, but an insult and provocation to the Egyptian people, who in the nation's streets in recent weeks have physically expressed their demand for the dictator to resign. They will not tolerate a new strategy that enables Mubarak to lift himself back into power, even if only for a few months.

 

At this point Mubarak is in no position to impose conditions: his continuance as head of the Cairo government is untenable, not only because he lacks the legitimacy to lead his country through clean, competitive democratic elections - an eventuality he has avoided for three decades - but because every day he remains in office, the discontent of the population deepens. This fosters an environment of violence and repression that has already cost the lives of 300 people and injured thousands more.    

Posted by WORLDMEETS.US

 

 

And if Mubarak's claims are considered unacceptable to the inflamed Egyptian masses and huge segments of international public opinion, Washington and Tel Aviv will have to wait for a more convenient option. Right now, it's clear that the first isn't looking to maintain the tainted Cairo regime. The U.S. would like to ensure the installation of a national authority in line with its own geostrategic interests - in particular, a government that averts the liklihood of Israeli isolation in the region. That is of great concern to the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, which is reflected in the deployment of Israeli troops along the Egyptian border on the Sinai. This, and the fact that Tel Aviv and the autocratic monarchy of Saudi Arabia have so far been the only governments to express unequivocal support for Mubarak, has Israel concerned.

 

SEE ALSO ON THIS:

O Globo, Brazil: Facebook and Twitter are Just a Means to a Greater End

Al-Wahdawi, Yemen: In Egypt, the 'Mother of All Battles' is Still to Come

Al-Seyassah, Kuwait: U.S. Pressure on Rights and Democracy is at Root of the Problem

Tehran Times, Iran: Egyptians and All Arabs Must Beware of 'Global Ruling Class'

Le Quotidien d’Oran, Algeria: Mubarak, Friends Scheme to Short-Circuit Revolt

Salzburger Nachrichten, Austria: America Must Act or Cede Egypt to the Islamists

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

 

 

The clarity with which the Egyptian people have expressed themselves on the streets of the country, along with their determination to take their democratic demands to the point of no return, places the moral obligation on Mubarak to address their demands. It also boosts global pressure for him to leave squarely on the United States and its Western allies. If, however, Washington chooses to prolong the agony of the Cairo regime with thoughts of protecting the geopolitical interests of itself and its allies, it will cause further damage to its battered international image, and put into question America's supposed commitment to democratic values.

 

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[Posted by WORLDMEETS.US February 5, 9:49pm]