Western hypocrisy in calling for a “smooth transition”
Messrs Obama, Cameron and Sarkozy would never have wagered on the kind of uprising that has occurred in Egypt. As one Press TV analyst put it for years the West has been arrogant in their thinking, feeling the Arab / Muslim masses were incapable of any kind of political expression. After propping up Mubarak for years the West is now working hard to try and secure as much influence as they can in Egypt.
Popular uprising has always been seen as the ultimate kind of political expression in the West, the sign of a people ‘free’ or wanting to be ‘free’. For decades America, Britain et al have criticised political crackdowns in countries spanning the globe. During the Cold War it was the Soviets after that the Chinese, the Burmese and then the Iranians.
The West have collectively slammed crackdowns on protesters in these countries and supported other popular uprising in Ukraine. The message has always been clear to the likes of Ahmadjian and the Burmese junta, listen to the protesters demands and step down from office. In keeping with their principals of “free expression” it would be only logical to presume Mubarak would have been read the preverbal riot act and been told to go and join Ben Ali in the dictators retirement camp that is Saudi Arabia.
However as is the case with Western hypocrisy there have been calls for a “smooth transition” and that Mubarak should listen to the protestors demands for “reform”. Mubarak’s idea of reformation is appointing the head of the torture squad (intelligence) as Vice President. This has only been met with more protests who’s call is clear, down with Mubarak and down with the system. Under increasing pressure Britain has said it is “disappointed” with Mubarak’s new cabinet, whilst close on 1 Million people ask for Mubarak to go the old colonial master is merely ‘disappointed’.
This is not to say the Ummah need the approval of the Western world to remove the dictators that rule them, it does however highlight the fact that people power is not always palatable to the West. With Egypt being an important ally in the Middle East, the best outcome for the West would be Mubarak holding onto power long enough so as not to affect their own interests. The bottom line is Western interests far outweigh any principals they claim to have, so the wishes of the people mean nothing if what they demand hurts Western foreign policy.
The lesson to be learnt here is an important one, the Muslims of Egypt have taken the hardest step which was coming to the streets in the face of massive aggression. It proves that the Muslims too can have a “Yes we can” moment but they don’t need elections or Western approval to do it just their voices and determination.
As for Messrs Obama, Cameron and Sarkozy they have had a hard week at the office, it is not everyday your favourite dictator is brought to his knees. They are now willing to back any horse just to maintain a semblance of influence in the region.
