JINSA Policy Statement on Egypt
February 8, 2011
The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) is closely monitoring the unrest in Egypt and suggests that American policy be guided by a focus on the strategic and security implications of events for both the United States and our allies in the region.
February 8, 2011
The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) is closely monitoring the unrest in Egypt and suggests that American policy be guided by a focus on the strategic and security implications of events for both the United States and our allies in the region.
Egypt’s best hope for a democratic future depends on the provision of freedom for all political parties to prepare for the already scheduled September elections. The next seven months should allow for a cooling-down period in which necessary electoral reforms can be made, political parties can organize and campaign, commerce can resume and basic security for the citizenry can be restored. Consequently, United States policy should necessarily be that which ensures a free and open electoral campaign where all parties are able to reach the Egyptian people via free movement and unfettered access to the media.
The Muslim Brotherhood is of grave concern. Understood to be the most organized political movement in Egypt, it is by its own definition, anti-democratic and endorses policies that would bring Egypt into conflict with its neighbors. The United States, a major provider of aid to Egypt, should be prepared to unambiguously communicate “red lines” that no Egyptian government can cross without incurring American opprobrium. The United States should require continued compliance with the terms of the peace treaty with Israel, unfettered passage through the Suez Canal, the prevention of smuggling across Egyptian borders, and zero tolerance for designated terrorist organizations. It is imperative that the United States lead the international community in insisting upon the same.
At this critical time, when Egypt’s future hangs in the balance, it is not only important to recognize the problems that brought the country to this fractious and violent point but also to note that while President Mubarak inherited a legacy of offensive war – five between 1948 and 1973 – he assiduously avoided war for the three decades of his rule, which greatly benefited the Egyptian people.
We hasten to caution that elections alone will not bring the Egyptian people the democracy to which they – and we – aspire. Too often, elections are viewed as the crowning achievement of young emerging democracies. In reality, nations only prove themselves as democracies over many years and many governments. They must establish and protect core freedoms, including the rights of minorities, independent judiciary, a free press and the freedom to elect a new government. Egypt has no experience in this, and it would be foolish to believe they can develop it overnight.