By Fareed Zakaria, CNN
Egypt is in the news these days because of the nomination of two new candidates for president - one from the Muslim Brotherhood, Khairat al-Shater, and the other from the more radical Salafi movement, Hazem Salah Abu Ismail.
Many Egypt watchers are understandably concerned. There have been attacks on Christians, Western aid workers and women. So where is Egypt headed? Is democracy in Egypt being captured by highly illiberal forces? Can tolerance and pluralism win out?
We should continue to monitor the situation very closely, but as of right now, we should not panic. Al-Shater and Abu Ismail both insist that they are fully committed to democracy and to the rights of minorities.
Yes, they have very reactionary social views, but such views are allowed within democratic systems. There are plenty of parties in the West with arguably reactionary or illiberal views. Nevertheless, these parties run and, in some places, win elections. For example, ultra-right-wing, nationalist parties have won elections in countries across northern Europe.
So even though these two Egyptian candidates are advocating some polices that we might disagree with vehemently, we must remember that they are entirely within their rights to do so. Democracy does not guarantee that you will have the policy outcomes that you always like. It is about the integrity of the process.
That said, I do worry about Egypt - however, I worry about Egypt for a different reason. I think the principal problem facing the country is its military. Egypt's military is clearly deeply reluctant to cede power. It is trying to game the process in such a way that its interests are preserved. It wants to maintain its very large role in the economy.
The military benefits when secular, liberal and moderate political parties are disempowered - when people feel they need to choose between the military apparatus on the one hand or Islamic political parties on the other. That’s a choice the military wants to force Egyptians to confront and that’s the central tension in Egypt right now.
Through all this tumult, we need to remember that there have been pretty tough dictatorships in these countries since the 1950s that shut down all political and economic pluralism. What you’re seeing now is an opening of a Pandora’s box. Many long-suppressed forces are coming out in striking ways.
We don’t know how these societies will evolve over time as they open up and deal with liberty and democracy. We need to have some patience before we brand places like Egypt failures. We need to wait before branding the "Arab Spring" an "Arab Winter".
Egypt is currently a military dictatorship ruled by a junta, under martial law, with a great deal of abuse of governmental power. We see humiliation of women, the locking up of opposition parties and the persecution of journalists who write critical commentaries. All that is still happening. That - not two Muslim presidential candidates - represent the real challenge facing Egypt.
 |
Post by: |
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
Fareed, are you talking about Egypt or America ? Because the parallels are confusing.
Rz=Fareed? I am trying to locate Fareed in these feeds. Do you post under different names? Your grammatical snafus are consistent with some others...
You are a small person.
Jal !?! Stick to the program. Though I'm sure Fareed would be flattered, Fz and Rz are a lot more than a mere 11 letters apart. You'll just have to trust me. Ay caramba !
What strikes me the most about these blog feeds is how rude people are towards even the most harmless of statements.
Go ahead, and take a look at the feeds below. Look for yourself at how rude people can be. That is why I am done with this blog.
Hamdulilah!
Jal, hang in there. Each of us is but one character amongst many, and I'd rather we always have a majority of reasonably considerate and intelligent characters, rather than a proliferation of the rude and asinine type.
Ignorance of other people should not stop you from posting what you believe is right. This is what is America's biggest issue. Americans think they know the right way and are right. But in reality they are no better than any other person in any other country. The fact that America would like to change the way others want to live shows that they really do not believe in Freedom. Freedom is for each person or country to do as it wishes, even when others do not agree with their lifestyle. Everytime America attempts to apply democracy to others, they become hypocrits of their own belief of Life, Liberty, and the Persuit of Happiness.
Mark, you say America would like to change the way others want to live and that shows that they really do not believe in Freedom. I'm an American and I don't care how the rest of the world lives. You should acknowledge in your comments the difference between Americans and their government.
I'm not so sure Fareed knows much about anything anymore. I used to respect him until he started throwing himself into the Obama support camp for access. Today, his opinions are just political jiborish to support Obama's agenda or provide damage control. Fareed – He's no longer objective anymore – he's not his own person!
I tend to lean towards your take on Fareed Zakarias adding that most of his comments regarding the islamic agenda are contributing to my conviction of his own islamic double talk. I'm still waiting for any politician or objective journalist to affront him in that respect. CNN, in my view, is certainly not that reliable source!
The eyes of the mainstream media have mostly turned away from the so-called Arab Spring in Egypt, particularly as other events have transpired in the Middle East. Egypt’s “revolution,” as many media commentators have termed it, never really occurred, despite the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. The members of the army who were loyal to Mubarak still effectively control the country, and it seems they have been willing to work out deals with former rivals, such as the Muslim Brotherhood party. Was this really a revolution, or is it time for the movement to oust the entire army from its influence on politics and business?
Very surprised to see that it wasn't Israel. Pleasantly surprised actually.
No, Israel's military is not as notorious as Egypt's. Israel has a strong civil society and party pluralism. It's citizens are progressive and well educated, hence they can't be compared to Egypt's.
Well, Fareed, what do you think of Omar Suleiman – a former general, spy-chief and remnant of Mubarak's regime – running for president?
Really?
Why?
It's all good unless your a woman, child, non-muslim, believe in free markets, etc... Yeah, I wouldn't worry at all because I don't live there and outside of wanting to see the pyramids someday (now out of the question) there's no reason to go there anyway.
Yes Bill, but if I am a Muslim male.. ITS SO GOOOOOD!!!! Many wives, knowing their place.
To..night we're gonna party like it's 799!
Bill that's not entirely true. As a Muslim, the last people I want to see come into power are the Islamists.
I'm really not sure your brothers share your opinon.
This brother shares that opinion.
ok we have one! Anyone else? {crickets}
Me too
The greatest threat is the USA . Idiot American gets what their warmonger specialist told them . Now USA wants to protect freedom in Egypt but not during Hosni Mubarok regime .
Yes peace, blame it on the USA. The CIA must have sent in the Arab springers. Apparently a bunch of college kids thought it was a spring break destination. Are you serious?
The Egyptian military has a history of enjoying exemptions from taxation and has received subsidies from the state. Its influence has grown to the extent that it almost has a monopoly on access to capital. Some of this was revealed last December, when the military was able to prop up the Egyptian government’s finances with a massive $1 billion loan-the source of the loan has not been made public. The military is incredibly neoliberal. But they control access to capital; they are the gatekeepers of capital. And this is what makes them extremely powerful. The Muslim Brotherhood lacks the influence, in terms of its financial and economic power, to bring the army to heel. The Brotherhood risks becoming co-opted or bribed by the army.
One thing many in the West and the MiddleEast don't know is that in Islam there is no democracy. What we will have in Egypt if either Khairat or Ismail win, a religious dictatorship. To have the military rule Egypt after all the young lives lost during the revolution would be the trigger of a more serious revolt and propably civil war. In both cases the choices are not welcome by most Egyptians.
Khalifat you genius. Anyway, it is their country not ours. They make their choice and we make ours. We elected a moron who created a war for 8 years who started wars everywhere.
Yes, I agree. Then, we elected a lying moron who promised peace but continued said wars.
But shouldn't we have a say in which governments we want to succeed and which ones we don't..? In reality everyone wants to maintain or advance themselves
Hate: He ended one war, continued Afghanistan (did you really expect him to pull out of Afghanistan?), and then entered into Libya but WITH the agreement of everyone important (NATO, EU, and Arab League) – So Libya is A-OK
Laila, I appreciate your comments very much and I agree with all that you said, also I don't agree with Mr. Zakaria that no harm from having two Muslims. It is a fact that no harm from having two open minded fair musilims in the presidential nomination and race, but not muslim extremists. Mr. Zakaria is biased in most of his openions and I am not sure why CNN like and agree with his reports and comments, hope CNN reporters especially Mr. Zakaria would be less biased in his openions. Thanks, and Happy Easter America
In islam there is no democracy?? Indonesia, Malaysia, Bengladesh and Turkey are all muslim majority countries, no democracy in Islam really???
I think you are seriously playing games with the word 'democracy.'
Democracy is a lot more than having the ability to vote.
In Communist Soviet Union, they voted, but it was no democracy.
It's the same thing in theocratic governments. Can I vote for a party that will do away with sharia law?
In your democracy, can I be a citizen without being a Muslim (as in Malaysia)? Can I go door to door and preach the gospel? Bring bibles into the country?
So NO democracy in Islam. Seriously.
Depends what you mean by 'democracy' – if it means casting a ballot, these countries are democracies. If it means that all men are created equal, then most of these countries are not 'democracies'. For example, go to the website of the University of Malaya – one of the best schools in Malaysia. How many non-muslims are faculty members? But Malaysia is only around 60% muslim. The non-muslims also pay taxes that fund these schools. Tell me how many non-muslim students are granted government scholarships in Malaysia. In all these countries islam reigns supreme. Non-muslims are second class citizens. If one can cast a vote and non-muslims are second class citizens, then these countries are 'islamic democracies'. Imagine if non-Christians were denied positions are the best US universities.
An article by Sajida Tasneem, published by International Policy Digest on Dec. 21 of last year, paints an interesting summary of the revolutionary movement in Egypt and its challengers. The protesters do not simply want electoral reform and parliamentary democracy. People want measures to immediately be implemented in order to change lives for the better. They want decent healthcare, reasonable housing, a decent education, a living wage and a right for unions to exist without being crushed and dismantled, among other demands. Military tribunals have quashed any sense of accountability and real justice, and the protesters want an end to these, too. They want an end to people disappearing or ending up dead inside police stations. They want some form of independent media that isn’t the victim of threats or violence - particularly if they go too much against special interests. Out of a population of 83 million, around half live either near poverty or in absolute poverty. The army has suppressed dissent, often with violence, and has criminalized labor strikes. How can the Muslim Brotherhood make deals with such people? After all, they will rightly face criticism for not living up to the name of ıslamic justice.
I did not make this statement.
I found Fareed Zakaria's writing misleading. These people live a fantasy world.
Whom do you mean when you say "these people?"
Don't love all the great wishes from the American to the Arab world. It makes you wonder you the Arabs don't like great people like us.
You know, if we didn't have Santorum almost winning the republican nomination, we might have had room to talk...but seriously...We have Santorum. We have the conservative Christian nutcases, we have no room to talk.
So what do you find wrong with what Christ had to say?
Haha good point.
My reply was to Jim. Why doesn't this place show to whom I replied?
Last I checked, Santorum quit because he couldn't win. Lack of support. Another win for common sense.
Where's the common sense in Muslim Botherhood vs Halem Salah Abu? Waiting?
What are talking about Santurm has pulled out of he race. And due to Romney holding a bit over half the delegates. And the remaining republicians not having many delegates at all. It will be Romney representing the Repbs. for the presidential ticket. I guess you dont follow the new much. Or else you wouldve been informed in Santurom pulling out of the race. He mainly pulled out due to he was losing in his home state of PA. And if he lost that this go around then he wouldnt have a chance in hell if he wanted to run in 4 or 8 yrs from now. He would never get the backing of his party. Therefore, he made a sound and good political stategic move in getting out now.
The Christian nutcases are not in power.
Um, when was Santorum close to winning the republican nomination? Every time I see the numbers he was behind by hundreds of delegates.
Evangelical Christians number about 4 million in this country. A man like Sanatorum simply isn't electable.
But Islams' adherents number some 1.5 billion depending on which one of them you'd like to believe.
If 10% are mad at us, well....
well thats totally wrong what u said hazem is not radical salfy u guys oly see those ppl like that cause they say no to american government thats this people i gantry that they will work hard to build the country and make a strong personality with usa and israel noway that other gov will really want egypt strong independent country having strong personality and economy thats how they control us with the media whatever is going to happen we have to know that what God wants for us its the time for everyone to open his mind and think right they knew everything about mubarak and they paid him to kill us spreading ignorance everyone will die someday and only God will less black ,indians,and muslims themselfs suffer in usa and they pretend like its the country of democracy there is no democracy in the USA
we are glad we are here and you are there, wherever "there" may be. stop requesting a visa to the US and you will be less biter about being denied. tx for your absence
btw am egyptiam american i live here and i know well what am talking about few weeks a black kid get shot can u explain this for me please
And yet they flock here by the millions. I wish they thought the way you do and stay home.
Egypt is heading exactly where Glenn Beck said it would go. Nothing so amusing as a Democrat who can't understand what went wrong with their plans!
FZ, Agreed. Lets wait and watch. Too early to make conclusions, they are in Embryonic stage of democracy.
This democratic experiment will not pass the embryonic stage or its infancy because Drs Khairat al Shater or Hazem Salah Abu Ismail are planning for an early abortion or infanticide.
They are already planning to convert Egypt to a Saudi Arabia by the Mediterranean. The difference between them is how quickly they will perform the deed.
see above
The best thing Coptic Christians can do in Egypt is to cut a deal with the Muslim Brotherhood where the Brotherhood will keep the Salafists in check and the Christian community safe (allowing them to keep their traditions, build their churches, have their daughters not live in fear of being forced into a marriage with Muslim men). If the Salafists gain power in Egypt their will be no peace and in such a case fair minded Muslims and Christians should join together to fight the Wahhabist/Salafist menace. They are like a virus and in Saudi Arabia where their brand of Islam is the official religion of the state their is no religious freedom. Even Filipino migrant workers attending a private mass in a small apartment are subject to arrest in Saudi Arabia.
A lot of Copts ended up voting for the MB candidate in the elections where the choice was between MB and a Salafi. I don't blame them at all. BTW no coptic woman is forced to marry a muslim man. It is the other way around where people are forced to not marry.
oh, being prevented from marrying by the state due to religion is ok?
@ Paul – where did I say it is ok? Correcting the person on the issue doesn't mean an endorsement of the critique. In Egypt, both religions are prevented from marrying each other (technically). BTW interestingly, Israel also has rules like this where not even reformed Jews can marry each other inside the state but must go to Cyprus to do so. I find state interference like both of these examples rather bizarre.
Since when will Christians be safe in a deal with the brotherhood? They attack churches filled with worshippers on a regular basis, beating the people and burning the church.
I think that is the Salafi nutters – not the MB. I would like to see, though, if the MB changes the law so that Christian churches can as easily and freely built as mosques are.
The problem with western countries is that Egyptian people woke up and started to say سنحيا كراما حياة الاسود
that's it
Respected, Mr. Fareed Zakaria Garu, Democracy will never die.
Got news for you sir, what you are choosing to elect is not democracy. Wait until you find that out.
Egypt was much better before America decided to poke its nose.
And when was that? The US has always had a say or at least some influence in foreign affairs, especially economics. The rise of fundamentalism is due to ignorance and illietracy which are rampant in Egypt and the rest fo the Middle east. Men learn only the Koran and women are often not educated at all but for the wealthy minority [who usually go abroad], the same wealthy who help perpetuate the ignorance because it is what keeps them wealthy. These peopel know nothing of democracy: it is not part of their culture or their heritage or their history; living in the ninth century for over 1200 years is.
Granted there are issues over education and I agree the wealthy stay wealthy because of it, but really the rest of your description is quite off.
Ok let me rephrase. Actually much of your post I can agree with but not the tone of it. Yes, there is a lack of democratic tradition here, yes there is a lot of poverty and illiteracy, yes this is to the wealthy's advantage, but no – the Qur'an is not the only thing men learn here, nor are the schools like madrassa's in border regions of Pakistan or Afghanistan (the tone of your post implied), nor is it the 9th century here.
Yeah Syria wants our help too, and now you know why they won't get it. Because nobody is ever satisfied.
Seriously!
Do you know why the 3rd world population is exploding? Because of the food and medical assistance of the USA and the other evil western colonialists who provided it. Colonialism (Building roads, schools, fairness in the courtroom and hospitals) = evil.
Multiculturalism (separate laws, failure to integrate, barbarism) = good. RIght?
I don't know why my post is not showing up even though I keep getting a message saying I already posted that.
Anyway, I will reword it.
Fareed,
The integrity of the process is definitely key. The problem is that the Islamist parties do not seem to be above gaming the system themselves. After Omar Suleiman put forth his candidacy (with the support of the military), the parliament dominated by the MB tried (or is trying) to create a new rule preventing any Mubarak era person from running for 10 years. Now, on the outside of it -who can blame them? However, it doesn't seem to be much different than what the military has tried to do (or has done) in finding ways to nullify candidates, does it?
The greatest threat facing Egypt? Egyptians.
Egypt is currently a military dictatorship ruled by a junta, under martial law, with a great deal of abuse of governmental power. Well said Fareed!!
I chuckle every time I hear Egyptians refer to what happened as "The Revolution". Little has changed really... a dictatorship replaced by another.
And to think the military council will hand over power to a civilian goverment and take orders from a civilian president... well... dream-on.
So do you really want Egyptian military council to hand over power to a civilian government? Why?
Because you would not like Egyptian military council ruling in your own country? What does it have to do with anything? What do you know about Egypt that puts you in the position to decide what is better for them? Do you feel big and wise? Or you simply do not think because you feel you do not need to – you already know, since your school years, you just read that in the textbooks and newspapers, was told by teachers and your politicians.... Well, then you are not any different than these Arabs – they simply were tutored and told something different by teachers and politicians of their own. You are the same – congratulations!
P.S. Sorry, nothing personal. And I totally agree that "the Revolution" is a totally ridiculous term if applied to all that "Arab Spring" crap!
What would you call it?
Angry mob revolt.
hehehe...
I would call it "some had to get killed to gall the others into action, but now it is time to pray–again and eat and sleep and pray..."
If you move away from all that democracy crap, the situation will get much clearer. All the democracy arguments are totally artificial, they have nothing to do with the actual situation and disposition. Just forget about it – professional should be able to see the goods beyond the brand and label.
It’s just getting clearer that Egypt is going Iran way
In a larger sense, the greatest problem facing Egypt is Islam. Mr. Zakaria is being too specific and having to waffle and weasel in his thinking and opinions because he simply cannot admit that.
Islam is not the problem but hinduism, denial of truth by hindu's, criminals pretending to be Muslim, but hindu gentile, criminal slave of western hindu[s, criminals, in denial of truth absolute, you must be suffering from hinduism, mental dyslexia.
More concerning is the nomination of the ex-vice president, Omar Suleiman, who, if elected, will likely trigger a second revolution. The military junta is behind him and they may rig the election just to get him to power.
Where is my comment CNN?
urgent
Fares Raslan MD
خبر عاجل وهام جدا جدا ::::::
تقوم المخابرات العامة في دمشق بأخذ كميات من الدم الفاسد من المشافي الحكومية الى افرع السجون حيث يتم حقن المعتقل بكمية 5 سم من هذا الدم وعلى اثرها يتوفى وفاة طبيعة /يرجى النشر لجمعيات حقوق الانسان/
By: شبكة اخبار حمص العدية (عاصمة الثورة السورية)
reliable sources from my collegues syrian doctors in syria .
the intelligence services in syria are collecting spoiled blood and injecting forcefully prisioners with 5 ml of it to let them die naturally ...please share to human rights watch and all human organizations around the world ....
also they are sending 50 truks aday since 3 months ago those trucks going to hizboallah south of lebanon , full of weapons , cash, arms, rockets, and some chemical weapons please take a note this is an eye wotness ....why no body is doing any thing to those thugs , war criminal shiia thugs?
The greatest threat facing Egypt is the Muslim Brotherhood's increased efforts at harnessing, controlling, and unleashing the power of Dwayne Johnson upon the world.
Carpet or FAD bomb the whole place
Time and time again, we see people in the middle east choose to be enslaved because of the order it provides society. Let's see the strict Muslim Brotherhood or the more radical group? If this is the freedom they fought and died for, then good luck to them.
It is choice of truthful of Egypt in truth absolute, hindu's deniers of truth need to respect it, or can go to hind, hell with their hindu Judaism, criminal self centrism, secular ism. It is none of their business and no one need to join them in their hinduism, denial of truth absolute.
Freedom is with in limit of truth absolute 360*, rest of it is hinduism, criminality of hindu's, criminals, way of Mafia, self center ism, secularism.
Put down the marijuana and step away from the bong.
Democracy means, power of choice, Choice in hindu Judaism , criminal self center ism, secularism, is way of hindu's, deniers of truth absolute, western democracy is based on hindu Judaism, criminal self center ism, of hindu dark ages, way of hindu's, ignorant's, a crime against huamnity and truth absolute, 360*. why should truth full follower's follow it?
Label radical, on path of self soul. desire is innovation of hind's, ignorant s in their hinduism, ignorance to the fact, a truth full Muslim never follows his soul, desire but always in following of truth absolute 360*, the limit most high. Either authors has no knowledge of fact's, truth or is following hindu, ignorant line of hinduism ignorance like a gentile, slave in his hindu Judaism, ignorant self center ism..
2 extremists from groups that burn churches/beat non-Muslims on a daily basis and have the support/protection of the army insist that they're committed to democracy and the rights of minorities – and we're to be reassured? How naive can one man possibly be?
Interesting how liberals view conservatives. Seems that the worse thing that can happen to a country is that conservatives take power. Much better to have Obama or Castro in power. Israel is "progressive" so it's OK and acceptable. Progressive: meaning gays and abortions are OK. Oops, but this so called progressive nation, is bent on destroying Palestinians.
The greatest threat are the muslim brotherhood and other Islamic extremist groups of course
To hinduism, denial of truth of hindu's, criminals in their hindu Judaism, criminal self center sim, secularism.
Gentlemen this is one of the most civi discussions I have ever read on a topic like this.
Zombie mummies rising from their tombs.
Death for hindu's, criminals and their hindu Judaism, criminal self center ism, secularism.
oh we have a Pakistani on the boards today! Death to all infidels!!
This is the problem with protesting without a plan. That is like quitting without sending your resume out to other employers first.
What do you expect from ANGRY MOB. Plan? Unlikely!
Colossal Problem. Obama has no understanding of anything. Anything he gets involved in gets destroyed . How country like USA ends up with president like this???
Why do you care about democracy? Democracy does not make you free! You either free, or you do not! What politicians have to do with this? Or elections?
I am free because I do not care! Try to beat this!
The greatest threat to Egypt? Egyptians spewing out hate towards one another and the world.
another ancient civilization that can teach the world will march rightback into the stoneage.............
Not so ancient. And can hardly teach the world anything.
Ancient Egypt has nothing to do with todays Egipt – except for geography. And it may be finally the end for Copts....
Here’s what our Islamic supporter Mr. Zakaria says and his real motivations
FZ : Yes, they have very reactionary social views, but such views are allowed within democratic systems. There are plenty of parties in the West with arguably reactionary or illiberal views.
Amit: Really, and if so do they have broad-base support as in Egypt & NEARLY EVERY Muslim country?
FZ: Democracy does not guarantee that you will have the policy outcomes that you always like
Amit: Democracy? When policies are made by brute majorities to terrorize Minorities?
FZ: I think the principal problem facing the country is its military.
Amit: B’coz the Military is still pro-US?
FZ: The military benefits when secular, liberal and moderate political parties are disempowered
Amit: Which are those – The Muslim Brotherhood?
FZ: What you’re seeing now is an opening of a Pandora’s box.
Amit: Or is it a CAN OF WORMS?
FZ: Many long-suppressed forces are coming out in striking ways.
Amit: Ref to Hosni Mubarak’s policy of keeping the radicals at bay.
FZ: We need to have some patience before we brand places like Egypt failures. We need to wait before branding the "Arab Spring" an "Arab Winter".
Amit: Keep pumping in billions in tax payer dollars, and supporting them until they complete their ethnic cleansing of Coptic Christians, and abrogate their peace treaty with Israel?
FZ: We see humiliation of women, the locking up of opposition parties and the persecution of journalists who write critical commentaries
Amit: Really? plz. wait until the MB takes over!
bs,lets face it,the other extremists will take control and then the news stories will be fewer.
For someone who claims to understand so much about what is going on in the Moslem world, Zakaria is either unforgivably ignorant, - or just deliberately deceptive. He wrote: "... but as of right now, we should not panic. Al-Shater and Abu Ismail both insist that they are fully committed to democracy and to the rights of minorities." Does Zakaria believe them merely because they said so? Al-Shater and Abu Ismail are both openly committed to making sharia law the law of the land. And, Zakaria is worried about the military? The military is merely authoritarian, but sharia law is, in the words of the Islamic religious authorities, "a complete way of life", "a complete codes of life" that "regulates all aspects of society and personal life", that is, in a word, totalitarian. If Zakaria is not worried about these Islamic totalitarians, perhaps it is because Zakaria himself is a closet Islamist deliberately using his unwarranted popularity as a journalist to deceive the public about the true goals of the Islamists.
millon man gathering today ....no women? ...arn|`t they revelent ?..............
In Islam, women are chattel
So an egyptian living in the USA is an African American?
Democracy is not about "the integrity of the process". Democracy is about balancing majority rule with minority rights.
Egypt was much better off with Mubarak. Now it's become another radical Islamic country. I'd like to see the tourist statistics from before the takeover and now. Smart move nutjobs!
I have always wanted to see the pyramids, You couldn't pay me to go there now.
Fareed, you're either naive or in denial. Democracy won't work in Muslim fundamentalist countries, which Egypt is fast becoming. The Muslim Brotherhood or the Salafi movement will put down the liberal, westernized segment of Egyptian society once they gain control. The unfortunate reality is that the military is the lesser of three evils and Egypt's progressive, liberal population will learn this the hard way.
Well Fareed, you should have a picture of your face next to the word "Optimist" in the dictionary. You can provide encouraging words, hope, etc. But you and I both know that there is no hope in the Middle East. Absolutely none. For the USA: "Get off oil the fastest way you can, while the Arabs and the Muslims kill each other".
I would say Egypts greatest threat is famine. Remember the one that last 7 years?
The biggest threat to Egypt is islam. It's strange...muslims aren't happy in any of the muslim countries. Then they move to N. America or Europe and want it to be the same as the hell hole they left?
Very well stated
Abdulameer, Russel and Others:
Well said!
Mr. Zakaria is NOT ignorant but delibaterly DECEPTIVE. He is always on the side of the Islamists. It's scary to know that he's one of Obama's very close ext.advisors especially when it comes to formulating policies for the Muslim world. No wonder we see Obama repeatedly throwing our only true ally in the ME Israel under the bus.
The followers of the false prophet Mohammed are the greatest threat facing Egypt and the world
Agree.
I wish I could travel back to Egypt, my friend Hilary who I talk to through email teaches English and I haven't heard from her in months. Is tourism still frowned upon due to the current events?
Everything is fine – you really barely even notice the revolution to be honest. Downtown has some demonstrations occasionally with more expected as the presidential election heats up. I am now in an apartment in another area and never see any demonstrations. Having a great time really.
Zakaria should get another job. Any 1st grader could write what he wrote here-if he's ignorant enough. Just having a muslim name obviously doesn't qualify Zakaria. Nice try though. He says he worries about the military, yet it's not the military who wants to stone people and kill Christians. According to Zakaria, one might think nothing is ever islam's fault. Pretty naive to say the least. Islam is Egypt's demise. Plain and simple. As I already said: Zakaria should be fired. He is not worth his money.
If you are American, worry about American politics and let Egyptians worry about theirs. Let Egyptians chose their own leaders and they do not need others to define who is a "radical." If you cannot take care of your own house, do not worry about somebody else's. These so call ed experts think they know everything and want to run other people's lives. Leave them alone. Wasn't it enough that this country supported Mubarak the dictator who oppressed the Egyptian's for so long?
The biggest threat to Egypt (and the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of South-East Asia) is Islam.
The greatest threat to Egypt and the world is SLAM!
ZAKARIA, THE GREATEST THREAT IS US/ZIONIST INFLUENCE. ASK YOUR GOVERNMENT TO BUTT OUT FROM EGYPT AND THE ME!
Give me a break. The only reason that you consider the Egyptian military a threat is that you're DYING for the Muslim Brotherhood to take over the entire middle east. Look at Turkey; the army kept Turkey from turning Islamic for decades, and it's the same situation in Egypt.
Zakaria writes that "there are plenty of parties in the West with arguably reactionary or illiberal views." This is deceptive. There is NO modern Western equivalen, not even close, to Muslim fundamentalist political systems.
I will right away clutch your rss as I can not in finding your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you've any? Kindly permit me recognize in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.